Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Osborn spoke Thursday about the continued recruitment challenges facing the Iowa National Guard in his first Conditions of the Guard address.
Mr. Osborne was appointed adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard by Governor Kim Reynolds last February following the retirement of Maj. Gen. Benjamin Correll, and has provided more than $16.6 million in infrastructure funding and more than $6.4 million in infrastructure funding. Thank you to the Iowa Legislature for this. Service scholarships supporting 988 soldiers and airmen.
Here’s what else he had to say:
A problem close to home — Recruiting activity has declined since the pandemic
While the National Guard has seen improvements since the COVID-19 era, it still faces replenishment issues.
“However, since late 2021, our recruiting success has slowed and we are addressing challenges being felt across the Department of Defense regarding military recruitment,” Osborn said.
“However, as we navigate this environment, we have experienced improvement compared to past quarters and will continue to put effort, energy and resources into recruiting and workforce readiness.”
Operation Lone Star
Osborn spoke about the Iowa National Guard’s largest domestic operation in 2023, sending 109 soldiers to Texas in support of “Operation Lone Star.”
Reynolds announced in May 2023 that he would send troops to the border in response to a request for assistance from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. She was one of at least six Republican governors across the country to send officials to the border to assist in the operation.
Reynolds said the 109 soldiers were tasked with “interdicting illegal border crossings and interdicting illegal drug trafficking by cartels through Texas.”
Construction begins in 2023
Osborn also added other accomplishments the Iowa National Guard has seen, including the completion of a $13 million federal renovation of the 185th Combat Aircrew Operations Building.th Sioux City Aerial Refueling Building.
Another major milestone facing the National Guard was breaking ground in West Des Moines for a weekend of training.
The $24 million facility, 75 percent of which will be funded by the federal government, is expected to open in spring 2025, Osborn said. The facility will accommodate more than 200 soldiers, their vehicles and equipment.
Looking to the future
While there is much to look forward to, the Iowa National Guard’s priorities are focused on the multi-million dollar capital improvements needed to the Sioux City Gateway Airport and the 185th Air Refueling Wing’s runways and ramps. said Osborn.
“Without these improvements, we are at risk of losing the aerial refueling mission in Sioux City and being ignored by future air missions,” Osborn said.
Osborne said Reynolds, along with the governors of Nebraska and South Dakota, co-signed a letter of support during the 2023 tri-state governor’s meeting supporting Sioux City’s runway replacement.
