2006 WVNG Annual Report PDF - West Virginia Army National Guard

West Virginia National Guard Annual Report 2006Great ExpectationsThe War on Terrorism…West Virginia National Guard has deployed every state unit for the Global War onTerrorism. Our continued emphasis on readiness to perform our missions within the state,across the nation and around the world contributes to the high demand of our personnel andtheir selection to accomplish demanding missions. With this, our prestigious standing as apart of America's fighting force is ensured. As a Joint Force, the Air and Army National Guardwill continue to excel at the traditional roles of providing for the welfare of our state and protectingour nation's interests. We will give our utmost in leading the country in the ongoing roles ofhomeland security and the war against terrorism.Army National Guard…We will continue to expand and upgrade the West Virginia Army National Guard toremain on the cutting edge of technology, systems and modern units. The Army NationalGuard goal is to increase end strength to 4,500 soldiers by end of year 2007 through aggressiverecruiting, retention and obtaining additional units that will meet the Army's need for forceprojection overseas and for the defense of our nation at home. Such units would includeadditional medical, engineer, military police, chemical response, signal and transportationunits to be dispersed among our state's major population areas that can meet both federal andstate missions. Additionally, it is our goal to attain/maintain priority status for our units, whichwill ensure the acquisition of modern equipment, expand career opportunities for our soldiers,and increase the amount of federal dollars required to support such units, directly impactingthe economy and welfare of our state.Air National Guard…We are continuing to pursue the change in mission to the C-5A aircraft for the 167thAirlift Wing in Martinsburg, ensuring the Wing's viability as an integral part of the Department ofthe Air Force. To attain this goal, construction continues on several construction projectsneeded to house the gigantic C-5 aircraft, and base officials have hired the first of more than150 new positions that came about as a result of the conversion. In addition, Sen. Byrd recentlyannounced that the Air Force had selected Martinsburg as the site of the Air Guard's C-5Isochronal Inspection Shop. An average of 33 C-5 aircraft will arrive at Martinsburg each yearfor periodic maintenance. This means up to 120 additional jobs, above those designated forthe C-5 conversion, will be hired at the base. This will further enhance the economic developmentof the Eastern Panhandle and overall economy of our state. Modernization and expansionof facilities at the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston continue as well, with plans to increasethe number of authorized aircraft, personnel and full time support force.70