Transforming Resolutions into Reality! NGAUS Update 2007.

Transforming Resolutions into Reality!

NGAUS UpdateNGAUS Update

20072007


““For 128For 128 years, the years, the National Guard AssociationNational Guard Association has has been fighting for the citizen-soldiers who fight for America.”been fighting for the citizen-soldiers who fight for America.”

— President George W. Bush, Feb. 9, 2006 — President George W. Bush, Feb. 9, 2006


ObjectivesObjectives

• Educate the Public Educate the Public • Resource the National Resource the National

GuardGuard• Work with State Work with State

Associations Associations • Maintain a Library and Maintain a Library and

MuseumMuseum• Encourage MembershipEncourage Membership


OrganizationOrganization

• Board of DirectorsBoard of Directors• Full Time StaffFull Time Staff• CommitteesCommittees• Legislative ProcessLegislative Process


Board of DirectorsBoard of Directors

• Chairman – MG R. Martin UmbargerChairman – MG R. Martin Umbarger• VP Air – Maj. Gen. David B. PoythressVP Air – Maj. Gen. David B. Poythress• VP Army – BG Norman E. ArflackVP Army – BG Norman E. Arflack• President – Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Stephen KoperPresident – Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Stephen Koper• Treasurer – Brig. Gen. Ken RossTreasurer – Brig. Gen. Ken Ross• Secretary – COL. Al FaberSecretary – COL. Al Faber• Immediate Past President – BG (Ret.) Robert V. Immediate Past President – BG (Ret.) Robert V.

TaylorTaylor• Three Directors from each of 6 NGAUS AreasThree Directors from each of 6 NGAUS Areas

• An Adjutant General & Air and Army Officer

• Two Company Grade Officers - Army and AirTwo Company Grade Officers - Army and Air • One Warrant OfficerOne Warrant Officer• Two Retired Officers - Army and AirTwo Retired Officers - Army and Air


Full Time StaffFull Time Staff

• President – Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Stephen KoperPresident – Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Stephen Koper• Chief of Staff – LTC Wayne HuntChief of Staff – LTC Wayne Hunt• DirectorsDirectors

• Legislative Staff – Richard GreenLegislative Staff – Richard Green• Membership/Benefits – Ron SuttonMembership/Benefits – Ron Sutton• Communications – John GoheenCommunications – John Goheen• National Guard Education Foundation – Jason HallNational Guard Education Foundation – Jason Hall• Industry Liaison – Hazell BookerIndustry Liaison – Hazell Booker• Finance – Pam BucklerFinance – Pam Buckler

• Total Full Time Employees - 28Total Full Time Employees - 28


CommitteesCommittees

• Standing committeesStanding committees• AuditAudit• AwardsAwards• By-LawsBy-Laws• Company Grade IssuesCompany Grade Issues• FinanceFinance• MembershipMembership• Warrant Officer issuesWarrant Officer issues

• General Conference CommitteesGeneral Conference Committees• Credentials and RulesCredentials and Rules• NominationsNominations• Resolutions CommitteeResolutions Committee

• Special CommitteesSpecial Committees• Task ForcesTask Forces


Legislative StaffLegislative Staff

• Richard Green – DirectorRichard Green – Director

• Pete Duffy – Deputy/Joint ProgramsPete Duffy – Deputy/Joint Programs

• Emily Breitbach - Air ProgramsEmily Breitbach - Air Programs

• Chris DeBatt – Army ProgramsChris DeBatt – Army Programs

• Bernie Phelps – Senior AnalystBernie Phelps – Senior Analyst

• Analyst - VacantAnalyst - Vacant


Focused Lobby Focused Lobby TechniquesTechniques

• Strengthening the BondsStrengthening the Bonds NGAUS, NGB, EANGUS, AGAUS, Industry, Congressional NGAUS, NGB, EANGUS, AGAUS, Industry, Congressional

Caucuses, and more – “Together we Succeed!”Caucuses, and more – “Together we Succeed!” Coordinating the message & connecting the dotsCoordinating the message & connecting the dots

• Promoting the “Strategic” Issues & “Top” PrioritiesPromoting the “Strategic” Issues & “Top” Priorities How does it all “fit”; NGAUS – NGB - State - IndustryHow does it all “fit”; NGAUS – NGB - State - Industry

• Working closely with Allies and Champions in CongressWorking closely with Allies and Champions in Congress Legislation sponsors/co-sponsors pave the wayLegislation sponsors/co-sponsors pave the way National Guard Caucuses – outstanding support!National Guard Caucuses – outstanding support! New Military Legislative Assistants (MLA) and Professional Staff New Military Legislative Assistants (MLA) and Professional Staff

• Energizing the “Grass Roots”Energizing the “Grass Roots” We are only “scratching the surface” of our potential influence!We are only “scratching the surface” of our potential influence! A continuous focus & critical element for successA continuous focus & critical element for success Attending state conferences; spreading the wordAttending state conferences; spreading the word Facilitating “Hill” visits – National Guard MemorialFacilitating “Hill” visits – National Guard Memorial

Legislative StrategyLegislative Strategy


Legislative ProcessLegislative Process

Sub-committee

Mark-up

Sub-committee

Mark-up

Committee Mark-up

CommitteeMark-up

Floor Vote

FloorVote

ConferenceCommittee

FloorVote

FloorVote

President Signs

HouseHouse

SenateSenate

Hearings

Hearings

Feb - Apr May Jun Jul -Aug Sep October 1


Improved Improved CommunicationsCommunications

• Web SiteWeb Site Lots of information – it’s all there!Lots of information – it’s all there! Legislative Alerts – timely and focusedLegislative Alerts – timely and focused Weekly review & updatesWeekly review & updates

• Email ContactsEmail Contacts The addresses we know (BoD, TAG’s, ED’s, etc.)The addresses we know (BoD, TAG’s, ED’s, etc.) The addresses we need - our members!The addresses we need - our members!

• Washington UpdateWashington Update Keeping our members informed Keeping our members informed

• NGAUS NGAUS Issues – New!Issues – New! Monthly newsletter for members of Congress and their staffMonthly newsletter for members of Congress and their staff

• LEGITLEGIT Electronic and Blackberry versionsElectronic and Blackberry versions

• NGAUS 101 Series of Informative HandoutsNGAUS 101 Series of Informative Handouts What has NGAUS done for me lately?What has NGAUS done for me lately? Legislative Process, Resolutions, Task Forces, etc.Legislative Process, Resolutions, Task Forces, etc. Will be posted on the webWill be posted on the web


Resolutions CycleResolutions Cycle

JanJan Draft Resolutions distributed to the Draft Resolutions distributed to the statesstates

Jan - JunJan - Jun State associations pass resolutions State associations pass resolutions packages at their state conference and packages at their state conference and forward to NGAUSforward to NGAUS

Jun - JulJun - JulResolutions are reviewed by NGB, task Resolutions are reviewed by NGB, task forces and NGAUS Board of Directorsforces and NGAUS Board of Directors

SepSep Resolutions are considered at NGAUS Resolutions are considered at NGAUS General Conference for adoptionGeneral Conference for adoption

Oct – DecOct – Dec NGAUS staff prepares Legislative NGAUS staff prepares Legislative Objectives; task forces prioritize Objectives; task forces prioritize resolutionsresolutions


Resolutions Resolutions OrganizationOrganization

Brig. Gen. Hugh BroomallResolutions Chair

LTC James LewisArmy Resolutions Chair

Col. Michael R. MorganAir Resolutions Chair

State Army Delegates State Air Delegates


Resolutions Resolutions DocumentsDocuments

• ResolutionsResolutionsDriving force behind NGAUS legislative agendaDriving force behind NGAUS legislative agendaMay be policy or equipment relatedMay be policy or equipment relatedBecome our member’s voice on items of importance Become our member’s voice on items of importance

and “marching orders” for legislative staffand “marching orders” for legislative staffPrioritized by task forces & BoDPrioritized by task forces & BoDOutlined in “Legislative Objectives” bookletOutlined in “Legislative Objectives” booklet

• Fact SheetsFact SheetsDeveloped with task forces, NGB and industry to Developed with task forces, NGB and industry to

support resolutionssupport resolutionsProvides the details; how much/how manyProvides the details; how much/how manyDirected to members of CongressDirected to members of Congress Included in “Red Book”Included in “Red Book”


Task ForcesTask Forces

• CompositionComposition Chairman/Vice ChairChairman/Vice Chair Six NGAUS Area RepresentativesSix NGAUS Area Representatives Professional Staffers (industry, NGB, etc.)Professional Staffers (industry, NGB, etc.)

