Legislature(2015 - 2016)ANCH LIO AUDITORIUM
10/14/2015 09:30 AM House MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Overview(s) Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs | |
| HB126 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS
Anchorage, Alaska
October 14, 2015
9:31 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Bob Herron, Chair
Representative Gabrielle LeDoux, Vice Chair
Representative Jim Colver
Representative Shelley Hughes
Representative Bob Lynn
Representative Max Gruenberg
Representative Chris Tuck
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative David Talerico
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
OVERVIEW(S): DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS -
DIVISION OF HOMELAND SECURITY & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT; OFFICE OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS; ARMY NATIONAL GUARD; AIR NATIONAL GUARD;
PRESENTATION ON HB 126; ALASKA STATE DEFENSE FORCE; ALASKA
MILITARY YOUTH ACADEMY.
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
BOB DOEHL, Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner/Adjutant General
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced overviews and presentations by
various divisions of the Department of Military & Veterans'
Affairs.
MIKE O'HARE, Director
Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview of the Division of
Homeland Security & Emergency Management.
FORREST POWELL, Program Coordinator
Office of Veterans Affairs
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an overview of the Office of
Veterans Affairs.
COLONEL JOE STREFF, Commander
Alaska Army National Guard
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an overview of the Alaska Army
National Guard.
MAJOR MICHELLE EDWARDS, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel
Alaska Army National Guard
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Assisted in the overview of the Alaska Army
National Guard.
COLONEL KAREN MANSFIELD, Commander
Alaska Air National Guard
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview of the Alaska Air
National Guard.
BRIGADIER GENERAL (ALASKA) ROGER HOLL, Commander
Alaska State Defense Force
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an overview of the Alaska State
Defense Force.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN JAMES, Director of Training and
Operations
Alaska State Defense Force
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered a question during the overview of
the Alaska State Defense Force.
JAMES JONES, Deputy Director
Alaska Military Youth Academy
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview of the Alaska Military
Youth Academy.
ROBERT MCGILL
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of arming National
Guard recruiters.
ACTION NARRATIVE
9:31:31 AM
CHAIR BOB HERRON called the House Special Committee on Military
and Veterans' Affairs meeting to order at 9:31 a.m.
Representatives Tuck, Lynn, Gruenberg, Hughes, Colver, and
Herron were present at the call to order. Representative LeDoux
arrived as the meeting was in progress.
^OVERVIEW(S) DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
OVERVIEW(S) DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
9:32:07 AM
CHAIR HERRON announced that the first order of business would be
an introduction of the scheduled overviews and presentations by
the deputy commissioner, Department of Military & Veterans'
Affairs.
9:32:45 AM
BOB DOEHL, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the
Commissioner/Adjutant General, Department of Military &
Veterans' Affairs (DMVA), began an overview of the DMVA, noting
there would be a focus on the army and air component commanders
and division directors regarding specifics of their programs,
and answering questions. The department consists of service
components, the Air and Army National Guards, the Alaska State
Defense Force, the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency
Management, the Alaska Military Youth Academy, and the Office of
Veterans Affairs. Mr. Doehl explained that much of DMVA's
success is contingent on federal mission and federal resources;
for example, approximately $15 million in general funds is
leveraged to bring in approximately $500 million to the Alaska
economy from the federal government. The overview would also
cover more effective engagement in rural Alaska, which is a
priority of DMVA and the Walker Administration. To implement
programs, DMVA has three areas of priorities, beginning with
Arctic Strategy. The Arctic is of vital national and state
interest and DMVA encourages - through the National Defense
Authorization Act - requiring the U.S. Department of Defense
(DoD) to identify, resource, and fund a national strategy for
the Arctic that makes sense for Alaskans and the nation. The
second priority is engagement with all Alaska communities, rural
and urban. The third priority is the growth of emergency
preparedness capacity to cope with disasters, such as fires and
storms, cost-effectively. Mr. Doehl pointed out all three
priorities involve more effective engagement in rural Alaska,
with which all divisions have been tasked.
9:36:57 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG asked for a copy of U.S. Senator
Sullivan's amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act
[NDAA] and the status thereof.
MR. DOEHL said the amendment to section 1043 of the NDAA [FY2016
NDAA passed 10/7/15] requires DoD to develop an operations plan
for the Arctic, identify forces to support the plan - such as
land forces - and identity new funding. The amendment was
introduced at committee, the bill was passed by Congress, and
awaits the President's signature. However, he cautioned that
the bill at this point may be vetoed due to differences between
the executive and legislative branches of government on defense
funding. In further response to Representative Gruenberg, he
said the amendment was introduced in the U.S. Senate Committee
on Armed Services.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG asked whether there was a provision
requiring the federal government to work with the DMVA and the
Alaska National Guard.
MR. DOEHL explained that although that language is not in the
amendment, consistent with the doctrine of operations plans, he
expected "that consultation to happen ... functionally because
of the role DMVA - the Department of Military & Veterans'
Affairs - plays up here." In Alaska, DMVA owns the search and
rescue forces of Alaska, and owns the air defense surveillance
missions, thus the federal government would need to consult with
DMVA.
CHAIR HERRON added that the committee can ask the deputy
commissioner to request assurance from Senator Sullivan that
there is a working relationship with the state.
