Legislature(2009 - 2010)BARNES 124
03/09/2010 01:00 PM House MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
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| Overview: Alaska State Defense Force | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS
March 9, 2010
1:02 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Carl Gatto, Chair
Representative Bob Lynn
Representative Jay Ramras
Representative Tammie Wilson
Representative Robert L. "Bob" Buch
Representative Scott Kawasaki
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative John Harris
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING: ADJUTANT GENERAL THOMAS KATKUS~
COMMISSIONER~ DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
- ADVANCED
OVERVIEW: ALASKA STATE DEFENSE FORCE
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
THOMAS KATKUS, Brigadier General
Commissioner/Adjutant General Appointee
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs (DMVA)
Fort Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Department of
Military & Veterans' Affairs.
LARRY WOOD
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the confirmation hearing
for Brigadier General Thomas Katkus, Commissioner/Adjutant
General Appointee, Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs.
MAJOR MICHAEL COONS, Executive Officer
1st Battalion, Central Command
49th Readiness Brigade
Alaska State Defense Force (ASDF)
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the confirmation hearing
for Brigadier General Thomas Katkus, Commissioner/Adjutant
General Appointee, Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:02:46 PM
CHAIR CARL GATTO called the House Special Committee on Military
and Veterans' Affairs meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. Present at
the call to order were Representatives Gatto, Tammie Wilson,
Ramras, and Buch. Representatives Lynn and Kawasaki arrived as
the meeting was in progress.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING: ADJUTANT GENERAL THOMAS KATKUS,
COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
CONFIRMATION HEARING: ADJUTANT GENERAL THOMAS KATKUS,
COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
^OVERVIEW: ALASKA STATE DEFENSE FORCE
OVERVIEW: ALASKA STATE DEFENSE FORCE
1:02:58 PM
CHAIR GATTO announced that the first order of business was the
confirmation hearing for Brigadier General Thomas Katkus,
Commissioner/Adjutant General Appointee, Department of Military
& Veterans' Affairs. Chair Gatto, in response to a request from
the appointee, authorized concurrent testimony on the overview
of the Alaska State Defense Force.
1:03:47 PM
THOMAS KATKUS, Brigadier General, Commissioner/Adjutant General
Appointee, Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs, said he
is fully qualified for the position and listed his educational
and military qualifications as follows: federally recognized
general officer; pending certificate of eligibility for a two-
star position; graduate of the Army War College with a master's
degree in Strategic Studies; 33 years of military service; an
Alaskan resident; in good health; fully ready to serve.
Brigadier General Katkus acknowledged that this confirmation
hearing may be his most difficult because he has been in charge
of the Alaska National Guard since his appointment in November,
and he has addressed a problem with the Alaska State Defense
Force (ASDF), a small force within the Department of Military &
Veterans' Affairs (DMVA). He began to explain the purpose of
the ASDF and its relevancy to Alaska's security.
1:06:21 PM
BRIGADIER GENERAL KATKUS explained the ASDF is an auxiliary
police force that has served the state for 26 years with little
recognition. In fact, the ASDF was formed under a
constitutional statute that allows the governor to mobilize a
militia such as the Alaska National Guard or a state defense
force. He clarified that the National Guard Bureau directs how
a state develops its defense force, thus the state defense force
is under the governor's command, but is governed by the National
Guard Bureau regulations.
1:07:27 PM
CHAIR GATTO asked whether the top of the sequence of command is
the General of the Army, or the governor of Alaska.
1:07:46 PM
BRIGADIER GENERAL KATKUS said the governor. He returned to the
regulation and stressed that although the regulation goes
directly to the authority of the army, there is a controlling
statement that the regulation is specific and directive in
nature. The chain of command is by the governor and through the
adjutant general, or his authorized representative. At this
time, similar to what active duty members and the National Guard
have done, the ASDF is trying to transform and become relevant
to the current threat environment in order to be a "force
multiplier" in the safety security of the nation, the state, and
its citizens. Brigadier General Katkus pointed out that the
adjutant general is usually the senior officer in charge of the
ASDF. However, an administrative order by a previous
administration placed that duty with the deputy adjutant
general, who is a state employee. Furthermore, the former
adjutant general directed Brigadier General Katkus, then the
assistant adjutant general, to "take charge of the state defense
force, and basically organize it under their ... commander."
1:09:49 PM
CHAIR GATTO asked whether the assistant is the same as the
deputy.
