Rumsfeld, Pace Say “No” to JCS Spot for Guard:

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Both Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Joint Chiefs Chairman Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace tossed cold water on a bipartisan effort to give the National Guard Bureau chief a seat on the JCS. Testifying before a budget hearing of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, Rumsfeld said, “The Army includes the total Army and the Air Force includes the Total Air Force; … to begin to segment them inside the Joint Chiefs of Staff is not a good idea.” Pace told the lawmakers that such a move would be “disruptive” and “would do a disservice to the country,” since the effort over the last 20 years has been “to kludge together a joint force.” Pace did suggest that the Commission on the Guard and Reserves should consider whether the current rank structure is “appropriate.” Legislation, introduced by Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.) and Sen. Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), would make the NGB chief a four star, as well as elevate the position to the JCS.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org