9:40:06 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG moved that [the committee request from
Senator Sullivan an assurance in writing that articulates the
understanding that there is a working relationship with DMVA].
There being no objection, it was so ordered.
9:40:32 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES referred to DMVA's vision and asked
whether there is a state and a federal mission that is carried
out by DMVA.
MR. DOEHL responded that the federal mission applies when
federal funds are received to execute a specific federal
purpose. For example, the Army National Guard was funded to
organize, train, and equip for deployment as a land component.
Also, federal funds are provided for search and rescue and to
watch for incursions into U.S. airspace, and the Division of
Homeland Security & Emergency Management receives Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant monies for disaster
mitigation. The Office of Veterans Affairs receives federal
money to provide transportation. One of the missions funded by
the state is for the Alaska State Defense Force in order to help
Alaskans in need. In addition, the Army National Guard used
state funds for firefighting, and state money also provides for
outreach events to veterans, which are needed because Alaska has
more veterans per capita than any other state.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES surmised there is not one overarching
mission.
MR. DOEHL explained it is difficult for one mission to encompass
duties as diverse as the Alaska Military Youth Academy,
preparing troops to assist in disaster response, and helping
veterans.
9:45:36 AM
MIKE O'HARE, Director, Division of Homeland Security & Emergency
Management, Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs, said the
mission of the division is to coordinate critical services to
protect lives and property from terrorism, and all other
hazards, natural and manmade. To do so the division establishes
a culture of preparedness, enabling a swift coordinated response
leading to a rapid recovery. He said Alaska has experienced a
difficult spring due to flooding, and a difficult summer with
many wildfires and communities evacuated due to smoke and fire.
He noted there were no fatalities related to fires, although a
mudslide in Sitka took three lives. This f all has brought sea
storms with hurricane-force winds. Also, this year, the division
hosted and protected visitors to the international conference on
the Arctic, and coordinated with security during [President
Barack Obama's trip to Alaska]. Mr. O'Hare reiterated that the
division is the lead disaster-coordinating agency in the state
and partners with the National Guard, the Alaska State Defense
Force and federal agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard and DoD.
For example, DoD provides individual readiness training that
will be utilized in Newtok. Other partnerships are established
with faith-based and nonprofit groups, as well as state and
local agencies. Tribal partners such as the Tanana Chiefs
Conference (TCC) also help the division complete its mission, as
do private sector organizations. He stated that the division
has sixty employees in five sections. The operations section
coordinates state resources and resources from outside Alaska if
necessary. The division also assists communities to prepare for
spring floods and local emergencies through outreach educational
materials for individuals and families. He mentioned an
awareness campaign called the Great Alaska Shake-out which
teaches victims of an earthquake to drop, cover, and hold. The
division's planning section provides Small Community Emergency
Response Plans (SCERP) to every small community in Alaska. The
planning section also provides disaster mitigation projects such
as elevating houses to prevent flooding. Mr. O'Hare stressed
that mitigation projects are a good investment compared to the
costs incurred during a disaster. The division's disaster
assistance section directs victims to state and federal grant
programs to rebuild and recover. The fifth section is the
administration and grant support section.
9:56:11 AM
CHAIR HERRON suggested legislators would benefit from having
individual written disaster plans on hand.
MR. O'HARE offered to provide copies for members. In response
to Representative Hughes, he confirmed that the earthquake
exercises are provided primarily for school children, and
approximately one hundred thousand school children are
registered to participate.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES expressed her belief that more adults and
businesses should be involved. She then asked whether FEMA has
money available for medical and security units.
MR. O'HARE stated that Alaska Shield 2014 was successful, and
the division partnered with the Department of Health and Social
Services (DHSS) to get catastrophic medical kits; in fact, DHSS
has received medical equipment and supply stations from its
national counterparts. In further response to Representative
Hughes, he said equipment and supplies are available at a
moment's notice.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES recalled that during the Sockeye fire,
some of the nonprofit agencies were "blocked" from helping. She
suggested the emergency network needs to be improved.
MR. O'HARE agreed that donations must be coordinated and he has
hired a donations management individual to focus on the
efficient distribution of donations of every kind.
CHAIR HERRON requested to see the plan for the future of Newtok.
10:01:28 AM
MR. O'HARE said the division's focus is on rural engagement and
resilience, and seeks to ensure that emergency response plans
are up-to-date and appropriate for every rural community, along
with providing more innovative mitigation opportunities.
Regarding Newtok and Mertarvik, the state has applied for a
federal community development block (CDBG) grant that could
bring approximately $225 million to communities affected by
disasters from 2012-2014, including Newtok and Mertarvik. He
said the grant will help finish the Newtok and Mertarvik
project, and more information on the grant is available. Also,
there will be a focus on the Arctic and the development of its
critical infrastructure - such as ports and communications lines
- which must adapt to climate change. In addition, the division
will work to enhance emergency management plans for each
community.
