In the absence of a federal program, National Guard G6/Network Enterprise Centers in the Joint Forces Headquarters of the States rely on state appropriations to creatively fund incentives. Title 32/5 and AGRs are not eligible for retention, affiliation or professional skill bonuses. This situation has led to a significant loss of highly qualified information technology/cybersecurity personnel to the private sector and other government agencies. Army and Air Guard IT/Cyber employees, possessing high-level training, industry-standard certifications, and security clearances, are in great demand in the private sector and other government agencies. As a result, the National Guard faces ongoing challenges in retaining these skilled professionals within their ranks.

RECOMMENDATION: The DoD should move expeditiously to change guidance support and install these incentives for the full-time force. The costs and risk associated with continuous turnover of the full-time staff are far greater than training costs, loss of knowledge in the force, cybersecurity, and the benefit these skills will bring into the warfighting force during mobilization.