Alabama National Guard adjusts to looming budget shortfall

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National Guard troops reinforce security around the U.S. Capitol ahead of expected protests leading up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, following the deadly attack on Congress by a mob of supporters of President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

States around the nation are facing budget shortfalls for their National Guards following long stints in Washington D.C. after they were called upon to protect the U.S. Capitol. Gov. Kay Ivey activated the Alabama National Guard in January. The 750 soldiers were activated soon after the Capitol protests and returned home the day after the Inauguration.

During The Dan Morris radio show on 93.1 Newstalk last week, guest host Apryl Marie Fogel* fielded a call stating that some Alabama National Guard training camps and drills were being canceled.

Fogel reached out to Gina Maiola in Governor Kay Ivey’s office, who referred her to the National Guard. Sandra D. Lucas, the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the JFHQ Alabama National Guard, replied that Lucas responded, “The FY21 federal reimbursement to the National Guard Bureau has been delayed, causing a funding shortfall for the remainder of the fiscal year. This is due to supported events that were not planned for, or were underfunded, or underestimated. Although we are going to have to make changes to our schedule, every effort is being made to minimize impact to readiness. 

“As we are preparing to minimize expenses due to a shortage of fourth-quarter funding, the Alabama National Guard is adjusting the remaining FY21 annual training requirements. Readiness is our main priority, therefore, individuals who require annual training days will be given the opportunity to attend annual training to meet their 15-day active training requirement.

“The head of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Daniel Hokanson, publicly warned lawmakers in May that the Guard must be reimbursed by August to avoid impacts on training in the final months of the fiscal year. In the ensuing months, those warnings have become more stark. A July 6 National Guard report warns of far-reaching effects on training, vehicle, and aviation readiness as well as facility sustainment efforts if lawmakers don’t approve more money by the beginning of August.”

“Without timely reimbursement by August 1, 2021, the National Guard will experience critical readiness impacts across its entire enterprise,” the report states. The report was shared by the offices of Steve Womack and Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.), who are pressing House and Senate leadership to quickly reimburse the Guard.

“We are preparing to minimize expenses due to a shortage of fourth-quarter funding, but none of this is a new challenge for the Alabama National Guard. If the past year has proved anything, it’s the capability and adaptability of Guardsmen to meet any demands regardless of unforeseen circumstances.”

Lucas concluded, “We are confident in the resilience of our Soldiers and Airmen. Whether we drill 12 months per year or only 10, we will remain Always Ready and Always There.”

*Editorial Disclaimer: Apryl Marie Fogel is the owner and publisher of Alabama Today.