10:04:45 AM
FORREST POWELL, Program Coordinator, Office of Veterans Affairs,
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs, informed the
committee there are 73,397 recognized veterans in Alaska. The
mission of the Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) is to promote
the awareness of eligible veterans, active duty, guard and
reserve members, and their families and survivors, to receive
from federal and state government all benefits to which they are
entitled. The vision of OVA is to ensure that all veterans,
active duty, guard, and reserve and their families understand
that all benefits have been earned. The office's core values
are to be held personally and professionally accountable to
deliver America's promise to all eligible members, and to serve
through courage, conviction, and on behalf of the values of
integrity, compassion, commitment, selflessness, and teamwork.
The office's goal is to serve Alaska, one veteran at a time.
Mr. Powell said the foregoing drives OVA's 17 veteran service
officers and 4 staff members to serve over 73,000 veterans and
154,000 dependents, plus active duty and guardsmen. In
addition, OVA's full time staff members are members of the
Alaska Veterans Advisory Council, participate in state veteran's
cemetery planning, manage the Alaska Territorial Guard program,
and hold active duty discharges, which are copies of DD Form 214
discharge documents that are kept on file for future needs. Mr.
Powell continued, noting that OVA staff members partner with
over 250 tribal veterans' representatives, attend town hall
meetings, attend indigent veterans' funerals, provide memorial
grant funds, partner with veteran service officers, manage rural
transportation grants, partner with the U.S. Veteran's
Administration (VA) Homeless Veteran Outreach program, and
partner with other agencies to prevent homelessness, thereby
providing services to veterans and their families throughout
Alaska. Additionally, OVA and its staff of 21 ensured the
return of $56 million to eligible veterans and family members.
This is an ongoing annual amount that increases each year based
on the increase in the number of veterans in the state who have
been assessed with a 10 percent disability. An example of a 10
percent disability is tinnitus, which results in a payment of
$133.17. The office assists 57,989 veterans, active duty,
reserve component members and their families with the processing
of federal and state benefits claims.
10:10:49 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES asked how many of the 73,000 veterans are
"connecting with the services you provide, how many are untapped
and probably aren't receiving [possible benefits]...?"
MR. POWELL said 34,000 of the 73,000 veterans need to be reached
and brought into the system. In further response to
Representative Hughes, he said the reasons why many veterans are
not receiving benefits could be a lack of knowledge or a
language barrier.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES surmised a similar percentage from an
additional 34,000 veterans receiving benefits could result in
$20 million to $30 million influx to Alaska's economy.
10:13:04 AM
MR. POWELL returned to the overview, noting that this year $244
million was paid for disability compensation and pensions to
veterans and their families in Alaska; therefore, if all 73,000
veterans were recognized in the VA Healthcare System, it would
reduce strain on the medical community. From its budget of $2.8
million, OVA transfers $1,015,700 to the Veterans' Organization
Grant program, which recognizes five service organizations -
American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of
the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans
of America. The grant pays for the seventeen OVA service
officers, who are trained and accredited locally and nationally.
As a term of the funding, service officers are required to
travel to a minimum of two highly rural areas each month.
Additional funding during the recent fire emergencies was
obtained by the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency
Management. Mr. Powell stated that service organizations in
Washington and Virginia are following Alaska's example of
replacing service officers that are assigned by the state or
county, with those assigned to service organizations. He
returned to the topic of the VA Highly Rural Transportation
Grant program (HRTG) and advised that Alaska received $250,000,
which was the amount of the highest award issued of the 26
states eligible for the program. With these funds between
January and September, 2015, OVA reached over 5,901 veterans in
highly rural transportation systems. Recipients were: Alaska
Marine Highway System - Kodiak Island; Interior Alaska Bus Line
- Denali; Inter-Island Ferry System - Prince of Wales and Hyder;
Valley Movers - Matanuska-Susitna Valley; and AAA Alaska Cab -
Kenai Peninsula. Ground transportation for three of the
recipients totaled over 220,000 miles. Nautical miles for the
ferries totaled over 67,000 nautical miles. Another grant has
been requested for this coming year in the same amount. Mr.
Powell turned to the subject of safety, noting that the Stand
Down Program provides direct assistance to veterans regarding
homelessness, medical and dental screenings, employment
assistance and other factors. These funds were provided to
Unalaska, Homer, Soldotna, Kotzebue, and Nome. At annual events
in Fairbanks and Anchorage, 2,500 veterans were reached in
connection with local providers. There are over 250 trained
tribal veterans' representatives, who are key to the success of
reaching veterans in villages; in fact, Alaska has the largest
veterans' volunteer corps in the nation. Since 2011, veterans
and their families have been supported in their communities
across Alaska. The transportation grants reach those who "would
never venture out of their homes for our assistance."
Agreements with DoD to provide assistance to the Alaska
Territorial Guard continue, and although efforts to find,
research, and issue discharges are difficult, the goal remains
to provide discharge documents for each Alaska Territorial Guard
veteran who was not provided documents in 1947. In response to
Representative LeDoux, Mr. Powell said that Alaska Territorial
Guard veterans are eligible for the same benefits as other
veterans, thus the importance of having discharge papers.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX pointed out that many Hmong people live in
Alaska and expressed her understanding that Hmong people who
served the U.S. during the Vietnam War do not receive veterans'
benefits. She asked what can be done.
