Air National Guard personnel are rallying against a proposal that would see certain units transferred to the nascent U.S. Space Force. With echoes of discord reverberating through both military ranks and state leadership, this shift could potentially reshape the traditional relationship between state National Guards and federal military branches.
In an unfolding story of military reorganization and resistance, Air National Guard leaders have estimated that up to 70% of their space-focused airmen would choose to retrain or retire rather than transfer to the Space Force if Congress approves the Air Force’s proposed transition. Brig. Gen. Michael Bruno of the Colorado National Guard voiced concern regarding the impact on personnel, noting during a call with reporters, “These space professionals may not have a military job to come back to when they return” from deployments overseas.
The proposal’s intent is to enable full-time or part-time service in the Space Force and to consolidate more space operations within the new service branch. It comes with complications, as the Air Force acknowledges that the framework for part-time guardians could take years to establish. Active duty obligations differ significantly from the Guard, with full-time military service and mandatory relocations every three years contrasting with the state-based, part-time or as-needed Guard roles.
In response to the proposed upheaval, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall offered reassurance, stating that Guard members will have the chance to volunteer for the Space Force or remain within the Air National Guard by retraining. Units will also stay at their current locations, he added in a letter to concerned governors.
The proposal has stirred bipartisan concern amongst 140 House lawmakers, senators, and governors. Discrepancies have arisen over the number of affected personnel, with the Air Force estimating 578 airmen, while National Guard leaders suggest the figure is closer to 1,000.
Guard members have voiced fears over the possibility of forced moves or resigning from full-time civilian employment. A survey found a striking 70% preferring to retrain or retire over active-duty transfer into the Space Force. The potential shift threatens to disrupt lives, such as that of Capt. Ian Matson of the Alaska Air National Guard, who values the ability to return home each night to his family—a sentiment that underscores the personal toll of such a transition.
The proposal’s ramifications reach beyond individual service members to state-level operations. Governor Jared Polis of Colorado has highlighted the pivotal role of Guard units in responding to state emergencies, including wildfire operations and the coronavirus pandemic response. There is also a legal aspect to the debate. The Council of Governors, representing all 50 states and five U.S. territories, voiced opposition to the transfer, arguing it bypasses the traditional approval process required from state governors—a system in place for over a century.
As Congress deliberates on this year’s budget, which includes the transfer proposal, a group of 56 House members and 29 senators have penned a letter urging the Armed Services committees to reject the idea. Their argument is built on the preservation of state authority and the long-standing role of the National Guard.
Relevant articles:
– Most Air Guard members affected by proposal to shift to Space Force would rather retrain or retire, officials say, Stripes, 05/08/2024
– five members of Congress oppose Space Force National Guard proposal, Washington Examiner, 05/07/2024
– Capito, Bipartisan Colleagues Oppose Air Force Proposal to Override Governors’ Authority, Reassign National Guard Units in NDAA, Shelley Moore Capito, 05/07/2024
– 53 U.S. states, territories oppose transfer of National Guard units to Space Force – The Heartlander, Heartlander News, 05/07/2024