To ensure readiness of the Air National Guard MQ-1/MQ-9 RPA pilot and sensor operator crews, we urge the National Guard Bureau (NGB) consider procurement of civilian contract training services to supplement and complement the existing ANG Flight Training Unit (FTU) programs. Since the establishment of the ANG RPA mission, there have been enduring shortfalls in availability of training slots to meet operational taskings by the Combatant Commanders. Due to the ever increasing demand for the Total Force RPA aircrews, these training shortfalls are expected to continue as the Persistent Attack and Reconnaissance (PAR) missions that the MQ-1 and MQ-9 support expand - making the requirement for an additional training provider a necessity.

States impacted by this resolution include ND (sponsor), NY, PA, MI, OH, TN,TX, AR, AZ, CA, NV, IA.