1:10:03 PM
BRIGADIER GENERAL KATKUS responded that the deputy is the senior
general officer of either service when the adjutant general is
not present. In Alaska, there is an assistant adjutant general
for the air guard, the army guard, and for space and missile
defense. He continued to explain that Brigadier General Julio
R. Banez, Assistant Adjutant General, Alaska Army National
Guard, is a federal employee in a civilian job, thus cannot
command the ASDF; therefore the duty passes to Brigadier General
Deborah McManus, Assistant Adjutant General-Air, Alaska. She is
a senior state employee and is well-qualified, but because she
is not assigned to a land force there is a point of contention.
He agreed with members of the ASDF who correctly note that the
chain of command cannot fall to a federal officer; however, the
regulation says that the adjutant general, and any National
Guardsman in that capacity, is not considered a federal officer.
1:12:05 PM
BRIGADIER GENERAL KATKUS, in response to Chair Gatto, said
Deborah McManus' state title is the Division Director of the
Alaska National Guard, Military Headquarters. He then explained
the ASDF is a compassionate, volunteer, organization present
throughout Alaska, and that has responded to fires, provided
bridge security, and assisted with community events such as the
Iditarod Sled Dog Race. He suggested there are two ways to look
at a National Guard unit or a state defense force: (1) as a
strategic reserve; (2) as an operational force. First
responders such as fireman and police officers constitute an
operational force; however, a strategic reserve is what the
National Guard was before [the terrorist attacks of September
11, 2001]. A strategic reserve requires a training period of
45-60 days and receives a lower level of funding. Brigadier
General Katkus advised that the ASDF is an operational force,
and often operates in a law enforcement capacity. The
authorizing statute allows the governor to call to service a
militia, or the National Guard, to serve as an auxiliary police
force without special training or certification from the Alaska
Police Standards Council, nor are they sworn police officers for
the state. In fact, for the ASDF or a militia, the police
powers come from the governor's call to duty.
1:15:09 PM
CHAIR GATTO asked whether ASDF members are sworn.
1:15:17 PM
BRIGADIER GENERAL KATKUS clarified they are sworn members of the
National Guard or the militia. He expressed his desire to move
the ASDF to a strategic reserve level which would solve the
problems of funding, training, and resourcing. By regulation,
the ASDF should be 10-15 percent of the perceived unorganized
militia in the event of a disaster. Therefore, if 1,500 people
report to serve in a disaster, the ASDF should be about 10
percent, or 150 people, to serve throughout the state as a cadre
to organize the militia. He described a new response system
that is emerging in the U.S. in response to chemical,
biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive
attacks. Because threats against the security of the state have
changed in the years since the ASDF was formed, he recommended
that the ASDF identify its mission, define its orders, find
resources, and become properly trained. Brigadier General
Katkus concluded that his vision is to change the ASDF from an
operational, un-financed, and un-resourced force into a
strategic reserve that has relevancy, and that can be applied to
a problem in a deliberate and planned method. To accomplish
this, the ASDF must also identify training opportunities around
what the military does best. He assured the committee he does
not want to dissolve the ASDF.
1:21:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH thanked Brigadier General Katkus for his
service. He pointed out that the ASDF's Strategic Goal 1 is to
increase unit strength from 254 to 300, which is twice the
number mentioned during the above testimony.
1:22:04 PM
BRIGADIER GENERAL KATKUS explained that the Strategic Plan is
adjustable. He acknowledged that the goal of 300 was published
before the regulations were reviewed.
CHAIR GATTO asked for the source of the 1,500 people who would
form the unorganized militia.
1:23:13 PM
BRIGADIER GENERAL KATKUS surmised that many would be victims of
the disaster.
CHAIR GATTO expressed his concern about the aftermath of a dirty
bomb.
BRIGADIER GENERAL KATKUS stated that America is being prepared
for man-made and natural disasters.
1:24:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TAMMIE WILSON asked whether the force of 1,500
could change in size.
1:24:55 PM
BRIGADIER GENERAL KATKUS advised a larger force larger is almost
unmanageable.
REPRESENTATIVE TAMMIE WILSON asked whether this would be an all-
volunteer force.
1:25:44 PM
BRIGADIER GENERAL KATKUS responded that funding would come from
the disaster relief fund, and the pay-scale is that of state
active duty. He then assured Chair Gatto that the Alaska
military trains for the loss of airfields, railroads, roads, and
other infrastructure. Brigadier General Katkus further advised
that planning takes place for every scenario; for example, if
active duty planes at Elmendorf Air Force Base were lost,
replacements coming from out-of-state would be diverted to
Anchorage International Airport, Fairbanks International
Airport, Fort Wainwright Army Base, or Eielson Air Force Base.
He cautioned that another concern regarding the ASDF is access.
He described the response to an air incursion, and the roles of
the various military defense agencies, many of which depend on
the National Guard twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week
(24/7). In fact, in Alaska, the National Guard plays a critical
component in ways it never has before, such as missile defense.
