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Donley highlights Guard's contributions, emphasis on 'total force'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy
  • National Guard Bureau
NASHVILLE, Tenn. --  Today is appropriate for the opening ceremony of the 131st National Guard Association of the United States conference, since the National Guard is the original defender of the homeland, the secretary of the Air Force said today.

"You were the first responders to defend America's skies," said Michael Donley, referring to the fact that Air National Guard fighters flew patrols over the Pentagon within minutes after the 9/11 attacks. "Americans live their lives without fear, because of the steadfast commitment and sacrifice of our Citizen-Soldiers and Citizen-Airmen."

He thanked the Guardmembers and their families for not just their sacrifices, but also for balancing their jobs in the National Guard with a civilian career.

"It takes a special human being to be able to do this," Donley said. "We could not do our work without you. We have shared many successes, and we have spilled blood together."

Donley said the success of the nation's military rests on keeping up with an uncertain enemy and an evolving conflict.

"Our success tomorrow depends on versatility-and this is exemplified by the National Guard," he said.

During a brief question and answer period, Donley addressed three key issues:
recapitalization of the nation's aging fighter jets; the upcoming request for proposals from contractors who will build the next generation Air Force tanker aircraft; and the emphasis by the Department of Defense on cyber warfare, which is typically an Air Force role.

DoD will focus on production of 1,763 F-35 fighter jets for both the U.S. Air Force and nine other countries throughout the world, he said, adding that this worldwide distribution of the fifth-generation fighter will mimic that of the F-16 Falcon.

Donley also said the Air Force and the DoD have put together a strong request for proposals, which they will submit to aircraft manufacturers sometime later this year.

"We are going to be fair, and we are going forward with this. Watch this space closely," he told the audience.

On the Air Force's cyber-warfare program, Donley said there may be a 'pause'
in the forward progression to launch a fully operational division within the Air Force, but the DoD understands the importance of this battle space.

However, members of the National Guard, both Army and Air Force with their real-world knowledge and experience, are integral to this fight, he said.

Donley told the audience he plans to discuss details of these topics and more at the Air Force Association's annual conference scheduled for this week in Washington.