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WASHINGTON (April 12, 2024) — Retired Maj. Gen. Frank M. McGinn, the NGAUS president, issued the following statement on Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s remarks to reporters Wednesday.
“Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has a record of distinguished service to the nation, but he is simply not telling the full story of the space units in the Air National Guard.
“He told reporters Tuesday that he doesn’t ‘see why a state needs a Space Force militia.’ To be fair, Secretary Kendall isn’t the first to pose such a question.
“The answer is simple: The National Guard needs space units because the nation needs space units in the National Guard. It’s the same reason why the nation needs National Guard fighter, artillery and cyber units.
“The Guard is a way for people to serve part time and help defend the nation. Many also bring coveted civilian skills. They have a wealth of talent and experience the nation needs, especially now as the military struggles to recruit and retain personnel.
“For example, Guard space units provide more than 30% of the military’s space capabilities. And unit members are available to quickly respond and use some of their military skills and equipment during domestic emergencies.
“Secretary Kendall is seeking permission from Congress to transfer all 14 Air Guard space units across seven states to the Space Force without the legally required consent of the affected governors.
“He dismisses surveys that indicate most Air National Guard space professionals don’t want to leave the Guard. And he doesn’t share one of the reasons why: There are no current part-time positions in the Space Force, and there won’t be any for many years.
“Here is what Secretary Kendall is asking to do: Skirt federal law to transfer nearly empty units to the Space Force, thereby reducing the nation’s military space capabilities at a time when our nation is seeing growing competition in space.
“I don’t see why he wants to take this action. And a growing number in Congress wonder the same.”
Reporters, Editors & Producers: Retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn is 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.
NGAUS: The association was created in 1878 to provide united 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 militia requirements. Today, 146 years later with more than 45,000 members nationwide, NGAUS has the same mission.