Brigadier General Katkus relayed details of the recent rescue of
a heart attack victim 50 miles from Clear Air Force Base, and
the participation by the National Guard and active duty Army
personnel who work together for search and rescue in Alaska. He
remarked:
The state defense force is not going to be that
robust, but the state defense force still has a play
in this game. They are still a part of the security
of Alaska, and they play a valuable part; they bring
to the table an institutional knowledge, a skill set,
and above all, a dedication and passion. The men and
women of the state defense force ... are passionate
individuals that really believe in selfless service,
they work for free. They are out there and will do
any task that you ask them to do .... It's imperative
that we look for a way to make sure that they are
relevant and how they fit in the picture.
1:32:47 PM
BRIGADIER GENERAL KATKUS agreed with Chair Gatto that the rescue
was a good training mission for parachute jumpers.
1:32:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS expressed his admiration for the
appointee's work ethic. Regarding the ASDF, he supported
Brigadier General Katkus' efforts to bring the force into focus
for the committee. He recalled speaking to members of the ASDF
in Fairbanks who want their mission clarified.
1:35:14 PM
CHAIR GATTO stated that public testimony would not be taken on
the overview, and returned attention to the confirmation
hearing. He asked for public testimony on the confirmation.
1:36:01 PM
LARRY WOOD referred to written testimony that he had submitted
to the committee regarding his attempts to obtain reports from
the DMVA, and the response he had received from the Department
of Law (DOL). Regarding the ASDF, he said the idea of a
strategic reserve was specious, and placed the defense force in
a position of impotence with little ability to assist the
citizens of Alaska. He described his personal active duty
service in 2006, when the defense force saved the Valdez Police
Department, the Glennallen detachment of the Alaska State
Troopers, and the Department of Transportation & Public
Facilities (DOT&PF) manpower and money. Mr. Wood called
attention to the following points: (1) the ASDF reports for duty
the next day after it is requested; (2) the call-up time for
full-time forces is 12-24 hours, and the National Guard takes
longer; (3) the state must pay for wages and equipment for
federal troops, but ASDF members receive $175 per day and supply
their own equipment. In response to Chair Gatto, Mr. Wood said
his written documents have been shared with the committee. He
then recalled that in 11/2007, Brigadier General Katkus told him
that he had never worked with the ASDF.
1:39:56 PM
CHAIR GATTO referred to an email and asked whether the email was
the relevant document.
1:40:12 PM
MR. WOOD said the 2/2008 letter applies to a complaint Mr. Wood
filed with the governor. He opined a comparison with a letter
dated 7/22, from former Commissioner Craig Campbell, indicates
the complaint was vindicated.
1:40:57 PM
MAJOR MICHAEL COONS, Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, Central
Command, 49th Readiness Brigade, Alaska State Defense Force
(ASDF), informed the committee he has served with the ASDF for
nine years. Major Coons said the ASDF provides public safety at
a price far less than any other agency. This is possible
because the volunteers train without pay, and provide their own
equipment and uniforms. ASDF members are only compensated when
they are deployed in the service of the state, such as to the
Yukon River Bridge, Hooper Bay, and the Willow and Valdez
floods, where they received $250-$280 per day. Between
deployments, members train without cost to the state. Major
Coons opined Brigadier General Katkus has revised the mission of
the ASFD to become the strategic reserve, and its cadre mission
during a disaster is to train the unorganized militia. He has
been assured that the National Guard will quickly respond to a
disaster; however, its response must be approved by the federal
government. He questioned how the militia can respond rapidly
and effectively to affected communities during small and large
disasters, or terrorist attacks. He also questioned which force
is most cost-effective for small disasters, and pointed out that
the state pays $1 to every $3 of federal funds to support the
National Guard. The ASDF is responsible to the state, and is
used as a lead element to mitigate small disasters and to serve
at community events. In order to improve the public perception
of the National Guard, he urged that the National Guard and the
ASDF force serve together at civic missions. Turning to the
subject of funding, he informed the committee that the ASDF
receives $35,000 per year for operations, but nothing for
recruitment, training, equipment, or administrative duties. As
the DMVA is in charge of the National Guard, the Naval Militia,
and the ASDF, he urged for the funding request to be channeled
through the DMVA. He concluded that the ASDF will continue to
provide a "huge bang for the buck" with support from the
legislature, the adjutant general, and the governor, and stated
his support for the appointee.
1:47:08 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TAMMIE WILSON made a motion to advance from
committee the nomination of Brigadier General Thomas Katkus as
commissioner for Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs.
1:47:27 PM
CHAIR GATTO asked whether there were any objections to the
motion. There being none, the confirmation was advanced from
the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs.
1:47:53 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting was
adjourned at 1:47 p.m.
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