The Air National Guard has delayed its plan to downgrade the status of about 80 members of its Alaska unit, a move that would have threatened national security and civilian rescues in the nation’s most remote state. The delay was confirmed in an email to The Associated Press, citing efforts by the state’s politicians and Alaskans as instrumental in achieving the delay. The changes, which were initially set to be completed by October 1, involve converting highly paid Active Guard and Reserve members to dual status tech positions with lower wages, less appealing benefits, and different duties. Many of the affected members have expressed their intention to quit rather than accept the changes, which could result in a pay cut of more than 50%.
Local guard leaders argued that Alaska needed personnel in the higher classification to fulfill its requirements for conducting national security missions unique to the state, such as monitoring for ballistic missile launches from nations like Russia, North Korea, and China. The Alaska Air National Guard also plays a critical role in conducting civilian search-and-rescue missions in Alaska, often risking their lives to rescue individuals from remote villages when adverse weather conditions prevent air ambulances from operating. Last year alone, the guard conducted 159 such missions, including flying to remote islands and villages to aid those in need. If the staff conversions were to proceed, the number of rescues conducted each year was estimated to drop significantly.
The downgrades in Alaska have been postponed until September 30, 2025, giving the service more time to study the potential impacts of the changes on its operations in the state. The decision to delay the implementation was welcomed by the state’s congressional delegation, with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski stating that the uncertainty placed on Alaska Air National Guard members was unacceptable. She emphasized the importance of ensuring the stability of these individuals’ jobs, benefits, and ability to provide for their families, especially in critical emergency situations. The delay was seen as a temporary win, but the delegation stressed that it should never have come to this point.
Efforts by state politicians, Alaskans, and the congressional delegation have been credited with influencing the delay in the Air National Guard’s plan to downgrade the status of its Alaska unit members. The changes, which were set to take effect by October 1, would have impacted about 80 highly paid Active Guard and Reserve members, leading many of them to consider resigning rather than accepting the alterations. The importance of maintaining the higher classification positions in Alaska was underscored by local guard leaders, who highlighted the state’s unique national security missions, including monitoring for ballistic missile launches and providing refueling support during intercepts of Russian bombers.
The imminent changes were also projected to significantly impact the Alaska Air National Guard’s ability to conduct civilian search-and-rescue operations, which are vital in the state’s remote regions. Conducting missions to rescue individuals in need, often in treacherous weather conditions, is a core responsibility of the guard, with multiple successful operations carried out each year. The delay in implementing the downgrades until 2025 will allow for a more thorough assessment of the potential consequences on the guard’s operations in Alaska and the necessity of the proposed changes. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders have been crucial in securing this postponement and ensuring the stability of the affected guard members’ roles in safeguarding national security and conducting lifesaving missions in Alaska’s most remote areas.
