Air National Guard Fighters in the Total Force

During the last few years, the United States Air Force has been involved in an unparalleled number of peacetime contingency operations. Air National Guard (ANG) tanker and airlift assets have been heavily engaged in these operations. However, the authors of this study point out that the same level of activity is not found in the ANG fighter force even though many of these units have demonstrated a willingness to participate. Lieutenant Colonels Lucas and Johnson argue that US reliance on the Air National Guard will increase as declining defense budgets, a shrinking active fighter force, and a vigorous National Security Strategy of Engagement and Enlargement characterize the future. As a result, the authors contend that it is imperative to explore new options for increasing the availability of the Guard fighter force for peacetime contingency use. Air National Guard Fighters in the Total Force examines current "work arounds" used to increase guard fighter availability and then explores a method to provide a long-term solution. The study presents and analyzes the pros and cons of three possible options: (1) increasing active duty manning in all Guard fighter units, (2) increasing active duty manning in only a few select Guard fighter units, and (3) moving most, if not all, of the fighters out of the Guard and into the active duty force. If current trends play out, the US military will benefit from having thought about, discussed, and debated this problem. In their insightful study, Lieutenant Colonels Lucas and Johnson provide a fresh approach to finding a solution.