A House panel has decisively blocked the Air Force’s controversial proposal to transfer National Guard units to the Space Force, a move that had drawn fierce opposition from state governors, National Guard officials, and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. The amendment, spearheaded by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and adopted during the House Armed Services Committee’s markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), fundamentally changes the Air Force’s initiative by ensuring that any transfer of units will require governors’ approval and will be optional rather than mandatory.
The Air Force’s original proposal sought to shift space-focused National Guard units to the Space Force without needing gubernatorial consent, a move that was viewed by many as an overreach of federal authority. Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), a vocal critic, praised the committee’s decision, stating, “This is an important step to protect our National Guard and safeguard their commitment to serve.”
The amendments passed by the House Armed Services Committee not only require gubernatorial approval for any transfer but also cap the number of Guardsmen who can be transferred to the Space Force at 580. This figure aligns with the Air Force’s assessment that transferring 578 Guardsmen from six states—Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Ohio, and Hawaii—would be sufficient. Additionally, the Air Force must find new positions for any Guardsmen unwilling to transfer and is barred from reassigning units to new states post-transfer.
The pushback against the Air Force’s proposal has been intense. The National Governors Association (NGA) and the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) have been particularly vocal. The NGA underscored the unanimous opposition of governors from all 55 states and territories, citing concerns about the erosion of state control over their National Guards. “Governors from both parties unanimously object to the proposal, and the continued failure of the Air Force to meaningfully consider gubernatorial authority is very concerning,” the NGA stated.
Retired Maj. Gen. Francis McGinn, NGAUS president, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the current structure. “We do thank Rep. Wilson for taking the lead on the amendment that was passed,” McGinn said, acknowledging the collaborative effort with the committee.
The Air Force had defended its plan, arguing that it would streamline command structures and enhance readiness by creating a part-time, active-duty model for the Space Force. The proposal was seen as a cost-effective alternative to establishing a new Space National Guard, a concept some lawmakers have supported. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall had downplayed concerns, suggesting they were overblown and asserting that affected Guardsmen would experience minimal disruption. “They would have stability and will be able to continue to serve in the way, generally, that they currently would serve,” Kendall told senators in April.
However, internal surveys cited by NGAUS indicated that the proposal could drive out between 70% to 90% of the affected troops, causing a significant gap in military capabilities and necessitating a costly and lengthy recovery. NGAUS President McGinn criticized the Air Force’s assessment, labeling it as “fraught with inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and absent information.”
The resistance to the Air Force’s plan underscores a broader debate about the future of military space operations and the balance of state and federal control. While the House panel’s decision marks a significant blow to the Air Force’s proposal, the NDAA must still navigate several legislative hurdles before becoming law, including negotiations with the Senate. Senators have yet to reveal their stance on the proposal, leaving some uncertainty about the final outcome.
“We can’t speak for what they’re going to do,” McGinn acknowledged. “We’ll continue to work with the leadership on the issue and provide whatever support we can or information that they need from us.”
Relevant articles:
– Air Force’s Controversial Plan to Transfer National Guard Units to Space Force Gets Gutted by House, Military, 05/24/2024
– House proposal could derail Air Force plan to move space Guard units, AirForceTimes.com, 05/23/2024
– Here’s what’s in the mammoth $883.7B defense bill passed by the House, The Hill, 05/24/2024
– First Ukrainian Pilots Graduate US F-16 Training, Air & Space Forces Magazine, 05/24/2024
– HASC greenlights draft NDAA, sends $883B bill to full House, Breaking Defense, 05/23/2024
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