Air National Guard

President Donald Trump nominated the adjutant general of Texas to be the new director of the Air National Guard. If confirmed by the Senate, Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Suelzer would receive a third star and take responsibility for formulating, developing and coordinating all federal policies, plans and programs related to the Air Guard nationwide.

The annual NGAUS Legislative Workshop is set for January 13-14 at the National Guard Memorial, the association’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. The event provides a platform for those involved in Guard advocacy nationwide to discuss priorities as Congress begins deliberations on fiscal 2027 defense legislation, said retired Col. Jon “Ice” Eisberg, the association’s vice president for government affairs.

Service members will receive a 3.8% pay raise beginning Jan. 1 under the final version of the annual defense policy bill announced by the House and Senate on Sunday night.

Air National Guardsmen would have a permanent federal tuition assistance program under a bipartisan bill introduced last week in the House.

Saturday is the 389th anniversary of the National Guard’s birth. On Dec. 13, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s General Court, the colony’s legislature, organized the North, South and East regiments from the independent militia in 14 villages around Boston to better defend the colony.

Most Americans (55%) support using the National Guard to assist local police during major civil disturbances and to address violent crime, according to the Reagan National Defense Survey released Dec. 4.

West Virginia communities and officials are honoring the two members of the state’s National Guard who were shot in Washington, D.C. last week, lauding their dedication to serving their country.

Following the shooting of two West Virginia Guardsmen, the Metropolitan Police Department will begin joint patrols with National Guard troops. The measure is intended to enhance security and visibility in the city.

The Air Force has selected McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tennessee, to be the Guard’s third main operating base for the service’s new refueling aircraft.

Governors frequently call up the National Guard during natural disasters, but presidents have historically avoided federalizing Guard units without a state’s consent — doing so only five times before 2025.

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the former commander of Air Combat Command to be the Air Force’s new senior officer.

NGAUS continues to lead the charge of National Guard and Reserve associations urging Congress to help pay service members during the government shutdown, which is now in its fourth week.