Graham-Led Effort Elevating National Guard to Joint Chiefs of Staff Nearing Passage Into Law

Press Release

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said a far-reaching and historic advance for the National Guard's role in the nation's defense and security structure is likely to pass Congress and soon be sent to President Obama for signing into law.

Graham noted the conferees on the annual Defense Authorization Bill have agreed to give the National Guard its first seat on the nation's highest military council, the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Graham worked on the effort with Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont). Leahy and Graham serve as the co-chairs of the Senate's 84-member National Guard Caucus.

"We stand on the verge of historic change as the National Guard takes its rightful place as a full, permanent member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff," said Graham. "Since 9/11, the Guard and Reserve have been indispensable to fighting the War on Terror and protecting the homeland. They have been called up to duty, taken away from their work and families, and sent to far-away lands for long tours to protect our nation. Their voices need to be heard and they have earned a seat at the table where our most important military decisions are made. This long-overdue change in policy is a fitting tribute to our citizen-soldiers and the sacrifices they have made on our nation's behalf."

Graham also noted final version of the defense bill also includes other major provisions of The National Guard Empowerment and State-National Defense Integration Act (S.1025) authored by Graham and Leahy. They include:

* reestablishing the position of the Vice Chief of the Guard Bureau at the three-star level;
* increasing the number of Guard general officers considered for senior positions at U.S. Northern Command;
* helping to clarify the disaster response command relationship among the Guard and the U.S. military commands;
* authorizing the National Guard State Partnership Program;
* and requiring reports by the Department of Defense and the Government Accountability Office on the cost of National Guard and Reserve units compared to similar active component units.

The legislation was endorsed by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Governors Association, the National Guard Association of the United States, the Adjutants General Association of the United States, and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.

What They're Saying about the Graham-Leahy National Guard Provisions

South Carolina Adjutant General MG Bob Livingston: "This is a great day for our nation and our military. We face difficult times in terms of the variety and magnitude of foreign threats while dealing the reality of limited resources. The inclusion of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau on the Joint Chiefs of Staff brings the Citizen Soldier to the discussion. The Citizen Soldier has proven himself to be the innovator with civilian skills, the tie to the community and the proven hardened combat troop that is so critical in these tough times. This tradition of citizen responsibility is one of the essential threads in the fabric of our nation. It has made our nation great and will propel us into the future. The appointment of the Chief of the National Guard is a return to the basic values of our county and will pave the way to great innovation in the defense of our nation."

General Craig McKinley, USAF, chief of the National Guard Bureau: "If passed, the 2012 Defense Authorization Bill would have a significant impact on the National Guard and our Nation as a whole. It will ensure our civilian leaders have the best possible insight regarding the National Guard's homeland defense and civil support missions. It's also important to acknowledge members of Congress, and particularly Senators Patrick Leahy and Lindsey Graham of the National Guard Caucus, for their outstanding leadership and support on behalf of the more than 460,000 Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard."

Major General Gus L. Hargett Jr. (ret.), president of the National Guard Association of the United States: "National Guardsmen everywhere owe so much to Senator Leahy and Senator Graham for their efforts to give us a voice at the Pentagon. Their support, their leadership and their determination have the Guard on the cusp of its biggest legislative victory Guard since the Militia Act of 1903 created the modern, dual-mission National Guard."

Chief Master Sergeant Roger Hagan (ret.), president of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States: "The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States is once again indebted to Senator Patrick Leahy and Senator Lindsey Graham for their victory in successfully attaching language to the Fiscal Year 2012 National Defense Authorization Act conference report that will FINALLY make the Chief of the National Guard Bureau a full-fledged member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The over 412,000 enlisted personnel in the National Guard will directly benefit by having their voice heard loud and clear as the Chief of the NGB will soon be empowered to speak for them as part of the JCS."

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