WASHINGTON—The National Governors Association (NGA) applauds the National Commission on the Future of the Army for concluding its work and issuing its final report, which includes a number of promising recommendations that recognize the Army National Guard’s dual-mission role serving governors in their states and as the operational reserve of the Army.
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, co-chairs of the Council of Governors, which was created in 2010 to serve as a mechanism for governors and key federal officials to address matters pertaining to the National Guard, offered the following statements:
“Upon initial review, it seems the Commission heard many of our concerns,” said Gov. Branstad. “The nation’s governors recognize the value a combat-ready Guard holds not only for our states, but also for strategic depth for the nation’s Army as a whole. We are pleased the Commission’s report acknowledges this fact, particularly the recommendation to retain the Guard’s Apache helicopter mission.”
“We appreciate the Commission’s recognition of the need to integrate manpower and capabilities for a ‘One Army’ approach at home and abroad,” said Gov. Malloy. “We believe this approach best serves governors’ emergency response needs in our states and takes advantage of the cost-efficiencies of the Guard over time.”
Governors advocated for the creation of the Commission. NGA will continue to study the report’s findings in detail and engage with Congress and the Army as governors consider the recommendations.