• ObjectivesObjectivesHelp prepare draft resolutions for distribution to Help prepare draft resolutions for distribution to

the states based on validated issuesthe states based on validated issuesComment on resolutions received from states Comment on resolutions received from states

prior to and at NGAUS general conferenceprior to and at NGAUS general conferencePrioritizes resolutions adopted at NGAUS Prioritizes resolutions adopted at NGAUS

conference and develops legislative fact sheetsconference and develops legislative fact sheets


Task ForcesTask Forces

AVIATION COL Chris Latchford

(PA)

AVIATION COL Chris Latchford

(PA)

NGAUSCHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

MG R. Martin Umbarger (IN)

NGAUS VC - ARMYBG Norman Arflack

(KY)

NGAUS VC - ARMYBG Norman Arflack

(KY)

NGAUS VC - AIRMaj Gen David B. Poythress

(GA)

NGAUS VC - AIRMaj Gen David B. Poythress

(GA)

FIRE SUPPORTBG (Ret) Sykorah

(SD)

FIRE SUPPORTBG (Ret) Sykorah

(SD)

COMBAT VEHICLEMG (Ret) Wesley Craig

(PA)

COMBAT VEHICLEMG (Ret) Wesley Craig

(PA)

C4I BG Henry McCann

(DE)

C4I BG Henry McCann

(DE)

CS/CSS COL M. Washburn

(IN)

CS/CSS COL M. Washburn

(IN)

FIGHTERBrig Gen Michael Brandt

(MO)

FIGHTERBrig Gen Michael Brandt

(MO)

AIRLIFT/TANKERCol William Reddel

(NH)

AIRLIFT/TANKERCol William Reddel

(NH)

C4ICol Ed Hull

(PA)

C4ICol Ed Hull

(PA)

PERSONNEL/BENEFITSCOL Steve Joyce

(GA)

PERSONNEL/BENEFITSCOL Steve Joyce

(GA)

MEDICAL Col Peter Bickel

(OH)

MEDICAL Col Peter Bickel

(OH)

NGAUSPRESIDENT

Brig Gen (Ret) Stephen Koper

NGAUSPRESIDENT

Brig Gen (Ret) Stephen Koper

ENGINEERMG King Sidwell

(MO)

ENGINEERMG King Sidwell

(MO)


Highlights of FY07 Highlights of FY07 Defense ActsDefense Acts

• TRICARE!!! - after 7 years, we achieved our TRICARE!!! - after 7 years, we achieved our goal!goal!

• Retained 350,000 ARNG end-strengthRetained 350,000 ARNG end-strength• A variety of equipment earmarks; NGREA A variety of equipment earmarks; NGREA

ARNG $575M – ANG $75M; $2.9B in ARNG $575M – ANG $75M; $2.9B in equipment resetequipment reset

• Authorizes Title 32 AGR & technicians; Authorizes Title 32 AGR & technicians; training and operational missionstraining and operational missions

• MILCON: ARNG - $561M, ANG $294MMILCON: ARNG - $561M, ANG $294M• Empowerment - Referred to CNGREmpowerment - Referred to CNGR


Top Strategic Issue Top Strategic Issue EmpowermentEmpowerment

• Lack of Empowerment - The “Root” ProblemLack of Empowerment - The “Root” Problem Symptoms include BRAC 2005 & QDR 2006Symptoms include BRAC 2005 & QDR 2006 National Guard leaders were either restricted by “non-disclosure” or National Guard leaders were either restricted by “non-disclosure” or

“caught by surprise” – but were not “in the huddle” or “at the table”“caught by surprise” – but were not “in the huddle” or “at the table” DOD doesn’t seem inclined to change their methods; method of doing DOD doesn’t seem inclined to change their methods; method of doing

business appears to be changing under Secretary Gatesbusiness appears to be changing under Secretary Gates• The Solution - Legislate EmpowermentThe Solution - Legislate Empowerment

2006 - National Defense Enhancement and National Guard 2006 - National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006 introduced by Senator’s Leahy and Bond as Empowerment Act of 2006 introduced by Senator’s Leahy and Bond as S.2658 & Rep’s Taylor & Davis as H.R.5200S.2658 & Rep’s Taylor & Davis as H.R.5200 DoD and Administration vigorously opposed several provisions of DoD and Administration vigorously opposed several provisions of

the legislation and DoD “denied” that a problem even exists during the legislation and DoD “denied” that a problem even exists during congressional hearingscongressional hearings

