[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 74 (Friday, June 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF NATIONAL GUARD OFFICERS

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                          HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2002

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that 
would authorize the appointment of National Guard officers as 
commanders of units composed of both active duty military personnel and 
National Guard troops in nonfederal status.
  As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I support many of 
the transformation initiatives our military is undertaking. Through the 
vision and leadership of Secretary Roche and General Jumper, the Air 
Force has been a leading proponent of transformation. The Joint 
Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, or JSTARS, and the 116th Air 
National Guard unit at Robbins Air Force Base are a prime example of a 
transformational mission. These unique units are on the verge of 
becoming even more transformational as they blend Air National Guard 
personnel into the active JSTARS unit. Currently, the 116th numbers 
more than 1,100 Air Guardsmen dedicated to defending our country. The 
116th has been and will continue to be an Air National Guard unit that 
is the pinnacle of professionalism and honor; and will continue to be 
ready Anytime-Anywhere.
  The Air Force has long been the model of full and seamless 
integration of the Reserve Components. Its Guard and Reserve associate 
programs are long-term success stories that maximize weapon system 
utilization while leveraging the expertise of Guard and Reserve 
personnel. In addition, active duty officers have successfully 
commanded Air National Guard fighter units.
  My bill will provide another mechanism with which to further 
integrate active duty and National Guard members into blended units. At 
the same time, it preserves the unique non-Federal status of the 
National Guard officer while enabling that officer to command a unit of 
active duty and National Guard troops. This legislation is another step 
on the road of transformation.

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