10:23:34 AM
MR. DOEHL said that is correct. United States Senator Lisa
Murkowski introduced a provision that would have allowed Hmong
who served U.S. forces in Southeast Asia to be buried in
veteran's cemeteries, but the measure did not pass, and there is
no new related legislation pending. He suggested that the
committee contact the Alaska congressional delegation if it
wishes to support recognition for the Hmong forces. In further
response to Representative LeDoux, he was unsure of what is
preventing recognition of the Hmong forces, but it could be a
variety of concerns including money, and the fact the Hmong
forces did not swear an oath of allegiance to the U.S.
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN suggested a resolution from the committee to
the Alaska congressional delegation and others, stating its
support of those who fought side-by-side, would be helpful.
MR. DOEHL expressed his agreement with a statement of support
for those serving in past and present conflicts, such as the
translators in Afghanistan who may seek immigration to the U.S.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX has heard from Hmong constituents that the
military does not permit representatives to appear at Hmong Day
recognition ceremonies.
MR. DOEHL assured Representative LeDoux that he would
investigate and respond; however, the Alaska National Guard has
sent representatives to every event to which they have been
invited.
10:28:21 AM
MR. POWELL directed attention to the Alaska Frontier Honor
Flights that are opportunities for WWII and Korean War veterans
to visit war monuments in Washington, D.C. Two years ago,
nonprofit organizations and corporations were encouraged to
support this program. Alaska Territorial Guard members also
have this opportunity. The OVA attends every welcome home event
at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and he
invited committee members to attend the arrival of veterans on
10/17/15.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES requested a copy of the veterans' service
booklet for each legislator's office.
REPRESENTATIVE COLVER asked for the location of the seventeen
service officers.
MR. POWELL said eight service officers are located in Anchorage,
one is in Ketchikan, one is in Kenai, three are in Fairbanks,
and two are in the Matanuska-Susitna valley. In further
response to Representative Colver, he confirmed that two service
officers were added two years ago.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES cautioned about the state budget
challenges ahead, and encouraged OVA to more assertively connect
with the 34,000 veterans who have not been reached.
10:32:15 AM
COLONEL JOE STREFF, Commander, Alaska Army National Guard,
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs, informed the
committee the vision of the Alaska Army National Guard (Army
Guard) is to be a diverse, trusted, and capable organization
ready to conduct unified land operations for the federal
government and the state. Its mission is to maintain ready
units and soldiers that are able to support the governor and
Alaskans for domestic operations, while also ready to deploy
worldwide in support of the national military strategy. The
Army Guard focuses on four lines of effort: 1) provide a
relevant, ready, and available force; 2) improve professionalism
so that soldiers are experts in occupational skills, values, and
leadership; 3) emerge as experts in the subject of Arctic
domain; 4) partner and align with other agencies. From the
federal perspective, this includes headquarters in Alaska, and
within Alaska, work with the [Division of Homeland Security &
Emergency Management, DMVA, and the Division of Forestry,
Department of Natural Resources], local emergency management
agencies, and local responders. The force structure includes
two brigades: the 297th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and the
38th Troop Command, and a joint forces headquarters, for a total
of 1,850 solders. Within the brigade there is an aviation
battalion with 20 Blackhawk helicopters, a reconnaissance and
surveillance battalion, and a military police headquarters.
Smaller units consist of engineers, signal, transportation, and
maintenance. Colonel Streff advised that there will be
significant conversions this year, changing the 297th
Battlefield Surveillance Brigade to a regional support group,
and the reconnaissance and surveillance battalion to infantry.
Colonel Streff stressed that while assigned in Alaska, guardsmen
are in title 32 status of the U.S. Code, thus the Army Guard's
chain of command includes the adjutant general and the governor.
When deployed, guardsmen transition to title 10 status, and fall
under the command of active duty authorities and the president.
Further, as a National Guard, the force is funded by DoD and the
National Guard Bureau; however, no federal funding is received
to conduct the Army Guard's state mission. Key federal missions
include: wartime readiness to mobilize, deploy, and operate in
a theatre of war, and the ground missile defense mission at Fort
Greely, operating as the nation's defenders against ballistic
missile attack.
10:36:29 AM
MAJOR MICHELLE EDWARDS, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel,
Alaska Army National Guard, Department of Military & Veterans'
Affairs, said the Army Guard state mission is to provide
emergency response at the request of civil authorities for
emergencies such as flood relief, search and rescue, emergency
housing, snow removal, and earthquakes. Also, it conducts
firefighting, and mans a civil support team to assist in the
case of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or
explosive event, and provides nonemergency local and federal
support. For example, during the [Conference on Global
Leadership in the Arctic: Cooperation, Innovation, Engagement &
Resilience (GLACIER) held 8/30-31/15], the Army Guard provided
military police support to the Anchorage Police Department and
the Alaska State Troopers, aviation support to the U.S. Secret
Service, and refueling support to Marine One. The Army Guard
also assists communities with military capabilities through the
Innovative Readiness Program, and delivers medical care, builds
infrastructure, and supplies veterinary care throughout the
state. Major Edwards further described the Innovative Readiness
Program and pointed out Alaska provides a challenging
environment and unique training opportunities. Another mission
is the state partnership program in which Alaska is partnered
with Mongolia, and their forces are linked in a mutually
beneficial relationship. This program is administered by the
National Guard Bureau and executed by the adjutant general and
DoD. Major Edwards relayed that the National Guard conducts
military to military engagements, leverages relationships, and
endeavors to facilitate broader interagency and corollary
engagement spanning military, government, economic, educational,
and social spheres. One challenge to the Army Guard is that
standards for recruits have gone up; in fact, on a national
basis, 70 percent of the recruit population aged 18-25 years do
not qualify to join the military, thus Army Guard is working
with the Alaska State Defense Force to provide opportunities for
Alaskans to serve. Another challenge is that the reduction in
state funds has reduced the number of armories from 80 to 18.
