By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Governors of U.S. territories have joined their counterparts in 48 U.S. states in opposing a Pentagon proposal to move hundreds of National Guard personnel to the Space Force.
In a letter addressed to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the governors expressed their “strong objection” to Legislative Proposal 480 (LP480), which they argue “would weaken or eliminate their authority over the National Guard and threaten readiness and operational efficacy of their units.”
The department has submitted the proposal to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
"This legislation disregards gubernatorial authorities regarding the National Guard and undermines over 100 years of precedent as well as national security and military readiness," the governor said in the letter.
They noted that among the National Governors Association’s highest priorities is to ensure that the National Guard is adequately equipped with resources and capabilities to serve as the operational combat reserve for national security missions and to support domestic emergencies.
The governor said LP480 "undercuts the governors' critical authority by allowing a transfer of covered space units from the National Guard to the United States Space Force without abiding by Title 32 or Title 10."
They reminded the defense chief that Title 10 prohibits the reorganization and withdrawal of a unit of the Air National Guard without consultation and approval from governors.
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For over a century, Title 10 and Title 32 of U.S.C have upheld gubernatorial
authority over the National Guard. National Guard assets are critical components of states’ and territories’ responses to crises. Governors must maintain full authority as Commanders in Chief of these assets to effectively protect operational readiness and America’s communities," the governors said.
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