It hasn’t been very long since the Pentagon and the Guard came to blows over closure of ANG bases and realignment of ANG flying units. Now, say Guard sympathizers, the Pentagon is failing to consult with Guard officials on upcoming force cuts. A recent NGAUS statement noted there are “continuing media reports of imminent troop cuts” and yet “no official Pentagon disclosure of details.” Koper complained: “It is most unfortunate that these proposals appear to be in progress without participation by the National Guard Bureau, the statutory line of communication between the Department of Defense … and the respective states.” Koper’s letter invited Congress—which is politically congenial to the Guard—to step in.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.