Military leaders discuss National Guard role

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
BALTIMORE (AFPN) --  Air and Army Guardsmen from across 54 U.S. states and territories met to discuss current and future plans at the 130th conference of the National Guard Association of the United States Sept. 20 through 22 here.

Some 2,000 citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen heard from key military leaders including Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, National Guard Bureau Chief Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum, Air National Guard Director Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, and Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.

"The National Guard has been a home and away team," General Renuart said, referring to the increased number of deployments guardsmen have seen. "But we're winners either way."

General Renuart called for members of Congress to modernize the U.S. military and challenged Guard members to form partnerships with other government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Secretary Gates said the Defense Department's top priority is caring for veterans returning from battle.

"I make a solemn commitment to take care of our warriors," he said.

Secretary Gates also promised to fully modernize both the Army National Guard and Air National Guard by 2013, which drew loud cheers from the audience.

"This is a change that is long overdue," he said.

Another issue he promised to address is current deployment cycles based on units and not individuals. He vowed to increase the ratio of redeployments versus overseas deployments, making sure guardsmen spend at least four years in their home state for every one year they deploy. He also said guardsmen would not be pulled out of their home unit to fill vacancies in other states' units.

"I believe those from a state who train together should deploy and fight together," Secretary Gates said.

The secretary lauded General Blum for his "tireless advocacy for our guardsmen." 

The comments were echoed by many speakers throughout the convention, which were the results of the National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress in July 2008. The act elevated the position of the chief of the National Guard Bureau to a four-star billet, allowing General McKinley to become a principal adviser to the secretary of Defense through the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"(He) has earned his rightful place in history," Secretary Gates said of General McKinley.

The act also allows for:

-- A bipartisan council of governors to advise the defense secretary and Homeland Security on Guard-related matters. 
-- Five additional Reserve component general officers to serve as combatant commanders. 
-- Tying the National Guard Bureau to DOD as a joint activity rather than tying it to both the departments of the Army and Air Force.

General McKinley, who addressed a separate Air Force-specific session, said the Air Force stands "on the verge of another golden age."

He thanked Pentagon and Air Force leaders for the chance to lead the National Guard as a "true partner" with the other services.

"The time has come for the National Guard to be represented at the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill," General McKinley said. "Now we can sit at the table with everyone else."

He thanked General Blum for his leadership and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Smith for his support. Chief Smith, the highest-ranking enlisted person in the Air National Guard, will retire in early 2009 after four years in the post.

"It has always been, and always will be, about the Airmen," Chief Smith said during the Air Guard breakout session.

During the same session, General Schwartz again praised the National Guard's deep and influential connections with local communities, as well as the years of highly specialized and technical experience guardsmen bring to their military jobs.

During a question-and-answer session, General Schwartz addressed a few audience concerns, including the recapitalization of Air Force assets and acquisition of new fighter aircraft.

"We're still committed to a fourth-generation fighter, but we need to ensure our resources are in balance," he said.

While he called on Airmen to embrace new missions, explore new technologies, and concentrate on productivity, he also stressed teamwork; a priority echoed by many who spoke at the conference.

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