Wilson Seeks National Commission on Army Force Structure

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) introduced H.R. 3930, the "National Commission on the Structure of the Army Act of 2014." A bipartisan group of 16 cosponsors joined Congressman Wilson in supporting this legislation.

"Over the last 12 years of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Army and Congress have made significant investments in order to make the National Guard a truly operational reserve force that is interchangeable with the active duty Army. There were times during Operation Iraqi Freedom when the Army National Guard represented 50% of the Army's combat power. We cannot stray away from the Total Force Policy that has served our country so well and allowed us to maintain an all-volunteer force.

"This restructuring also significantly reduces personnel, many of whom are aviation personnel with years of experience as either pilots or in aircraft maintenance. Over 6,000 of these personnel, whom the Army has invested significant time and money, will be forced out of a job and will be cut from the Army National Guard as a result of this proposal. Such a restructuring cannot and should not be rushed. We must take our time and examine the issue to make sure that our Army and our Soldiers remain the best in the world," Congressman Joe Wilson said.

*Serious concerns have been brought to light regarding proposed changes to Army force structure, especially the proposed Army Aviation restructuring plan. This aviation restructuring plan would have a significantly negative impact on Army National Guard aviation and the Total Army. The National Guard is the primary combat reserve for the Army and should mirror the active duty force. However, this plan takes all of the AH-64 Apache helicopters and places them with active duty, leaving no strategic depth and reach back capability for support. It also takes over 100 of the LUH-72 Lakota, a helicopter purchased specifically for the National Guard, and transfers it to be used as the Army's new training helicopter. This is not what Congress intended.

*A copy of the bill can be found here.