Major Edwards concluded that the Army National Guard is filled
with highly trained and motivated soldiers who volunteered to
defend the U.S. Constitution and the State of Alaska. Members
of the Army Guard are united in their resolve to be a diverse,
trusted, and capable organization ready to accomplish its
missions.
10:40:33 AM
CHAIR HERRON requested a tour of Fort Greely.
COLONEL STREFF agreed to arrange a tour. In further response to
Chair Herron, he said during the [8/15 presidential visit to
Alaska] security was "probably as intense as it gets."
CHAIR HERRON then asked whether barrier crimes made by youthful
recruits contribute to the difficulties of recruits meeting the
higher standards. He observed that the state and the federal
government wish to release many prisoners with relatively minor
crimes, questioning whether those who make "silly mistakes,"
when underage, should be prevented from maturing and getting
into the military.
MAJOR EDWARDS advised that some offenses, except for domestic
violence, can be waived.
REPRESENTATIVE COLVER asked how the legislature can support the
needs of the guard personnel at Fort Greely; for example, early
on personnel did not have protection in the gun turret, and
there are many interlinking commands at that facility which may
create difficulties.
10:44:39 AM
COLONEL STREEF recalled the mission began in 2004, and said he
would direct that question to the commanders of the 49th Missile
Battalion and the 100th Missile Brigade in Colorado.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX restated her understanding that 25 percent
of Alaskan youth are not eligible to be in the National Guard.
MAJOR EDWARDS clarified that nationally, 30 percent of those
aged 18-25 years are not qualified.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX inquired as to what standards are not
being met.
MAJOR EDWARDS responded that Alaska Army National Guard recruits
must meet regular Army education standards, such as taking the
Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (AFVAB) test and legal
requirements.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked for more information on testing
scores and other qualifications.
MAJOR EDWARDS explained that for each job in the Army certain
scores are required; she offered to provide specific information
on the basic and the in-depth requirements for specific jobs and
for promotion to a higher rank. In further response to
Representative LeDoux, she said a general equivalency diploma
(GED) qualifies.
10:47:39 AM
MR. DOEHL stated that the administration realizes the federal
standards are not the best for Alaska, and Governor Bill Walker
has written to President Barack Obama with military-specific
ideas to increase the opportunities and allow better
participation across Alaska in the National Guard; in addition,
Commissioner/Adjutant General Hummel will meet with Lieutenant
General Kadavy, Director, Army National Guard, National Guard
Bureau, in this regard. He said, "So, we've taken the
initiative on that ... we're doing what makes sense for Alaska
and America."
10:48:47 AM
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN cautioned that standards cannot be lowered
as it is very significant to be a member of the regular military
or one of the guard units. Standards cannot be let down as the
responsibility is too high.
10:49:14 AM
COLONEL KAREN MANSFIELD, Commander, Alaska Air National Guard,
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs, informed the
committee the term "federal" refers to the time that guardsmen
are executing in title 10 status, and "nonfederal" is the time
that guardsmen are executing in title 32 status. The vision for
the Alaska Air National Guard (Air Guard) is to be a community-
based force exceeding the standards of the most diverse,
relevant, and resilient units in the nation. The Air Guard has
four key efforts: to preserve capability and capacity by
optimizing total force initiative; to ensure resourcing to meet
operational needs; to champion force development opportunities
to shape its leaders; and to expand its dual-use capability in
support of state, community, and partners. Colonel Mansfield
further explained that a wing is the standard organizational
structure of the air component of active duty and reserve.
Within a wing there are standard groups, one each for
operations, maintenance, medical, and support. Within each of
the two wings there are squadrons for communications, civil
engineering, logistics readiness, security forces, and personnel
support, all of which have special capabilities. Although the
wings support the federal mission, while training, Alaska
guardsmen fall under the command of the adjutant general and the
governor. Colonel Mansfield clarified that some members of the
Air Guard are engaged in federal missions full-time; in fact,
approximately 40 percent of Alaska's 2,400 person force is full-
time, and thus the state is more operationally engaged than
guard units of other states. There are two Air Guard wings, the
168th is an air refueling wing with 820 members located on
Eielson Air Force Base. The 168th has eight tankers and sixteen
crews, operational, maintenance, mission support, and medical.
