In a bold and controversial move, the Air Force pushes for a policy shift that disregards over a century of established precedent, igniting intense opposition from various quarters. The proposal aims to integrate certain Air National Guard units into the U.S. Space Force. This move has met staunch resistance from state governors, who traditionally helm their respective National Guard units. None of the governors are on board with this plan, and to circumvent their dissent, the Air Force is seeking Congressional approval to sidestep gubernatorial authority.
The magnitude of the opposition is apparent, with governors, lawmakers, and current and former National Guard leaders decrying the potential long-term implications. Retired Maj. Gen. Francis McGinn, president of the National Guard Association of the United States, emphasized the troubling precedent this policy could establish. He pointed out that if allowed, it could pave the way for the Army to similarly transfer units from the National Guard to the active component, thus undermining state control over their National Guard forces—a fundamental aspect of state sovereignty that has been respected for over 120 years.
This proposal, if enacted, would affect fewer than 600 Air National Guard members across six states, according to the Air Force. However, the National Guard Association estimates a higher impact, implicating over 1,000 guardsmen and women in 14 units spanning seven states, including Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New York, and Ohio. Gen. Mike Bruno of the National Guard Association’s space task force criticized the plan as a blatant example of federal overreach, noting the Air Force’s intent to override gubernatorial control.
The traditional role of the National Guard has always been under state jurisdiction, with members serving as part-time reserve forces that can be federalized under specific conditions. Creating a Space National Guard has been discussed for years, yet it has not materialized. Some Air National Guard units specialize in space operations, but this federal encroachment could drastically shift their command structure.
During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall described the situation as “unique,” insisting there were no intentions beyond these changes. Former National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel expressed surprise and concern over this attempt to bypass states’ authority, suggesting it could set a dangerous precedent for the Department of Defense to reallocate National Guard resources without state consent.
A staunch majority of governors, including those from 48 states and five territories, have united in opposition, signing a letter against this proposal. Notable Republican governors from Florida and Texas have also publicly voiced their dissent, although they did not sign the letter. Utah Governor Spencer Cox, chair of the National Governors Association, articulated governors’ collective frustration, urging the Air Force and Secretary Kendall to retract support for this policy. He underscored the administration’s need to adhere to existing laws that mandate gubernatorial consultation and approval before any National Guard unit is reassigned.
Furthermore, a coalition of 85 House and Senate lawmakers has penned a letter to the House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders, urging them to exclude this proposal from the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. The proposal’s technicalities involve waiving specific sections of the U.S. Code that protect state control over their National Guard units, highlighting a clear violation of Title 32 and Title 10.
Despite this opposition, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers has supported the Air Force plan, suggesting it may remain in the NDAA unless it’s actively removed during committee deliberations. This development raises serious concerns over federal overreach and the erosion of state autonomy, principles that are paramount to conservative values and American liberty.
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