Here is a revised version of the content that is plagiarism-free and unique:
Critics argue that a proposal to transfer Air National Guard troops to the Space Force without governors' consent poses an "existential threat" to the part-time force, undermining operational efficiency and breaking with tradition.
Legislative Proposal 480, submitted to the Senate Armed Services Committee by the Department of Defense, aims to strengthen the Space Force, the U.S. military's newest branch created under the Trump administration. This proposal would eliminate the longstanding practice of obtaining gubernatorial approval before transferring Guard members to another military branch.
Retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, president of the National Guard Association, criticized the move as a "wholesale harvesting" of units, personnel, and resources from the National Guard without governors' input, effectively transferring them to the active component of the Space Force.
Under LP480, Air National Guard troops involved in space missions could be transitioned to the Space Force as part-time members without the governor's approval. The National Guard and Air National Guard are vital reserve components for the active-duty Army and Air Force, often called upon for various missions, including disaster relief and security.
Governors of all 55 states and territories have opposed the plan, arguing that it infringes on their authority. They have communicated their objections to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall III. The National Governors Association has stated that federal law requires consultation and approval from governors on any decisions regarding the movement of National Guard units.
In a letter from Kendall to NGA chair Gov. Spencer Cox and vice chair Gov. Jared Polis, Kendall stated that the proposal is not intended to set a precedent or disregard governors' roles but rather to complete the establishment of the Space Force. He emphasized that the integration of space missions previously performed by various branches into the Space Force includes missions performed by the Air National Guard.
LP480 could impact 1,008 Air Guard troops across 14 units in seven states, according to Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Bruno. Bruno expressed concerns that many part-time Air National Guard members, who also hold civilian jobs, would refuse to transfer, potentially leading to a significant capability gap in national security.
The Space Force's mission is to protect U.S. operations in space, ensuring its security and accessibility for military space power and innovation. McGinn highlighted that a majority of surveyed airmen prefer to remain in the Air National Guard due to their community ties and state missions.
Recruiting Guard members for mainly administrative roles in the Space Force, if transferred, is expected to be challenging. McGinn argued that few would sign up for such roles, and those recruited would likely leave due to boredom, hampering future operations.