This wing will be renamed due to the transition of the 213th
Space Warning Squadron at Clear Air Station. Alaska guardsmen
now comprise the operations crew at Clear Air Station, providing
surveillance in federal status, and a tanker mission, operating
every day. She stressed that Alaska has the busiest air tanker
unit in the Air National Guard. There is also a new mission in
civil engineering which is adding skilled personnel, and which
is vital to the key effort of expanding dual-use capability for
rural emergency responses in the state. In Anchorage, the 176th
Wing is located on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) with a
manned strength of fifteen hundred and five operational mission
sets. The 144th Airlift Squadron has eight C-130 Hercules
aircraft and sixteen crews, and will be deployed next year
overseas. Within that wing there is the 249th Airlift Squadron
which serves to continue towards total force initiatives. She
noted that the Air Guard provides crews and maintenance
components to fly and fix aircraft that are owned by active
duty. The C-17 Globemaster is a large military transport
aircraft that provides strategic lift capability to DoD.
Remaining units in the wing are the 210th Rescue Squadron, the
212th Rescue Squadron, and the 211th Rescue Squadron, which are
refueling aircraft. The foregoing provide the only long-range
airborne search and rescue capability for Alaska and its
surrounding waters, and also provide refueling for the U.S.
Coast Guard.
10:57:31 AM
COLONEL MANSFIELD continued to describe the duties of rescue
operations when requested by civil authorities. There are Air
Guard members manning a rescue coordination center (RCC),
located on JBER, which is also a 24 hours per day, 7 days per
week, (24/7) mission. The rescue center coordinates all federal
and civil calls for the state, and works with civil authorities,
the Coast Guard, and the Alaska State Troopers to determine a
response. Colonel Mansfield noted RCC requested Air Guard
support 40 times and recorded 49 saves last year. Since 1994,
there have been over 5,000 missions with 2,223 saves. Lastly,
the Air Defense Squadron located on JBER is an airspace warning
and surveillance squadron. In the event of an unknown or
hostile aircraft approaching U.S. airspace, the Alaska Air Guard
detects the track, directs the launch of a fighter, controls the
intercept, refuels the fighter, and rescues the airmen if
necessary. Federal missions supply well-trained personnel to
meet state needs including medical care, and she described
several missions involving transportation and provisions for
rural areas. Colonel Mansfield directed the committee's
attention to additional information that was provided in the
committee packet.
10:59:23 AM
CHAIR HERRON stated that Alaskans are proud of their Army and
Air Guard, and asked why wings in Alaska have so many
responsibilities.
COLONEL MANSFIELD explained that the operational orders of the
Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) require the responsibility to be in
Alaska due to its strategic location. Strategic lift, tactical
lift, and rescue must be in Alaska for the Pacific arena. In
further response to Chair Herron, she said threats from Russia
have increased on a gradual and continual basis over the past
five to six years.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES asked whether the Air Guard plans to use
unmanned aircraft systems for search and rescue purposes.
COLONEL MANSFIELD responded that is not on the horizon for the
Air Guard; however, she will forward an inquiry to the Air Force
and report back.
REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO stated there is a tremendous amount of
activity at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) with the expected
arrival of F-35 aircraft. He asked whether the additional
aircraft would expand the Air Guard's mission at Eielson AFB.
COLONEL MANSFIELD advised that generically, as with any new
mission, active duty seeks to build associations, but whether
there would be an association with the Air Guard in Alaska has
not been determined.
REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO encouraged the committee to tour Clear
Air Base, which he described as "absolutely phenomenal."
CHAIR HERRON requested a tour of Clear Air Base for members of
the committee.
11:04:09 AM
MR. DOEHL turned attention to enabling legislation [HB 126 Code
of Military Justice; Appeals, introduced in the First Session of
the Twenty-Ninth Alaska State Legislature and currently held in
the House Judiciary Standing Committee]. Mr. Doehl provided an
update on behalf of Captain Forrest Dunbar, recalling that HB
126 passed from the House Special Committee on Military and
Veterans' Affairs to the House Judiciary Standing Committee
(HJUD) in April of 2015. The following four significant changes
are expected: 1) the punitive article, which identifies what is
a sanctioned offense, would now be in statute instead of in
regulations in order to provide better checks and balances
between the legislative and executive branches of government; 2)
junior officers and junior enlisted soldiers demand the
prosecution of some offenses such as sexual assault and driving
under the influence (DUI) even when civilian prosecutors choose
not to do so; 3) the scope of coverage would be expanded to
24/7; fix maximum punishments. He provided the committee with a
written summary of the changes, noting that DMVA has been
actively testing the legal aspects of the proposed provisions
with positive results.
CHAIR HERRON, speaking from personal experience, expressed his
appreciation of the change to expand military jurisdiction to
24/7.
11:08:32 AM
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX recognized Captain Dunbar's work on the
proposed legislation. Speaking as chair of HJUD, she said she
anticipates hearing the bill during [the Third Special Session
of the First Session of the Twenty-Ninth Alaska State
Legislature], although the bill could not be passed out of
committee. Further, she opined the purpose of HB 126 was to
give the leadership of the National Guard tools; however, tools
are only as effective as the leadership of the guard.
Representative LeDoux cautioned that although there is excellent
leadership now, leadership can fail, and rules need to be in
place "when things go wrong."
MR. DOEHL assured the committee that there is a commitment from
the leadership of DMVA and Governor Walker to "full, engaged
leadership addressing those things and making the hard calls
...."
11:11:25 AM
BRIGADIER GENERAL (ALASKA) ROGER HOLL, Commander, Alaska State
Defense Force, Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs,
informed the committee he was speaking on behalf of the
volunteer men and women who serve in the Alaska State Defense
Force (ASDF). The vision of ASDF is an Arctic strategy to
expand throughout Alaska, and to expand its engagement as well.
