The existing Air Defense Battalions in the National Guard operate using Avenger Systems, initially fielded in 1989. These platforms will reach end-of-life in 2031 after several extensions. The planned funding for support to Avenger ends in approximately 2027/2028. The ARNG is competing for conversion of four Avenger Battalions to M-SHORAD in TAA 25-29. Delays in publication of the ARSTRUC prohibit a defined way forward, but it is anticipated the ARNG will compete at a minimum for the conversion of the remaining three Avenger Battalions. The first ARNG Avenger Battalion converted to M-SHORAD, a Stryker based air defense platform, in support of the National Guard penetration division (34th ID). The lack of full conversion will leave the National Guard Air Defense community irrelevant and ineffective against modern adversaries. The current Avenger platform, mounted on an HMMWV, struggles to work alongside modern maneuver forces in support of Brigade Combat Teams. Modernizing the Avenger to M-SHORAD increases the ability of National Guard Air Defense Battalions to provide protection for Maneuver Forces. Failing to modernize all 7 Air Defense Battalions in the National Guard does not align with the NGAUS Joint Priority #2 of Deployable and Interoperable Force Structure, nor does it align with NGAUS Army Priority #1 of Concurrent and Proportional Fielding of Equipment.