On May 18th, 2016 the Air Guard announced it would no longer support the National Guard Marathon or Biathlon programs. This loss of support meant non-appropriated funds became the only authorized funding stream available to support Air Guard personnel competing in these programs.
Air Force Instruction (AFI) 34-266, ‘Air Force Fitness and Sports Programs,’ states that members should participate in these events in a Permissive Temporary Duty (PTDY) status.” The ANG Comptroller found that the PTDY status requirement meant that Air Guardsmen could not be placed on orders to participate in sports programs, and therefore cut the funding.
In contrast to the ANG, the ARNG has continued to fund both NG Marathon and NG Biathlon. The Army Regulation 215-1 para 8-27 b.10.(f) states, “The ARNG sports program is governed by ARNG policies and regulations.” The remainder of paragraph f reflects a similar policy as AFI 34-266 requiring active duty Army personnel to be placed in a PTDY status if they are going to participate in military sports programs. However, the U.S. Army provides specific language in their regulation that allows the National Guard to govern their own sports program. The U.S. Air Force does not provide the same regulatory latitude.
This resolution would align the wording of the Air Force Fitness and Sports Programs regulations with that of the Army's sports program and allow Drill Status Guardsmen to be placed on orders to participate.