Defend, Deter, Dominate By Lt Col Amber Schatz and Maj Lauryn Thomas, National Guard Bureau | NOV. 21, 2023
Right now, ANG Airmen are deployed to every geo- graphic Combatant Command around the world. Guardsmen are also sitting ACA alert, manning the NCR-IADS, watching the skies over North Ameri- ca and its approaches at the Air Defense Sectors, conducting DCGS Operations, Cyber Command Support, Targeting, operating RPAs, supporting USTRANSCOM mission requirements, and manning Civil Support Teams. Of the 90 ANG wings, 32 are currently serving on Title 10 employ-in-place orders.
All this outstanding transformational work does put a strain on our Airmen as change can be difficult. This is the driving factor behind recent investments in the First Ser- geant corps. First Sergeants provide leadership, guidance, and support to the force and are integral in the overall readiness to defend, deter, and dominate. The ANG will be the lead component to resource First Sergeant positions at all squadron levels increasing our First Sergeant end strength by 160. These additional First Sergeants will pro- vide States and Territories the ability to enhance welfare and well-being of our most important weapon system… people.
25 nations conducted 1,826 total sorties totaling 5,655.9 flight hours with 4.3 million pounds of cargo transported and 3.4 million pounds fuel offloaded by tankers. This was a tremendous collaboration with our allies and partners that sent a strong message about the ANG’s ability to move forces around the globe quickly, efficiently, and safely. When the ANG comes together to deploy, we are un- touchable. We demonstrate strength and energy, not just in a local exercise or Inspection, but on a global scale. In support of Air Defender, we opened air bridges and moved a tremendous amount of airpower to EUCOM almost over- night. Immediately following the conclusion of Air Defend- er, we moved into supporting Exercise Mobility Guardian. C-17s from the New York ANG transported Kentucky’s 123rd Contingency Response Group from Europe to the Indo Pacific, bringing air power around the globe in mere days. This sent another clear message to adversaries displaying global reach readiness while simultaneously promoting security, stability, and peace around the world. This is as a clear example of how the ANG operationalizes the National Defense priorities of Campaigning and Integrated Deter- rence while assuring allies and strengthening our competi- tive advantage. Of the nearly 3,000 ANG members that deployed in Air Defender and Mobility Guardian 85% were enlisted aircrew, maintainers, and support personnel. The enlisted force is truly the backbone of our service. This exercise was also a great example of how we are transforming the enlisted force. It provided the opportunity to evaluate the multi-ca- pable mindset in austere locations and environments; the lessons learned will help us become a more effective, adapt- able, and successful force. We are also stepping up enlisted roles in Integrated Deterrence by driving a Multi-Capable Airman mindset within SOUTHCOM mission requirements. The ANG continues to set the pace by working seamlessly across all combatant commander domains, joint force allied partners, and policy makers.
The 108,400 Air National Guard members are Always Ready, Always There, and Always on Mission!
We provide 30% of the combat power of the greatest Air Force on the planet. Our wings provide 27% of the fighter fleet, 38% of the mobility fleet, and source 44% of the Air Force’s combat taskings in 2022, and on track for 47% in 2023. There is no doubt the ANG is America’s fight tonight force, accessible, and combat ready. Go Guard!
The Air National Guard is a critical component of the Joint Force delivering combat capability every day while bear- ing the weight of securing our Nation. Carrying out these responsibilities wouldn’t be possible without outstanding Airmen. Our command teams have been busy supporting the overall force, while prioritizing the implementation of our National Defense Strategy. One of the ANG’s major accomplishments this year was our participation in Air Defender 2023, the single largest air exercise in the history of NATO. Partnering with the German Luftwaffe and 24 allied nations, the ANG conducted the larg- est collective training event and large-scale readiness exer- cise in NATO’s history. This historic exercise hosted 235 total aircraft, 110 of which were from the ANG. 50 ANG units and more than 2.6K ANG members deployed in total with many supporting from home station. Over a two-week period, the
10
11
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs