National Guard Association of the United States

National Guard Association of the United States
Name	National Guard Association of the United States
Founded	0 1878
Location	Washington, D.C.
Key people	Michael J. McGuire (President), J. Roy Robinson (Executive Director)
Website	https://www.ngaus.org

National Guard Association of the United States is a professional military association dedicated to supporting and advocating for the United States National Guard. Founded in the late 19th century, it serves as a critical voice for Guard soldiers and airmen before the United States Congress and the Department of Defense. The association works to ensure the readiness, resourcing, and recognition of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard as essential components of America's total military force.

History

The association was founded in 1878 in St. Louis, emerging from a gathering of militia officers concerned with the state of the nation's part-time military forces following the American Civil War. Early advocacy focused on securing federal support and standardization for state militias, a mission that gained urgency during the Spanish–American War. Key historical figures in its development include Major General John F. O'Ryan and Major General Ellard A. Walsh, who championed the National Defense Act of 1916 and the pivotal National Defense Act of 1947, which formally established the Air National Guard. The association was instrumental in advocating for the Total Force Policy in the 1970s, cementing the Guard's role alongside the active Army and United States Air Force.

Organization and leadership

The association is headquartered in Washington, D.C., strategically located to engage with federal policymakers. Its governance includes a board of directors composed of elected representatives from each state and territory, as well as the District of Columbia. The current president is Michael J. McGuire, the Adjutant General of Arizona, while the day-to-day operations are managed by Executive Director J. Roy Robinson, a retired Army major general. Key internal bodies include the Army National Guard and Air National Guard committees, which develop policy positions, and the National Guard Educational Foundation, which oversees historical programs.

Mission and advocacy

The core mission is to advance the interests of the over 430,000 members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. This involves persistent advocacy for equitable benefits, modern equipment, and sustainable funding to ensure operational readiness. The association lobbies for policies that recognize the unique dual state-federal mission of the Guard, particularly during domestic responses to events like Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic. It also works to protect the legal status and authorities of the Guard under Title 32 and Title 10.

Legislative priorities and achievements

Legislative efforts are focused on securing parity in pay, healthcare, and retirement benefits with their active-duty counterparts. Monumental achievements include advocacy for the Montgomery G.I. Bill expansion and the creation of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, which extended educational benefits to Guard members. The association successfully lobbied for the repeal of the "Reduction in Force" policy that unfairly targeted Guard technicians and was a driving force behind the National Guard Empowerment Act. Recent priorities have centered on modernizing the Guard's aircraft fleet, including the F-35 Lightning II for the Air National Guard, and securing funding for cyber mission units.

Publications and events

The flagship publication is National Guard magazine, a monthly periodical covering issues affecting the force. The association also publishes detailed legislative updates and policy white papers. Its premier event is the annual NGAUS General Conference, a major gathering in cities like Baltimore or Denver that features addresses by senior leaders such as the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the Secretary of the Army. The conference includes industry expositions by contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, professional development seminars, and the presentation of awards like the Harry S. Truman Award.

Affiliated organizations

The association maintains a close partnership with the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), which represents non-officer personnel. It also works collaboratively with the National Guard Association of the States and individual state associations, such as the California National Guard Association. Other key affiliated groups include the National Guard Bureau Professional Development Center and the National Guard Memorial, the association's headquarters building which also houses the National Guard Educational Foundation museum.

Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:National Guard of the United States Category:Professional associations based in the United States