FOR

THE

FUTURE

VISION

Chief, National Guard Bureau’s 

Fight America’s Wars

Secure the Homeland

Build Partnerships
VISION 2 for the FUTURE

We live in a dynamic and complex security environment. Across the 

globe, our nation faces emerging near-peer 

competitors, burgeoning regional powers, 

and the constant threat of violent extremist 

organizations. Threats emanate from state and 

non-state actors, who operate deliberately and 

continuously in conventional and asymmetric 

ways to minimize our military advantage and 

avoid escalation with the U.S. and our allies or 

partners. 

If deterrence fails and crises occur, we must 

be prepared for conflict that is transregional in 

scope, likely intersecting numerous combatant 

commands simultaneously. Conflict may be 

waged across multiple domains, with potential 

adversaries challenging us on the land, in the 

air, across and under the sea, and in space 

and cyberspace. Conflict will likely be multifunctional with foes attempting to integrate 

non-conventional threats such as special 

operations forces, missile technology and cyber 

warfare along with conventional forces. 

U.S. military might alone will not solve 

these challenges. 

International allies 

and partners will 

remain critical and 

national security will 

require a ‘whole of 

government’ approach 

to build and maintain lasting change consistent 

with our national interests. 

Our armed forces will remain a key 

instrument of national security; land and 

air power is essential to the joint fight. To 

meet these requirements, our Army and Air 

Force rely on the National Guard to remain 

operational and ready to respond.

We face these challenges knowing today’s 

National Guard is the best it has ever been. As 

By General Joseph L. Lengyel

Evolving to 

meet Global 

Challenges

Chief, National Guard Bureau

I look towards tomorrow, I am 

confident the nation will need 

the National Guard more than 

ever before.

Foundational Principles 

The National Guard is 

constitutionally unique and fulfills two key roles: 

the primary combat reserve of the Army and 

the Air Force and the first military responder in 

the homeland. 

The Guard has evolved as an operational 

force through the skill and devotion of 

America’s Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen. 

Together, we will forge a future based on these 

foundational principles that define how we see 

ourselves. 

“The Guard has evolved as 

an operational force through the 

skill and devotion of America’s 

Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen”
VISION for the FUTURE 3

 

The National Guard is ...

... The Nation’s Combat Reserve 

A truly operational force, the National 

Guard is a warfighting organization, 

designed with a balance of combat and 

enabling units that mirrors its active 

components. We must not squander the 

nation’s investment in this operational force. 

Army National Guard units must be 

resourced at a baseline of C3 within a 

progressive readiness model. Units that have 

been assigned, apportioned or allocated for 

federal missions will be funded and equipped 

to achieve the required levels of readiness for 

employment. 

Air National Guard units must remain 

resourced at a baseline of C1 and provide 

forces in Unit Type Codes that have the 

personnel and equipment tailored to deploy 

as part of a complete warfighting package. 

Both the Army and Air National Guard 

must be modernized with our active 

component counterparts.

... Integral to the Total Force

We are inextricably linked to the Army 

and Air Force and ready to fight as part 

of the nation’s Joint Force. We must fully 

implement Total Force concepts to organize, 

man, train, equip, modernize and employ 

the National Guard as an operational force. 

This will include measures such as providing 

recurring, rotational and sustainable 

capabilities to meet combatant command 

requirements.

.... Engaged and Always Accessible 

The National Guard is prepared to provide 

forces for large-scale contingencies when 

required. We are ideal for rotational 

 FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES
VISION 4 for the FUTURE

 

employment for combat and homeland response 

missions. A full suite of authorities exists to 

access Guard forces for missions at home or 

abroad. 

Leveraging real-world operations affords 

the Guard challenging training and global 

employment opportunities. These are 

fundamental for developing leaders and retaining 

members while also providing predictable 

deployment cycles.

... a Tremendous Value for America

The National Guard is a cost-effective, proven 

national asset. It provides full spectrum capability 

in the warfight and is the first military responder 

in the homeland. 

... Connected with America

Men and women of the National Guard and 

their families live in nearly every ZIP code with 

facilities in over 2,600 communities. We are 

often the face of the military across much of our 

nation. We communicate the strategic value of 

the Total Force to the citizens we serve, and help 

connect the Department of Defense with the 

fabric of our nation. In return, we maintain the 

trust and confidence of the American people.

FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES
VISION for the FUTURE 5

Mission Triad

What We Do

This symbol, the Mission Triad, is our 

brand. We prioritize based on these three 

missions — fighting America’s wars, 

securing the homeland and building 

enduring partnerships. 

These missions are intertwined, where 

the capability built in one strengthens 

and reinforces the others. 

The Minuteman in the middle represents 

our heritage and connects the earliest 

Citizen-Soldiers to today’s full spectrum 

Soldiers and Airmen. It also reflects the 

foundation upon which the National 

Guard is built — our Soldiers and Airmen, 

their families, and their communities with 

invaluable support from their employers. 

Fight Secure Build

More than 787,000 mobilizations since 9/11 More than 1.2 million man-days in FY16 Enduring relationships with 79 nations

Our storied history and future 

accomplishments are directly attributable 

to the dedication and skill of our most 

important weapon system: our people. 

