No Surprises

This wholesale restructuring of ANG air was no surprise to James and National Guard leaders, he says. In fact, he notes that over several years, the Guard discussed with state officials what missions each state could support and that information went into the mix when ANG worked with USAF to meld desires with requirements and capabilities. That effort, he says, produced a “national plan” for Air Guard forces Without such a cohesive plan to capitalize on ANG strengths across the country, individual states would have pulled “apart the fabric of a good solid strategic way ahead,” explains James. Air Force and ANG leaders plan to unveil this national plan in December, first in a brief for state adjutants general. James admits that there will be some challenges in terms of manpower and equipment, but he says the future of the ANG is looking good.