ANG Director discusses reserve component qualities during Defense Communities National Summit Published June 24, 2016 By Master Sgt. Marvin Preston Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs WASHINGTON -- The director of the Air National Guard discussed unique qualities of the reserve component during a panel at the Defense Communities National Summit, held in Washington, D.C. June 20-22. The Defense Communities National Summit is recognized as the key event for defense communities, top installation leadership, congressional policy makers and industry partners. Amidst change, transition and challenges, understanding what it takes to be "at the ready" was the theme of this year's summit. Attendees from across the country gathered to collect the latest information on pressing defense policy and budget issues facing military installations and the communities around them. Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice, ANG director, addressed topics ranging from community involvement, interoperability across the total force and the change in the reserve components' role in combat operations over the past several decades. "From the 1950's and 1960's where Guard and reserve were postured [strategically] - only used when absolutely necessary, through the 80's and 90's is where we've evolved ," said Rice. "Today we play a more integral role; we're highly experienced and now easily more than 50% of our force at any one time have been engaged in some kind of overseas event." Rice also discussed the close connection to communities, unique to the reserve component and how it adds to the country's support for overseas operations. "If you draw a 300 mile circle around all of our [Army and Air] National Guard installations, you will touch 99% of the U.S. population, said Rice. "That's one of the strengths of the reserve component; that we're such an integral part of our community and what makes the fabric of our country." The panel also featured Maj. Gen. Maryanne Miller, deputy to the chief of the Air Force Reserve, Headquarters USAF Washington, D.C, and Maj. Gen. Michael R. Smith, deputy chief, Army Reserve.