Critics say the proposal to redeploy the Air National Guard to the Space Force without the governor’s consent poses an “existential threat” to the part-time force, undermines operational efficiency and erases longstanding precedent. .
Legislative Proposition 480 was introduced by the Department of Defense to the Senate Armed Services Committee to strengthen the Space Force, the youngest branch of the U.S. military created under the Trump administration. The move overrides a long-standing tradition in which the Pentagon obtains governor’s approval before transferring Guard members to another military branch.
“This is really a massive takeover of forces, personnel, structures, equipment and facilities from the Governor’s National Guard and into the active Space Force,” the retired Maj. Gen. said. National Guard Association President Francis M. McGinn told FOX News Digital.
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Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Ernaldo Vasquez Villanueva of the 141st Recruit Squadron keeps his eyes on the “enemy” during a training mission at Camp Seven Mile Training Area in Spokane County, Washington, April 12, 2024. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Anneliese Kaiser)
Under LP 480, Air National Guard soldiers conducting space missions may be transferred to the Space Force and assigned as part-timers without the approval of the governor of the state where the unit is based.
The National Guard and National Guard are the primary combat reserve forces of the active-duty Army and Air Force. They respond to requests from civilian authorities during emergencies and are called upon to perform a variety of tasks, including disaster relief and security.
The National Guard is under the authority of the governors of each of the nation’s 55 states and territories until federalized, such as when they are sent to combat zones.
“The original purpose of the National Guard was to provide a force that could respond to the needs of our state and nation,” according to more than 80 members of both parties who participated in Tuesday’s letter to the House and Senate. Service Committee. “Thus, power has been placed in the hands of individual governors in each state. This is more than a governance issue. responsible for protecting the safety of
US Air Force Secretary Kendall flies in the cockpit of an AI-controlled plane
The new proposal would allow the Air National Guard to be transferred to the Space Force without the governor’s consent. (Air Force Col. Charles Rivezzo | Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Aaron Rodriguez)
All 55 governors oppose the plan, arguing that it usurps their powers. Some of them met with Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall III to voice their opposition to the measure.
“Federal law is clear that any decision to move National Guard troops requires consultation with and approval from the governor,” said Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA) and vice chairman. Democrat Spencer Cox said in a statement Thursday. Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “Until Air Force leaders withdraw the LP480, it violates federal law. Until the LP480 is set aside, we cannot have a productive conversation on this issue. Governors are united on this point. .”
Last week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott activated the National Guard to assist local authorities in dealing with illegal immigration at the southern border, calling LP480 a “power usurp.”
FOX News Digital reached out to the Space Force and Kendall’s office. In a May 3 letter from Kendall to Cox, the Air Force secretary said the purpose of the proposal was not to set a precedent or override the role of governors.
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An American F-16 lands while an Air Force C-17 is parked at Aviano Air Base in Italy. (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images/File)
“Rather, this proposal would help fully stand up the U.S. Space Force,” the letter, obtained by Fox News Digital from a person familiar with the matter, said.
Kendall noted that the Space Force integrates space missions previously performed by the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. He said the Air Force has decided that these missions performed by the Air National Guard should also be part of the Space Force.
The LP408 could affect 1,008 Air Force troops in 14 units in seven states, according to Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Bruno, Chairman of the National Guard Association Space Task Force. Bruno told Fox News Digital that there are only a few thousand Guardians in the entire Space Force.
Bruno said some members of the Air National Guard hold part-time civilian jobs, noting that the majority would refuse to transfer because they would need to recruit and train new personnel to accomplish the mission. , pointed out that it could affect national security.
“What’s going to happen is there’s going to be a seven to 10 year gap in capability and readiness,” Bruno said. “The capability gap in national security is the most important piece we stand to lose, and they are willing to take that risk.”
The Space Force says its mission is not only to protect the United States from operating freely in space, but also to ensure U.S. security and maintain “steady access to military space power and new waves of innovation.” It states that it is something to do.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall smiles after completing a test flight of an X-62A Vista aircraft against a manned F-16 over Edwards Air Force Base, California, May 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Damien Dovarganes)
“Currently, we provide 30% of the National Guard space missions and 60% of the electronic warfare missions across the Space Force,” McGinn said, noting that many Airmen surveyed It added that it provides 60% of electronic warfare missions. To remain in the Air National Guard.
“They joined the Guard for a reason,” he added. “They want to stay in their communities. They like to serve the national mission. There is no need to migrate. That’s why they don’t go.”
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Another issue hampering future operations is the recruitment of Guard members to fill primarily administrative roles that would be assigned if transferred to the Space Force, McGinn said.
“No one would sign up for that,” he said. “And if they were to hire someone stupid enough to hire them, they would never get hired because they would get bored and leave.”
