"An Act relating to qualifications of the adjutant general; and providing for an effective date. "

Currently, the governor of Alaska is free to appoint any citizen of Alaska, without other qualifications to be Adjutant General. This bill remedies that situation by recognizing additional guidelines for appointees, such as serving at least five years in the Alaska National Guard/Alaska Air Guard - the current requirement for an Assistant Adjutant General.

Qualifications for appointment must be tailored to the unique requirements of the Alaska's Adjutant General's mission, without political considerations. The nature of the job requires substantial experience and understanding of military operations in general, and the Alaska National Guard /Alaska Air Guard in particular. Other civilian business and managerial experience is valuable but, in itself, not comparable to high-level military operations. Business people cannot operate their business like the military; likewise, the military cannot conduct operations like a business.

In addition, operating conditions in Alaska are unlike any other jurisdiction. As a result, extensive guard experience in Alaska is critical. This Alaska experience, as well as qualifications at operational or strategic levels of military leadership, is essential to the best interest of Alaska. It's also important to the interaction of Alaska with national homeland security, national disaster agencies, and national war efforts.

In summary, an Alaska Adjutant General should be selected from a cadre of professional Alaska officers that goes through the military educational process with active duty military. This will insure the success of the Adjutant General of Alaska's mission. Your support of this bill is respectfully requested.

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