To Be or Not to Be Part-Time : The Traditional Commander in the 21st Century Air National Guard
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of the Air National Guards (ANG) increased participation in the Total Force construct since September 11, 2001, on the position of the traditional, part-time commander. To achieve this objective, this research included a case study on the state of California, as one of the largest states in the US, and interviews of current and former traditional commanders, as well as their full-time representatives who oversee the daily operations of the unit while the commander is physically absent. The case study found traditional commanders do fill billets at every command level across California, however, in decreased numbers at higher levels of command and in diminishing numbers within units directly tied to operational missions. The results of this research include a consolidated list of recommendations from the field for overcoming the identified challenges to serving as, and working for, a part-time commander in the ANG. These recommendations include specific, practical suggestions for ways to adequately resource, train, and empower part-time commanders for success. This study also confirmed the need for a renewed emphasis on developing general officership across the ANG, therefore, many of the recommendations included are applicable for developing and preparing all ANG officers for increased levels of responsibility over the course of their careers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1054257
Entities
People
- Katharine K. Corliss
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College