USAF mulls merging all states' Air Nat'l Guard forces with the USAF Reserves

[CougarKing]

To think each American state- as well as the US territories of Puerto Rico and Guam- each have their own state-funded air force called the Air National Guard, such as the California ANG, Florida ANG, etc.

In the last episode of the fictional tv series, "Jericho", you had the Texas ANG fighting another state's ANG.

Defense News

USAF Commission Weighs Merger Between Guard and Reserve

WASHINGTON — The National Commission of the Structure of the Air Force is weighing a proposal to merge the US Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, but hasn’t found much support from the leadership of either branch.

An Oct. 24 hearing was focused on a proposal from five retired Air Force major generals, two from the Reserve and three from the Guard, which would essentially combine the duties of the two arms of the service into one command structure. A white paper outlining the group’s ideas has been circulated around the Pentagon since 2011, but the commission represents the most likely chance it could be adopted.

The five retired generals — Tommy Dyches, Bugs Forsythe, Andy Love, Dick Platt and Frank Scoggins — submitted testimony to the commission in August in support of their white paper.

“We believe the new organization will provide greater safety for the people of America in their homes and communities, significant cost savings through the elimination of redundancies and a more efficient vehicle to fulfill the needs of the USAF, the combatant commanders and the nation,” the men wrote in their August testimony.

Supporters of the plan say it could save the service money, eliminating redundancies without a loss of capability. But opponents contend it would lead to a lesser force and argue that the duties performed by the Guard and Reserve are simply too different to successfully integrate — and that real world politics in Washington would render such a suggestion dead in the water.

(...)

 

[Fishbone Jones]

To think each American state- as well as the US territories of Puerto Rico and Guam- each have their own state-funded air force called the Air National Guard, such as the California ANG, Florida ANG, etc.

In the last episode of the fictional tv series, "Jericho", you had the Texas ANG fighting another state's ANG.

Defense News

I believe, this merger would also put the various state ANGs under direct federal (Obama's) control, instead of the State Governors. Effectively neutering any control the state has over their own military assets. I'm sure the states Army NG would soon be folded into a like organization.

They could be federalized by order of POTUS, but he'd probably have trouble getting that by the GOP, if their consent was even needed :dunno: I see that federalization requires the consent of the state governors.

I wonder if this has anything to do with various states refusing federal rules and mandates and threatening to leave the union or arrest federal authorities who try to prosecute those laws within the states jurisdiction? Or the fact that Obama nominated all five of the panel representatives?:blotto: :Tin-Foil-Hat:

 

[Goose15]

I believe, this merger would also put the various state ANGs under direct federal (Obama's) control, instead of the State Governors. Effectively neutering any control the state has over their own military assets. I'm sure the states Army NG would soon be folded into a like organization.

They could be federalized by order of POTUS, but he'd probably have trouble getting that by the GOP, if their consent was even needed :dunno:

I wonder if this has anything to do with various states refusing federal rules and mandates and threatening to leave the union or arrest federal authorities who try to prosecute those laws within the states jurisdiction? :blotto: :Tin-Foil-Hat:

I believe some of this had to do with the fact states continually refuse outside aid. If the National Guards were removed from state control this action would have to be ceased as they would no longer have internal force to work with.

 

[dapaterson]

Or, maybe someone wants to eliminate duplicated useless HQs to dedicate more resources to the troops on the ground (or in this case, in the air) to accomplish their missions.

 

[Old Sweat]

There is another issue that bears on this - posse comitatus. During the reconstruction period following the Civil War Federal troops participated in law enforcement in southern states. This type of employment was specifically prohibited by Federal statute and, while modified from time to time, the prohibition remains largely in effect. However the national guard is not covered by this restriction and can perform certain law enforcement and civil duties such as disaster relief without jumping through legislative hoops.

See this wikipedia article, with the usual caveats re accuracy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Or, maybe someone wants to eliminate duplicated useless HQs to dedicate more resources to the troops on the ground (or in this case, in the air) to accomplish their missions.

You're such a buzzkill :'(

 

[The Bread Guy]

I believe, this merger would also put the various state ANGs under direct federal (Obama's) control, instead of the State Governors. Effectively neutering any control the state has over their own military assets. I'm sure the states Army NG would soon be folded into a like organization.

From what little I know about U.S. politics, the governors aren't going to go quietly into THAT good night.

I wonder if this has anything to do with various states refusing federal rules and mandates and threatening to leave the union or arrest federal authorities who try to prosecute those laws within the states jurisdiction? Or the fact that Obama nominated all five of the panel representatives?:blotto: :Tin-Foil-Hat:

Way to feed the conspiracy fire, black unmarked helicopter guy  ;D

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

All I know is that I use to have a few friends in the Vermont Air National Guard  ... and I think they would declare war and secede rather than be merged with the USAF.

 

[Goose15]

Or, maybe someone wants to eliminate duplicated useless HQs to dedicate more resources to the troops on the ground (or in this case, in the air) to accomplish their missions.

There is another issue that bears on this - posse comitatus. During the reconstruction period following the Civil War Federal troops participated in law enforcement in southern states. This type of employment was specifically prohibited by Federal statute and, while modified from time to time, the prohibition remains largely in effect. However the national guard is not covered by this restriction and can perform certain law enforcement and civil duties such as disaster relief without jumping through legislative hoops.

See this wikipedia article, with the usual caveats re accuracy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act

This is actually what I was referring to. Due to the Posse Comitatus Act: Governors will make a big scene about obtaining federal help because they want another tick in their election box. They want to be the states saviour so there will be times when they need the US Army (Navy or Air Force) but they won't come until way after the issue has gotten worse because the Governor refused the help.

 

[Goose15]

All I know is that I use to have a few friends in the Vermont Air National Guard  ... and I think they would declare war and secede rather than be merged with the USAF.

:rofl: Vermont declare war...

 

[tomahawk6]

This move makes alot of sense from a national defense standpoint,meaning money and training.Notice this idea has not been offered for the Army Guard.

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

:rofl: Vermont declare war...

Do not underestimate the power of the Ethan Allan and Green Mountain Boys' spirit, my  Padiwan learner.

 

[Goose15]

Do not underestimate the power of the Ethan Allan and Green Mountain Boys' spirit, my  Padiwan learner.

Yes, my master :cheers: