ARNG Command Team Briefs EANGUS: Ready for Combat — Ready for Anything:

On 1 August 2026, LTC Stubbs and CSM Kendrick of the Army National Guard Command Team addressed attendees at the EANGUS National Conference. Speaking directly from two key slides, they outlined the current strength of the force, its dual combat and homeland mission, and the path forward.

Who We Are:

The Army National Guard is a community-based combat reserve of more than 328,000 Soldiers across 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. It represents 34% of total Army personnel while consuming only 10% of the total Army budget and delivering 42% of the Army’s combat power. More than 30,000 Guard members are currently operationally employed at home and abroad, and the force maintains connections with over 2,300 communities.

The purpose is straightforward: fight and win the nation’s wars and support the homeland. The mission is to provide ready forces capable of large-scale combat operations and domestic response. The vision positions the Army National Guard as the cornerstone of the Army’s future force — a data-driven, globally deployable power that remains the unbreakable link between the American people and the Joint Force.

Ready for Combat at the Center:

The second slide placed “Ready for Combat” at the center of a wider system of efforts. Surrounding that core are four primary lines of effort:

1 – Grow combat-ready Soldiers and leaders

2 – Build lethal units

3 – Transform for the future

4 ‘ Strengthen enterprise partnerships

These efforts span recruiting and retention, medical readiness, Soldier and family care, modernization (aviation, autonomous systems, counter-UAS, future platforms), multi-domain operations, combat readiness exercises, homeland defense, and support to governors and communities.

The speakers emphasized that the National Guard is first and foremost a combat force. When the force is ready for combat, it is ready for anything — including domestic emergencies and community support. They noted the historical roots of the Guard as a militia and how it has continuously evolved into the modern operational force it is today. They also highlighted the rapid changes in technology on the battlefield, pointing to the high monthly casualties (approximately 30,000) seen in the Ukraine conflict as a clear warning of what happens when a force fails to adapt.

Throughout the briefing, LTC Stubbs and CSM Kendrick reinforced the importance of EANGUS and state associations such as EANGUT. Closing the benefits gap between active-duty and National Guard service remains a priority, and strong membership and advocacy are essential to protecting current benefits while shaping the force for the future. They opened the floor to questions from Professional Development attendees and answered concerns openly and honestly.

For EANGUT members, the message is direct: the work we do at the state and national level strengthens the very force that stands ready — for combat, for the homeland, and for the American people. Taking care of our Soldiers and Airmen benefits builds trust, loyalty, and a more professional force in the National Guard.