Teamwork launches us into the new millennium

Over the course of a couple of weeks, National Guard members have had rich opportunities to review the issues facing our profession in two of the Guard's premiere gatherings.

Last month, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, or EANGUS, held its annual conference in Des Moines, Iowa, attracting 1,400 enlisted Guard men and women from across the country

And as you read this, Guard members representing every state and territory are in Atlanta. Bringing Guard members together like this gives them a chance to share ideas and energize for the next legislative season.

It was very gratifying for me to be a part oI the EANGUS conterence and experience first-hand the spirit of cooperation and vitality they bring to our joint efforts. By teaming with EANGUS, the National Guard Executive Director's Association and the Adjutants General Association, our efforts to increase fulltime manning, modernize our force and improve quality of life for our soldiers, airmen and their families stand a much better chance of becoming a reality.

I can't over-emphasize how successful our joint association efforts have been over the past year. I think it's fair to attribute the lion's share of National Guard gains this year to association teamwork. And already this year, our approach is yielding real progress in unit readiness and tangible benefits for soldiers and airmen.

That progress is clearly represented by excellent prospects for a healthy pay raise next year, inclusion in the thrift savings plan, a substantial increase in military construction, VA home loan renewal and Montgomery GI Bill kickers. Those are just a few of the great programs our collective efforts are producing, with the unqualified support of Congress and our governors.

Two priority EANGUS issues this year are the Flag Burning Amendment and military honors at funerals. The NGAUS has and will continue to enthusiastically work to support protecting our national symbol and all that it represents. Action on the amendment has never better.

Congress has been trying to respond to tremendous pressure from the veterans' community to provide military honors at veteran funerals. Without exception, every member of the armed forces, and especially the Guard, is ready and willing to render honors to a departed veteran and family members.

However, current legislation to support expanded Guard participation in funeral honors does not represent parity with active-component participation. Guard members providing this noble service should receive the same level of support received by our active-duty counterparts.

All of our associations agree that there shouldn't be any shortcuts in the plan to pay final tribute to our nation's departed military heroes.

Finally, I would like touch on our roles and mission. It is no secret the Guard will take on more responsibility in the future of national defense. The recently released Reserve Components Employment Study for 2005 confirms this. Highlights include growing Guard involvement in smallerscale contingencies and National Missile Defense in addition to the responsibility for Homeland Defense.

If this study is any indication of things to come from the Defense Department, the National Guard has a couple more good reasons to be optimistic about the future.

But taking on added responsibilities also means the Guard must be provided with modernized equipment. This month's magazine looks at what we need to stay relevant on the battlefield.

Again, congratulations to everyone who worked on and participated in the EANGUS conference. By all accounts, your efforts were a resounding success.

Copyright National Guard Association of the United States Sep 1999
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