National Guard faces critical staffing cuts amid refueling demands
September 12, 2024 | Armed Services: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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Concerns are mounting over the National Guard Bureau's recent decision to level personnel at the 157th Air Refueling Wing based at Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire. This decision has been described as short-sighted, particularly given the unit's significant contributions to aerial refueling operations and its strategic importance.
The 157th Air Refueling Wing holds a distinguished record, being the first Air National Guard unit to receive the KC-46 refueling tanker. It achieved initial operating capacity ahead of other active duty, guard, and reserve wings and has been recognized for its successful long-range exercises. Recently, the unit became the first in the Air Force to deploy the KC-46 overseas, a milestone celebrated by its personnel.
However, the proposed personnel changes threaten to undermine these achievements. The leveling will result in a reduction of 12 full-time positions and will downgrade 22 positions from full-time active guard reserve to technician status. This shift is expected to lead to a loss of experienced maintainers and aviators, which could diminish the unit's ability to support the Transportation Command (Transcom) by an estimated 23%. This is particularly concerning given the current emphasis on aerial refueling capabilities within the National Defense Strategy, especially for operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
During a recent meeting, a senator expressed strong concerns about the implications of this decision, urging for a reevaluation of the leveling process in light of the 157th's critical mission. The senator highlighted the need for the National Guard Bureau to consider the operational requirements of the KC-46 and the strategic role of the 157th in meeting those needs.
The senator also requested a commitment from the National Guard Bureau to visit New Hampshire and engage with the 157th Air Refueling Wing to better understand the potential impacts of the personnel changes. The discussion underscored the importance of maintaining robust aerial refueling capabilities as a key component of U.S. military readiness and strategic operations.
The 157th Air Refueling Wing holds a distinguished record, being the first Air National Guard unit to receive the KC-46 refueling tanker. It achieved initial operating capacity ahead of other active duty, guard, and reserve wings and has been recognized for its successful long-range exercises. Recently, the unit became the first in the Air Force to deploy the KC-46 overseas, a milestone celebrated by its personnel.
However, the proposed personnel changes threaten to undermine these achievements. The leveling will result in a reduction of 12 full-time positions and will downgrade 22 positions from full-time active guard reserve to technician status. This shift is expected to lead to a loss of experienced maintainers and aviators, which could diminish the unit's ability to support the Transportation Command (Transcom) by an estimated 23%. This is particularly concerning given the current emphasis on aerial refueling capabilities within the National Defense Strategy, especially for operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
During a recent meeting, a senator expressed strong concerns about the implications of this decision, urging for a reevaluation of the leveling process in light of the 157th's critical mission. The senator highlighted the need for the National Guard Bureau to consider the operational requirements of the KC-46 and the strategic role of the 157th in meeting those needs.
The senator also requested a commitment from the National Guard Bureau to visit New Hampshire and engage with the 157th Air Refueling Wing to better understand the potential impacts of the personnel changes. The discussion underscored the importance of maintaining robust aerial refueling capabilities as a key component of U.S. military readiness and strategic operations.
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