FY07 Defense Authorization Act referred issue to CNGR with a FY07 Defense Authorization Act referred issue to CNGR with a “Report Back” date of 1 Mar 07“Report Back” date of 1 Mar 07

2007 – National Guard Empowerment Act of 2007; S.430/H.R.718 2007 – National Guard Empowerment Act of 2007; S.430/H.R.718 (same sponsors)(same sponsors) 1 March – CNGR presented Empowerment Report; A step forward 1 March – CNGR presented Empowerment Report; A step forward

but not at the table quite yet!but not at the table quite yet!


FY08 “Strategic” FY08 “Strategic” IssuesIssues

• Empowerment; S.430/H.R.718Empowerment; S.430/H.R.718 The CNGR report gives us “momentum” for follow up legislation (23/8)The CNGR report gives us “momentum” for follow up legislation (23/8) National Guard Caucuses keeping the pressure on!National Guard Caucuses keeping the pressure on!

• Force Structure and MissionsForce Structure and Missions OK this year; BCT restructuring a state issue; status of ANG personnel cuts/TFIOK this year; BCT restructuring a state issue; status of ANG personnel cuts/TFI

• Reset & Modernization; S.756 - Sen. Dodd $38 Billion over next 5 yearsReset & Modernization; S.756 - Sen. Dodd $38 Billion over next 5 years We made progress in the FY07; need to keep the heat on!We made progress in the FY07; need to keep the heat on! Defense budget; a function of Gross Domestic Product (GDP); below 4%; needs to Defense budget; a function of Gross Domestic Product (GDP); below 4%; needs to

go up!go up!• Mobilization ProcessMobilization Process

The recent announcement of a 12 month mobilization is good; “devil is in the details!”The recent announcement of a 12 month mobilization is good; “devil is in the details!” Tied closely to full-time manningTied closely to full-time manning

• Full-time ManningFull-time Manning Critical for administrative, training and readiness; necessary to implement new 12 Critical for administrative, training and readiness; necessary to implement new 12

month mobilization; validate GWOT requirements; need 100% NOW!month mobilization; validate GWOT requirements; need 100% NOW!• Reduced Age Retirement; S.548/ H.R.690 & 1428 (Latham)Reduced Age Retirement; S.548/ H.R.690 & 1428 (Latham)

A popular issue; we’re coordinating our efforts; we need strong constituent support!A popular issue; we’re coordinating our efforts; we need strong constituent support! Goal this year; Senate and House come together on legislation that can pass (foot in Goal this year; Senate and House come together on legislation that can pass (foot in

the door); it may not be “exactly” what we wantthe door); it may not be “exactly” what we want


FY08 “Strategic” FY08 “Strategic” IssuesIssues

• Montgomery G.I. Bill; S.644/H.R.1102Montgomery G.I. Bill; S.644/H.R.1102 AD & RC under different statutes (Title 38/Title 10); disparity and unfairness; AD & RC under different statutes (Title 38/Title 10); disparity and unfairness;

movement to restructure RC under Title 38, then fix disparitymovement to restructure RC under Title 38, then fix disparity• MILCON; TAGS working this issueMILCON; TAGS working this issue

$3.1M dropped from Continuing Resolution; we can’t allow the NG program to be $3.1M dropped from Continuing Resolution; we can’t allow the NG program to be used as a “bill payer” for BRAC; used as a “bill payer” for BRAC;

• Repeal of Insurrection Act Changes PL 109-364; S.513/ H.R.869Repeal of Insurrection Act Changes PL 109-364; S.513/ H.R.869 Erodes authority of governors; should be rescindedErodes authority of governors; should be rescinded This issue “slipped by” last year; strong support for repeal this yearThis issue “slipped by” last year; strong support for repeal this year

• TRICARE; S.604/ H.R.579TRICARE; S.604/ H.R.579 Program approved in FY07 Defense Authorization will begin 1 OctProgram approved in FY07 Defense Authorization will begin 1 Oct DoD cut $1.8B from TRICARE; non-specified fee increases; DoD waiting for DoD cut $1.8B from TRICARE; non-specified fee increases; DoD waiting for