Nothing happens across the force without 

the capable, competent and ready Army 

and Air National Guard warriors and their 

families and employers who support them. 

Their spirit of sacrifice and desire to do 

more makes me proud.

This is our story and 

we all need to tell it

Our people

America’s Wars the Homeland Partner ships
VISION 6 for the FUTURE

 MISSION TRIAD 

WARFIGHT

The National Guard stands ready to fight our 

nation’s enemies when called upon to do so. 

Our operational force is organized, manned, 

trained, equipped and funded around this 

fundamental task. 

From Brigade Combat Teams to enabling 

forces on the ground and in the air, to flying 

manned and unmanned platforms anywhere 

around the globe — we have individually 

deployed more than 787,000 times. 

Thousands of Guard members serve globally 

on any given day. In the future, worldwide 

operational employment of the National Guard 

will continue. 
VISION for the FUTURE 7

 MISSION TRIAD

HOMELAND

The National Guard is the first military responder in 

the homeland, providing ready forces for immediate 

demands. Capabilities and experience gained from the 

warfight are the same capabilities and experience used 

here in the homeland. 

We respond to natural disasters such as hurricanes 

and wildfires, and assist in crises such as the Boston 

Marathon bombing and the civil unrest in Ferguson 

and Baltimore. We also secure America as the 

primary force provider to the North American 

Aerospace Defense Command through the Aerospace 

Control Alert mission, and to the Missile Defense 

Agency through the Ground-based Midcourse 

Defense mission.

In a world where speed and agility matters, we stand 

‘Always Ready, Always There’ to respond to the call of 

duty. We are diverse in our experiences — teachers, 

lawyers, students, farmers, firefighters, doctors — 

as well as Soldiers and Airmen. Our presence in 

communities across our nation is foundational to who 

we are. 
PARTNERSHIPS

We accomplish missions overseas 

and at home through our enduring 

partnerships at the international, 

federal, state and local levels. Our 

expertise in bridging different 

cultures, organizations and people — 

to build bonds of trust and friendship 

— enables our success in warfighting 

and homeland missions. 

Our State Partnership Program 

(SPP), currently 79 nations strong, 

assures partners, deters foes, and 

helps transition nations from 

security consumers to global security 

providers. 

On the federal and state levels, 

teaming with our interagency 

partners on critical issues (i.e., 

emergency management, 

counterdrug and cyber capabilities) 

enables all levels of government to 

be rapidly brought to bear when 

needed. 

Locally, programs such as National 

Guard Youth ChalleNGe and 

Military Funeral Honors provide 

an essential and visible tie to the 

communities where we live and 

serve. 

Forging and maintaining these 

partnerships in today’s environment 

is an essential skill and force 

multiplier the Guard provides like no 

other. 

MISSION TRIAD
VISION for the FUTURE 9

The elements of the mission triad do not happen 

without ready units and Citizen-Soldiers and 

-Airmen. Readiness begins with our force 

structure represented by a balanced array of 

combat and enabling forces that largely mirrors 

the active component. We must be modernized 

on par with the active component and available 

across our nation. 

We expect our end strength will stabilize in 

2017; yet this still presents some risk as the lowest 

acceptable floor without jeopardizing our ability 

to meet global and homeland requirements. This 

stability should better enable our recruiting and 

retention of high quality, traditionally serving 

Provide Ready Forces 

to meet the Nation’s needs

Our center of gravity is our people. Since 

our militia roots, the well-being of our 

Soldiers, Airmen, families and employers has 

underpinned our service and proven to be 

critical to maintaining our part-time business 

model. 

People, Families and Employers

CNGB PRIORITIES

We are committed to establishing a respectful 

environment for all. We must strive for a 

diverse force, reflective of the communities we 

serve, where all members have the opportunity 

to reach their military goals. 

We will not tolerate acts that demoralize units 

and degrade readiness, 

such as sexual assault and 

sexual harassment; victims 

will receive our utmost 

care and support. 

We must continue to 

address the tragic issue of 

suicide. We simply cannot 

accept this continued loss 

of Soldiers and Airmen. 

This is a problem 

that needs to be met 

individually, with first-line leaders, battle 

buddies and wingmen looking out for each and 

every Soldier and Airman. We will place great 

emphasis on programs that provide mental 

health and resilience capabilities to units and 

leaders as they strive to prevent further suicide 

in our ranks. 

1

2

Guard members that provide the lifeblood of our 

organization. 

We will prepare units for the full spectrum 

of global challenges, ideally in a progressive 

readiness model. This includes participation in 

training events such as Combat Training Center 

rotations and Red Flag 

exercises. 

Our nation needs its 

National Guard to grow 

through these high-level 

training opportunities, 

and to use the leader 

development and readiness 

they generate to support 

a myriad of combatant 

commander requirements. 
VISION 10 for the FUTURE

 

Innovation 

PRIORITIES

3

Innovation is inherently in our DNA as CitizenSoldiers and -Airmen. Guard members develop 

imaginative solutions to perplexing challenges 

daily and their creative ways are needed more 

than ever before. 

