From the Chief: My Final Targets

Reflecting on my last NGAUS conference as chief of the National Guard Bureau, I felt a complicated mix of emotions. By all accounts, it was a fantastic event, and I am thankful to NGAUS, Maj. Gen. Janson Boyles, the NGAUS chairman of the board, Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry, the adjutant general of Nevada, and everyone who worked so hard to put the 145th General Conference & Exhibition together.

But I still left Reno with a lingering sense of loss — one that had nothing to do with slot machines or blackjack tables. It seems like time never goes by faster than when you’re trying to get things accomplished. The fact is, I have less than a year left as chief and there is still so much “Team 29” wants to get done.

There are still things I want to accomplish before the end of my term — things that will take more time and continued effort.

When I began my term, I established four priorities: people, readiness, modernization and reform. Those priorities drove our engagements on Capitol Hill, our discussions with Pentagon leadership, our travel destinations, our policies and our plans. Those priorities gave us purpose and focus, which helped us make measurable progress and accomplish goals to better support the 54.

In prioritizing people, we improved workforce-wide recruitment and retention programs, and continue to explore ways to further improve the recruitment process. We strengthened unit-level family programs and implemented a broad array of sexual assault-prevention and sexual harassment-prevention programs. We also piloted a childcare program for drill weekends. All these actions prioritize our soldiers, airmen and Guard families.

In prioritizing readiness, we brought Division Alignment for the Army Guard to full operating capability, worked with our parent services to advocate for full-time positions throughout the 54 and reduced the annual mandatory-training requirement burden on our soldiers and airmen. We also emphasized individual readiness with holistic monthly challenges, so we can increase readiness at every level.

In prioritizing modernization, we developed a National Guard Bureau strategy for ranges and training areas. We also created a roadmap for all major weapons systems, successfully made the link between National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account funding and the National Defense Strategy and worked with our parent services to ensure the Guard was included in service modernization programs.

In prioritizing reform, we established a Unified NGB, finalized a telework policy for both military and civilian NGB personnel and encouraged and recognized innovation at all levels of the Guard. I’m proud of our progress and all the people who worked hard to make these changes possible.

But there are still things I want to accomplish before the end of my term — things that will take more time and continued effort. My priorities endure: people, readiness, modernization and reform.

My top priority is health care, encompassing both people and readiness. Ensuring no-fee health care, access to health care and continuity of care for all Guardsmen is my primary target in my final year as chief. I also remain focused on Duty Status Reform and technician reform. I will continue to work with lawmakers, NGAUS and other partners to advocate for these critical changes.

In terms of modernization, I will also continue to advocate for full recapitalization of the Air Guard fighter fleet and greater interoperability with our parent services. It is the only way we can remain ready to fight and win our nation’s wars.

Finally, my primary reform objective for my last year as chief is finding a way forward for our Guard space professionals. The pursuit of legislation to establish a Space National Guard began under my predecessor, retired Gen. Joe Lengyel, and Team 29 continues to work tirelessly to maintain Guard space capabilities for the benefit of our space professionals and the Space Force.

My best military advice to our military and civilian leaders has been clear: The most efficient, cost-effective way to integrate nearly three decades of space expertise and experience into the Space Force is through a Space Guard.

Once again, I plan to work closely with Defense Department leaders and Congress to find an effective legislative solution to maintain needed Guard space capabilities and retain our experienced Guard space professionals.

It may be my final year as chief, but it’s not the end of Team 29’s efforts to build the Guard our soldiers, airmen and Guard families deserve. These priorities are how we will remain Always Ready, Always There.

The author is the chief of the National Guard Bureau and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.