General Holl defined ASDF by its mission to train and equip an
adequately organized military reserve - at the command of the
governor - in order to augment the National Guard during state
emergencies. Therefore, ASDF training for missions is aligned
with the missions of the National Guard. The legal authority
that creates a state defense force comes from the U.S.
Constitution and in U.S. law, 32 U.S.C. 109, and they are
regulated by National Guard Bureau regulation 10-4. Also, the
Alaska State Constitution provides for a state defense force,
and it is further identified by state military code. With a
force of 86 volunteer soldiers, ASDF is about the same size of
the defense forces of Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico.
Volunteers are located in Fairbanks, Wasilla, Kenai, Valdez,
Juneau, and at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage.
General Holl said he was proud of ASDF volunteers because they
care about Alaska and donate time for training, military
education, community events, week-end drills, and military
exercises; in fact, volunteers are required to complete
training, attend monthly meetings and week-end drills, and they
are subject to military discipline. Volunteers can be also be
ordered into active duty, however, they are paid when in active
status. The force is prohibited from receiving federal funding,
and is a state entity. Recent changes to ASDF include increased
training standards as a result of its close association with the
joint operations center at JBER, thus ASDF is included in
training, response, and the goals of DVMA.
11:16:31 AM
GENERAL HOLL stressed that ASDF now has a focus on radio and
satellite communications skills, and he gave an example of its
liaison work for the state during Operation Deep Dig in Cordova.
Also, ASDF volunteers are trained in the following: joint
operations center courses; anti-terrorism; officer candidate
school; noncommissioned officer academy; incident command;
emergency management. Training has been integrated with the
National Guard in exercises such as Alaska Shield; in fact, 18
ASDF members were on state active duty during the summer fires
in Alaska. The trend in ASDF is towards professionalism,
creating standards, and creating a force capable of effectively
augmenting the National Guard in support of civil authorities
for missions in Alaska. He pointed out that after disasters, a
state infrastructure inspection is needed, therefore, ASDF
created an engineering detachment consisting of professional
engineers. In October of 2015, the State Guard Association of
the U.S. (SGAUS) is sponsoring an engineering academy. General
Holl noted that he is president of SGAUS, and that the
association is creating tools to increase professionalism in all
state defense forces in the areas of chaplaincy, engineering,
medical resources, and law. Returning to state functions, he
said ASDF provides shelter support for victims of disasters,
responders, and for military exercises, and is proficient in
field operations. The state-owned Alaska medical station is a
portable hospital and, in 2014, ASDF provided doctors and nurses
to the medical station, completed an inventory, provided
communications, traffic control, and chaplaincy. As do typical
military organizations, ASDF has personnel, intelligence,
training, operations, logistics, communications, chaplaincy, a
medical detachment, engineering, and an inspector general.
Community engagement includes support for the Wounded Warriors
Program, Special Olympics, Operation Stand Down, a scholarship
program, and a color guard, all at no cost to the state. The
Alaska State Defense Force has been recognized by earning a
meritorious unit award, a soldier of the year award, a
noncommissioned officer of the year award, requests for guidance
from other defense forces, commendation medals, and bylines in
publications.
11:26:47 AM
GENERAL HOLL turned to ASDF's future. In January, 2016, ASDF
will support the National Guard Military Police Company. As a
result of the forced reductions at the National Guard, ASDF will
form the 49th military police detachment with qualified law
enforcement officers to replace positions cut by the National
Guard. Furthermore, ASDF is planning to expand and create new
detachments in every region of rural Alaska because ASDF
provides an economical approach for service to rural areas; for
example, ASDF trains in existing armories or local operations
centers at no additional cost. General Holl opined rural
communities will take pride in ASDF because it has the following
in common with the Alaska Territorial Guard: founded in 1984 by
a WW11 veteran who was also an Alaska Native; uses the same
logo; comprised of local volunteers; served Alaska for 31 years;
focused on rural engagement; provides opportunities for young
people to serve the state and develop leadership skills that can
be utilized in the workplace.
11:32:10 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES expressed her belief that ASDF is a
resource that should be strengthened. With budget challenges
approaching, ASDF consists of highly professional volunteers who
invest in their equipment and are not compensated for their
time, and thus are a wonderful resource. She observed that the
force has decreased in size and inquired about future
recruiting.
GENERAL HOLL informed the committee that state defense forces
were established on the cadre concept and after [the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001], ASDF grew in size. Although the
roster was larger at that time, the roster now consists of
members who meet military standards and are highly qualified.
Currently, he is seeking to expand ASDF by developing new
mission skills such as medical, engineering, and communications
services which will be more helpful to the state and will
attract new members. Rural engagement and the new military
police detachment will also contribute to the expansion of
ASDF's geographic size and roster.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES asked for specific goals.
GENERAL HOLL said the next five years will see an expansion in
Bethel which will require resources to pay for communications
equipment, uniforms, and training. He advised that the
expansion would start with a small signals detachment of four or
five volunteers.