Our unique culture embraces partnerships with 

public and private organizations. It is crucial that 

we focus with great deliberation on confronting 

the myriad threats and challenges we find across 

the defense enterprise.

 

When we think or read about innovation, topics 

As we examine 

family and 

employer 

programs, we 

remain mindful 

of the need to 

maintain those 

that generate the 

greatest readiness. 

Where we identify 

gaps, we will seek 

to leverage the 

numerous federal, 

state and local 

opportunities 

that assist the 

communities where 

we live and work. 

Providing as much predictability as possible 

in our deployment and training obligations is 

invaluable to families and employers — and 

thanking them for their support must be the 

rule, not the exception. We must foster an 

employer-service member relationship that is 

sustainable for both.

We will never forget those that came before 

us. As the nation’s community-based force, 

our Veterans and families of the fallen will 

lean on us for support, and we will be there 

for them. 

 

such as fielding 

major platforms or 

advances in weapons 

systems often come 

to mind. Although 

we have Soldiers and 

Airmen contributing 

in the technology 

space, innovation 

is not limited to 

technological 

advances. There are 

certainly Soldiers 

or Airmen thinking 

about how we can 

better maximize 

limited time, 

implement more 

efficient business 

processes, improve Army or Air Force policies, or 

update obsolete doctrine. 

Great ideas reside in the field, where our service 

members may be unknowingly solving macrolevel problems. We must leverage the unique 

depth and breadth of our civilian skill sets along 

with our military training and experience. Think 

big and contribute in ways not previously seen. 

We will find a way for you to channel your 

innovative thoughts to the proper places. 

Our unique business model is postured well to 

lead innovation. We must fight to adapt and 

change to make ourselves better. 
VISION for the FUTURE 11

Individual Fundamentals

As Soldiers and Airmen, we execute four fundamental tasks as we fight America’s wars, secure the homeland 

and build partnerships. These are tasks for which we should hold ourselves and each other accountable.

There is a reason that our service’s values are 

taught to Soldiers and Airmen at the earliest 

stages of their careers — because they underpin 

their actions every single day. 

Only through an environment that promotes 

diversity, inclusion and respect can we accomplish 

our missions, achieve our personal goals, and do 

so in a setting that recognizes each Soldier and 

Airman as vital to the success of the team. 

We will make mistakes; and when we do we 

will examine them honestly, discuss them 

with professional candor, take the necessary 

corrective action and grow from the experience. 

However, we cannot tolerate those who choose 

to act with a lack of integrity and character. 

Acts such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, 

and discrimination bring discredit to us all and 

destroy readiness. 

Our environment must be one where integrity 

guides our decisions, and where our battle 

buddies and wingmen know each of us strives 

to do what is right, every time. 

Ensuring a culture of respect, 

candor and integrity

Developing leaders at all levels

Regardless of your rank, the day you assume 

a new job, you need to begin training your 

replacement. While the service leader 

development philosophies rely on formal 

and informal experiences to groom the next 

generation, it is your responsibility to prepare 

your successors. 

Encourage them to seek leadership 

opportunities, challenge themselves with 

schools and self-development, and embrace 

feedback from superiors and subordinates 

alike. 

Be mindful of gaps in learning and 

development that have emerged with a 

generation of warriors who only know the 

post 9/11 environment. Many have not 

trained in full spectrum warfighting tasks 

or planned in the resource constrained 

environment we experienced in the post-Cold 

War era. 

Each of us must share the knowledge, insights, 

and wisdom that come from our incredibly 

diverse force and maximize every opportunity 

we have with our Soldiers and Airmen.

Exercising fiscal stewardship

We are all part of a magnificent force that has 

earned the nation’s respect and admiration. With 

that trust and confidence comes great responsibility 

to wisely manage our resources. Auditability and 

transparency are central to this discussion; our task 

is to make every dollar count. 

Accepting challenge to improve units 

and ourselves every day

The Profession of Arms is exactly that — a 

profession. Whether we serve as a traditional 

or M-day Guard member, AGR, Technician, 

or civilian, our country relies on our ability to 

respond when needed. 

This type of professionalism requires dedication 

to something much bigger than ourselves. We 

are committed to intellectual growth, physical 

wellness and a culture of resilience, while 

balancing the demands of military and civilian 

careers. 

As leaders, encourage your teams to begin their 

path to excellence in the Profession of Arms early 

in their careers as we all strive to improve our 

National Guard in support of our communities, 

states and nation.
VISION 12 for the FUTURE

CONCLUSION

It is an honor to lead the National Guard as we address the challenges 

facing our nation together. As an indispensable operational force, we will 

succeed due to the commitment, extraordinary talent and excellence of 

this generation’s Minutemen. Our Soldiers and Airmen always rise to the 

challenge of defending our nation, and respond to our communities during 

times of crises. 

We will always strive to be more innovative, responsive, capable and affordable. 

Our heritage is exceptional, but our best days in service to our nation lie 

ahead. We owe future generations of Americans a continued commitment to 

excellence. We are Guardsmen ... Always Ready, Always There! 

Go Guard!

28th Chief, National Guard Bureau