How To Help Shape the Future of the National Guard

By LTC Michael Isom, Army Legislative Trustee

Are you interested in professional development and furthering your career in the National Guard? Are you interested in helping determine what equipment, facilities, funding, and resources your unit will operate with in the years to come?

The best innovations within the military come from YOU - the Warriors closest to the issues (I know…. who would have thought!!).

No matter what your idea is, there is a way to raise it, discuss it, test it, and see if it can be implemented across the Joint Force!

As a member of the Utah National Guard Association, there are two ways to suggest improvements. The first is to work with the Utah Association’s Air and Army Legislative Trustees. They will work with you to see whether your idea would best be implemented through a change in current policy, process or regulation, or whether new legislation is needed (i.e., a new program, increased funding, re-prioritization).

The second way to get involved is to join one of the National Guard Association’s Task Forces. By far, this is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons in your career field and make a positive difference.

Members of the task forces range from Lieutenants to Major Generals (and even Warrant Officers if you can find them). Throughout the year, task forces work with National Guard Bureau and the 54 States, Territories and DC to review submitted legislative proposals, provide feedback and help prioritize what military, executive and legislative leaders should focus their attention on. The best part is that you can serve on these task forces!

For reference, here is a list of the current National Guard Association Task Forces:

Army Task Forces

• Aviation

• Ground Combat

• Engineer

• Sustainment

• C4I

• Fire Support

Air Task Forces

• Combat Air Forces

• Mobility Air Forces

• Combat-Mission Support

Joint & Personnel Task Forces

• Personnel-Medical

• Cyber

• Domestic Operations

Each of the task forces will meet at the NGAUS Annual Conference in Indianapolis from August 28 – 31. They are always looking for new members (who will actively participate), so please consider volunteering and making a difference in the future of the National Guard!

For more information, please contact your Utah Air or Army Legislative Trustees (and consider registering for the Conference)!

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Originally published in the NGAUT 2026 Summer Newsletter.