IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL ARIZONA NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS, FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS

We urge you to write your Senators and Representatives and stand with us in opposition to Senate Bill 1047, the Defend the Guard bill.  This is the fifth year that AZ Senator Wendy Rogers has introduced this bill in Arizona. The same initiative has been introduced in other State Legislatures but hasn’t been passed. It hasn’t passed in any other State because it’s a bad bill for the National Guard and now, it’s time for you to be informed and get involved.

The Enlisted Association National Guard of the United States, the National Guard Association of the United States, along with The Adjutant’s General of the 54 states and territories, are unanimously and vehemently opposed to this legislation. This bipartisan group knows, far better than the groups promoting this legislation, what is in the best interest of the National Guard, and they understand the potential devastating effects of this legislation.

Here are some details and the reasons that our Associations oppose this legislation:

“Defend the Guard” is a legislative movement which seeks to pass legislation in state assemblies limiting the use of the National Guard members in a Title 10 status to only when Congress has issued a declaration of war. While the movement has not been successful in any state thus far, its influence is growing. The movement itself misunderstands the role of the Guard, and any passage of Defend the Guard legislation would have a negative impact on the Guard’s role as the primary combat reserve of the U.S. Army & Air Force.  EANGUS and NGAUS, as well as our State Associations (EANGA and NGAAZ), do not support any current iterations of “Defend the Guard” legislation.

1. The Defend the Guard movement fundamentally misunderstands the National Guard’s role as the primary combat reserve of the U.S. Army/Air Force.  Most versions of this bill would prevent overseas annual training, military airlift, remotely piloted vehicle missions, etc. that require Guard personnel performing them in a federal status.

2. Any state that adopts Defend the Guard legislation would risk losing the federal units, equipment, and resources the Guard relies upon.  The legislation would be seen by the federal government as unwillingness for a state to uphold its federal obligation required by the dual oaths taken by NG members.

3. Defend the Guard legislation serves as an argument for the Department of Defense to move National Guard infrastructure into the main Army and Air Force.  For years, the National Guard has had to fight against the Pentagon’s incorrect argument that Guard units are not accessible. Defend the Guard legislation would give evidence and credence to that argument.

4. Passage of the Defend the Guard legislation would render the National Guard to little more than a state-centric security force.

a. This legislation would turn back the clock on the National Guard to the pre-Dick Act era where there was no coordination or set standards for Guard units.

b. This would deteriorate the professionalism of Guard airmen and soldiers.

5. Defend the Guard legislation risks pitting states against one another.

a. States which adopt Defend the Guard legislation would likely have their federal resources and funding reallocated to states that do not pass such legislation.

b. This would have a “Balkanizing” effect on the Guard community as a whole, thus weakening the National Guard’s voice on national security matters.

6. Defend the Guard legislation is unconstitutional.

a. Few legal scholars believe Defend the Guard legislation would hold up in court. The President’s authority to call up National Guard units for federal service is well established.

b. Regardless, there would be irreconcilable damage done to the Guard as a whole should a constitutional court case be brought.

For these reasons, I ask that you contact your Arizona Senator at the State Legislature and emphasize the consequences to the Arizona National Guard should this legislation pass. On February 16, 2026, Senator Rogers’ bill passed the AZ Senate’s Military and Border Committee Hearing, so this is the time for us to take action.

I ask that each of you, your family members, and other supporters of the National Guard email or call the office of your State Senator and ask them to OPPOSE SB1047. A sample letter that can be used is provided below; feel free to adjust it as you feel necessary. It would be good if you can do this as soon as possible to ensure that your elected officials know how you feel on this issue…and feel free to share this with other AZNG members.  P.S. As a reminder, please use your personal account and equipment to contact elected officials — Do Not use a government email, computer or phone.

A link to the Arizona State Legislature website is provided below to assist you in contacting your elected officials.

Thank you for your support!

Mary Thompson, MSgt (Ret), AZ ANG
President, Enlisted Association National Guard of Arizona

SAMPLE LETTER TEMPLATE:  SAMPLE LETTER IN OPPOSITION TO HB 1047 AZ Defend the Guard

AZLEG.GOV WEBSITE (CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS):  https://www.azleg.gov/findmylegislator/