Future of Military Health Care Task Force report in MayFuture of Military Health Care Task Force report in May NGAUS is opposing fee increases for “gray area” (under 65) retiree’sNGAUS is opposing fee increases for “gray area” (under 65) retiree’s Bills introduced by Congress to oppose fee increases; Sen’s Lautenberg/Hagel Bills introduced by Congress to oppose fee increases; Sen’s Lautenberg/Hagel

and Rep’s Edwards/Jonesand Rep’s Edwards/Jones• Concurrent Receipt; H.R.303 & 333/S.439Concurrent Receipt; H.R.303 & 333/S.439

Full retirement benefit PLUS disabilityFull retirement benefit PLUS disability Changes to laws governing this look goodChanges to laws governing this look good


Joint PrioritiesJoint Priorities

• Fully fund each Uniformed Services Fully fund each Uniformed Services University Health Sciences Center University Health Sciences Center (USHUS) for the study of traumatic stress, (USHUS) for the study of traumatic stress, disaster and humanitarian assistance, and disaster and humanitarian assistance, and casualty care research casualty care research

• Reduction in retirement ageReduction in retirement age• Review of the mobilization processReview of the mobilization process• Full-time manning for ARNG and ANGFull-time manning for ARNG and ANG• Increased funding to properly equip and Increased funding to properly equip and

train National Guard for medical response train National Guard for medical response to WMD and HLD & HLSto WMD and HLD & HLS


ARNG PrioritiesARNG Priorities

• Leave Behind EquipmentLeave Behind Equipment• UH-60 & CH-47 HelicoptersUH-60 & CH-47 Helicopters• 3 Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) of M2A3 & 3 Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) of M2A3 &

M1A1 tanks (6 BCT already in the POM)M1A1 tanks (6 BCT already in the POM)• Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) & Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) &

Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) (including all variants)(including all variants)

• High Mobility Artillery Rocket System High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)(HIMARS)


ANG PrioritiesANG Priorities

• A-10 Satellite Communications A-10 Satellite Communications (SATCOM)(SATCOM)

• C-130 Large Aircraft Infrared C-130 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM)Countermeasures (LAIRCM)

• F-15C/D Active Electronically Scanned F-15C/D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) RadarArray (AESA) Radar

• F-16 Secure Satellite CommunicationsF-16 Secure Satellite Communications• Mobile Approach Control SystemMobile Approach Control System


What Have “Our” Associations What Have “Our” Associations Done for us Lately?Done for us Lately?

• ““Just about Everything”…from funding Just about Everything”…from funding and equipment, to pay, benefits and and equipment, to pay, benefits and quality of life initiativesquality of life initiatives

• Since 1878, NGAUS has been the voice Since 1878, NGAUS has been the voice on Capitol Hill for the National Guardon Capitol Hill for the National Guard

• While a specific piece of equipment or While a specific piece of equipment or benefit doesn’t come with a label, I can benefit doesn’t come with a label, I can assure you that most everything we have assure you that most everything we have was impacted by a combined effort that was impacted by a combined effort that includes “our” associationsincludes “our” associations

BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR

ASSOCIATIONS


To Succeed…To Succeed…”We” Need to…”We” Need to…

• FocusFocus on the most important issues – both on the most important issues – both strategic and tacticalstrategic and tactical

• CoordinateCoordinate our efforts with state our efforts with state associations, TAGS, governors, NGB, associations, TAGS, governors, NGB, Congress, industry, etc.Congress, industry, etc.

• CommunicateCommunicate the “Guard” story; our the “Guard” story; our strengths, capabilities and needs - a clear strengths, capabilities and needs - a clear and consistent messageand consistent message

• Improve membershipImprove membership and keep them and keep them informed; web site, LEGIT, NGAUS Notes, informed; web site, LEGIT, NGAUS Notes, Issues, National Guard magazine, etc. Issues, National Guard magazine, etc.

• Energize our membersEnergize our members to participate in the to participate in the political process; Command emphasis, “Write political process; Command emphasis, “Write to Congress” , visits to the Hill, task forces, to Congress” , visits to the Hill, task forces, etc. etc.

• Together…We “Will” Succeed!Together…We “Will” Succeed!


Questions?

Our “future” is in the hands of all Our “future” is in the hands of all of us…working together to ensure of us…working together to ensure a strong and viable National Guarda strong and viable National Guard

Transforming Resolutions into Reality! NGAUS Update 2007.

Documents

Transcript of Transforming Resolutions into Reality! NGAUS Update 2007.