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WASHINGTON (March 12, 2021) — Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire, the NGAUS chairman, and retired Brig. Gen. J. Roy Robinson, the NGAUS president, issued the following statement on the “non-concurrence” of Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, the National Guard Bureau chief, to extending the Guard security mission at the U.S. Capitol:
“We echo General Hokanson’s respectful concerns over extending the National Guard security mission at the U.S. Capitol for another two months.
“As General Hokanson stated in his memo earlier this month to senior Pentagon leaders, Guard officials had difficulty finding enough volunteers to continue the mission. This is not due to a reluctance to serve. Not hardly.
“Rather, it is a reflection of the continuing demands of training and missions back in the states on a predominantly part-time force that must always balance military duties with civilian employers and families. It is also increasingly difficult to convince Guard soldiers and airmen that their continued presence at the Capitol is warranted.
“The last year has seen unprecedented demand on the Guard to respond to an unanticipated series of domestic disasters. We are proud of the confidence the nation has placed in us in this time of great need. And we continue to hear how grateful our soldiers and airmen are for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their fellow Americans.
“Meanwhile, the same force continues to train for and serve overseas as the primary combat reserve of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.
“National Guard soldiers and airmen here in Washington need to return home to their families, civilian employers and regular military obligations. They have completed their mission. They have made us all proud.
“It’s time for local law enforcement to take it from here.”
Reporters, Editors & Producers: Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire and retired Brig. Gen. J. Roy Robinson are available for interviews or to appear as a subject matter expert on issues related to the National Guard. Contact John Goheen at 202-408-5882 to schedule an interview or appearance.
About NGAUS: The association includes nearly 45,000 current or former Guard officers. It was created in 1878 to provide unified National Guard representation in Washington. In their first productive meeting after Reconstruction, militia officers from the North and South formed the association with the goal of obtaining better equipment and training by educating Congress on Guard requirements. Today, 143 years later, NGAUS has the same mission.