11:40:07 AM
MR. DOEHL stressed how valuable highly trained personnel will be
to DMVA and ASDF during a period of rural engagement and
expansion.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES asked for comments on ASDF's current
budget, and information regarding whether ASDF volunteers are
armed. She expressed support for arming the defense force.
GENERAL HOLL responded that this year the budget was increased
to $50,000. Many ASDF expenses are reduced because it has the
use of existing National Guard facilities - where utilities are
paid - and during disasters other funding is available, thus the
additional funding will enable new regions to be developed.
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN asked for the total population of ASDF.
GENERAL HOLL said there are 86 officers and enlisted personnel,
based on a cadre unit structure.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG asked for more information on the
military police detachment.
GENERAL HOLL explained the detachment will be a new detachment,
located at the Alcantra National Guard Armory in Wasilla. This
is the location of the National Guard's military police
battalion, which will be reduced in size to a company, and ASDF
will augment the company. Force members that will be part of
the military police detachment assigned to the National Guard
Military Police Company will be those who meet the Alaska Police
Standards Council requirements, one of which is to attend an
academy. He recalled that after [the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001], all ASDF members were armed as constables -
at a lesser standard - and under military command, which posed a
liability. In further response to Representative Gruenberg, he
said there will be four to five members in the detachment.
11:47:18 AM
LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN JAMES, Director of Training and
Operations, Alaska State Defense Force, Department of Military &
Veterans' Affairs, in response to Representative Gruenberg, said
he was developing a plan to establish the new detachment with
three personnel to provide leadership, and in the near future
adding about nine for a squad. In further response to
Representative Gruenberg, he pointed out that ASDF is not part
of the federal force and there are differences in employment
status; however, if existing National Guard members of the
military police battalion left the National Guard, they would be
an excellent resource for the new detachment if they so choose.
MR. DOEHL offered that the National Guard military police
personnel will have other positions available. In further
response to Representative Gruenberg, he opined that there are
appropriate provisions for them to explore.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES questioned whether the military police
would be the only ASDF members who are armed.
GENERAL HOLL said only the military police will be armed now.
He explained that ASDF reviews the needs of the state and
changes in response to situations, such as the threat of an
imminent invasion. At this time, ASDF is responding to natural
disasters.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES understood that training occurs with
weapons thus members are ready if there is a need. She said
Alaska should consider arming its defense force at all times as
other states have.
11:50:53 AM
JAMES JONES, Deputy Director, Alaska Military Youth Academy,
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs, informed the
committee the Alaska Military Youth Academy (AMYA) Challenge
Program was established after a Rockefeller Foundation study in
1989 revealed that the drop-out population was a domestic threat
to the U.S. In fact, as of 2013, approximately one million
young men and women do not complete high school, which is 20
percent of those who begin high school. In response to the
study, AMYA began operations 1/30/94 for the purpose of helping
Alaska address its drop-out population. Mr. Jones said AMYA's
mission statement is: The primary purpose of the Alaska
Military Youth Academy is to help intervene in the lives of at-
risk youth and provide graduates with values, skills, education,
and self-discipline to succeed as adults. The academy deals
with a population of approximately 4,000 drop-outs in Alaska.
The program's vision is to be recognized as the premier
educational institution within the state to attract, retain, and
serve youth who are at-risk at not receiving a secondary
education. Mr. Jones said it is known that if a young person
does not complete his/her education, he/she becomes a "drain on
society." Based on his experience with AMYA in the past 19
years, he relayed that new students are immediately exposed to a
military style engagement in order to motivate them and expose
them to a new environment. The environment at AMYA is quasi-
military; it is not a boot camp, a juvenile justice facility, or
a treatment facility, but the environment is designed to use the
best practices of the military to help students engage in their
future accomplishments without distractions. There is daily
physical activity and education. The program runs for seventeen
and one-half months, of which five months are in residence 24/7.
On campus, there are medical services, educators, a certified
graduate equivalency degree (GED) test center, and a Work-Keys
Assessments testing site. All students may take the Armed
Services Vocational Aptitude Battery in order to assess possible
military service. Presently, there are 153 students on campus,
and the classes that graduated in February and August performed
over 21,000 hours of community service. The educational
component provides students the opportunity to obtain credit
recovery or get a GED, although since 2014, a GED is harder to
obtain. The academy ranks fifth of thirty-five challenge
programs in the nation, and it is open to youth between the ages
of sixteen and eighteen, who are without significant criminal
history and are drug and alcohol free. Mr. Jones provided
information about three successful graduates, noting that there
have been 4,665 graduates over the life of the program.
12:00:34 PM
MR. DOEHL spoke in support of the academy.
CHAIR HERRON expressed his appreciation to the presenters.
12:01:34 PM
CHAIR HERRON [opened public testimony].
12:02:30 PM
ROBERT MCGILL recalled that four National Guardsmen were killed
in Tennessee and since then Tennessee has armed its guardsmen.
He informed the committee that the Alaska National Guard can be
armed without new legislation, and he strongly supported arming
guardsmen recruiters for their defense.
12:04:26 PM
CHAIR HERRON, after ascertaining no one else wished to testify,
closed public testimony.
12:04:41 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting was
adjourned at 12:04 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| House MLV Agenda 10.14.15.pdf |
HMLV 10/14/2015 9:30:00 AM |