Why NGAMN? Let’s consider… MAJ Christopher P Kline J6 Policy & Plans Officer Christopher.p.kline.mil@mail.mil www.ngamn.org

Did you know… The biggest initiatives NGAUS takes on annually is the fight for the Guard's share of the defense budget for training, personnel, equipment, facilities, etc. The guard continues to be an afterthought in many AD resourcing decisions, thus having NGAUS get into the arena to fight on our behalf is critical.  There've been countless times where the Guard has been an afterthought in these discussions by the Pentagon where they've stepped in on behalf of the guard and intervened with Congress to ensure our voice was heard.  They're a highly engaged and well respected voice on the hill on our behalf.  It truly requires regular pressure on Congress (and the resources gained through an active membership) to keep this fight going. 

Professional Development A profession is an organization that provides a unique and vital service to the society served, one that it cannot provide itself. A service of expert knowledge, one that self-regulates, and one that earns the trust of the society it serves because of effective and ethical application to their expertise. ADRP para 1-13. Who here considers themselves a professional? Why do you consider yourself a professional? How do you gain and keep the status of a Professional? What do you do to keep current in your profession? What are the benefits? Those in professions encourage their peers to join groups that advocates for it’s advancement, promotes growth; both personally and professionally, and provides opportunities for networking. What do you do to keep current in your profession? Memberships Trade organizations Magazine subscriptions Local clubs/Groups How do you gain and keep your status as a Professional? Certifications Member of an Association Continued training

Current Initiatives Concurrent and proportional equipping of the RC with AD. Advocacy for increased Guard involvement and roles in cyber missions Making 12034b mobilizations equal to other T10 contingency mobs relative to the benefits earned (National Guard 12304b Benefits Parity Act).  Getting the same mission sets and proportional resources to support when they are fielded to the AD, not as a hand-me-down as the technology, mission, etc. starts to become obsolete - another constant battle. Leveraging the capabilities we bring to the fight from the civilian sector. This would fix the MOB authority so benefits including Post-911 GI Bill, reduce retired pay eligibility, transitional post-deployment health care benefits, and pre-deployment TRICARE would be the same as under other similar MOB authorities. 

Value Added / Accomplishments What have you done for me? Recognized veterans status if served honorably for 20 years Military pension Tax relief for MN Residents National Guard Member of the Joint Chiefs Overturning Proposed Air National Guard Cuts GI Bill 2.0 – Post 9/11 GI Bill for National Guard Extended TRICARE coverage for “Gray Area” retirees Doubled from 90 to 180 days the time a Reserve Component member is covered under TRICARE Prime prior to mobilization Prohibition on the transfer of AH-64 Apache aircraft in FY 2015 Prohibition on cancellation or modification of avionics modernization program for C-130 aircraft 4 days pay for 2 days work And more…. Veterans status: Until now, Guard and Reserve personnel were considered veterans only if they served in a federalized capacity for more than 179 days other than training. Even a  reservist who attended regular training and drill for two decades, but never was federalized, could not claim to be a veteran. Now, Guard and Reserve members will be recognized as veterans if they serve honorably for 20 years. Tax Exemption: Beginning with tax year 2016, Minnesota will allow taxpayers to subtract certain military retirement pay (including pensions) when calculating Minnesota taxable income and Minnesota alternative minimum taxable income. 

Initiatives & Priorities Issue: Leverage the Cost-Effective Guard Issue: Preserve an Operational Force Issue: Funding for Equipment and Modernization Issue: Enhance Domestic Operations Issue: Fund Guard Cyber Force Issue: Expand State Partnership Program Issue: Representation in Defense Reviews Issue: Personnel & Benefits Issue: Military Construction Our nation can reduce defense spending and maintain the necessary force structure and experience to meet future challenges by growing the National Guard as a percentage of the Total Force. Allowing the National Guard to regress back to a strategic reserve would squander over a decade of investment in training, equipping, and readiness. NGAUS plays an essential role in advocating to Congress and our industry partners to upgrade, modernize and when possible, recapitalize Army and Air Guard platforms. The National Guard's ability to provide critical response to Americans at a moment’s notice relies on planning and dedicated funding. The National Guard is perfectly suited to expand our nation's cyber security capabilities by leveraging the unique information technology talents within its ranks. he State Partnership Program (SPP) has been building relationships for over 20 years with 68 unique security partnerships in 74 nations around the globe. Congress must recognize the service and commitment of every member of the National Guard by ensuring the National Guard has an equal voice in Department of Defense, Army and Air Force policy, planning and budgetary deliberations. - See more at: http://ngaus.org/issues-advocacy/priorities-issues/representation-defense-reviews#sthash.5aXlAnaB.dpuf NGAUS.org > Issues & Advocacy

Our Voice – Why you? www.ngamn.org/individualmembership Only as loud as our membership I am asking you to join or renew your membership Newly commissioned officers and warrant officers get your first year free Must be a member to attend events www.ngamn.org/individualmembership Encourage you all to join Newly commissioned officers and warrant officers get your first year free Must be a member to attend events

Comradery NGAMN promotes events throughout the year that bring together members and other stakeholders to foster stronger relationships, to support professional development, and to establish priorities for the association. State Conference held in the Spring (APR 21-23) National Conference held in the Fall (SEP 7-10) Holiday Social in the Winter (DEC ?) State Conference State Conference Friday the 21st through Sunday the 23rd of April 2017 at the Mankato City Center, Mankato MN. Hosted by the 1/34 Armored Brigade Combat Team. Lead Planner for the event is Major David Johansson. National Conference NGAUS engages its members on the crucial issues facing the Guard, offers professional development sessions, welcomes defense leaders, provides social interaction, and plots the association's course for the next year. This years conference is September 7-10, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. OPD opportunities are available, contact your Group Rep for details. Holiday Social Come join us in December. Date and location still to be determined. Social hour typically begins around 1830. This is a time to renew old friendships and make new ones! So come Join us for an evening of information and FUN!

Questions ? Your Group Reps: JFHQ: COL Angela Steward-Randle HQ34ID: Vacant 1ABCT: CPT Paul Modeen 34CAB: 1LT Rebecca Moenkhaus 347RSG: CPT Elizabeth Clapero 84TC: 1LT Tyler Anderson 133AW: Maj Greg Hawkins 148FW: Capt Jodi Grayson Alumni: BG (ret) Tim Kennedy https://www.ngamn.org/groups