National Guard Association of Illinois

Environmental Scan

NGAI 2008-2009 Strategic Plan

Introduction

The National Guard Association of Illinois currently exists in a turmoil filled environment. As a result of the terrorist acts of September 11th 2001, the National Guard has ceased to exist as a reserve force, to be mobilized only in the event of a defined conflict with specific military goals. It has become an operational force, every bit as necessary to the nation’s defense on a day to day basis as the active army. The events of 9/11 and the subsequent campaigns as a result, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom, have placed an indelible and irreversible mark on the Illinois National Guard, its members and their families. At its peak, over 3500 Illinois Guard men and women were activated in support of both operations. Illinois currently averages between 600-1000 members on active duty at any point in time, both Army and Air Guard. In some cases, individual units have already redeployed within literally months on their last rotation.

An analysis of the current environment of the Association, identifying Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT), both internal and external was performed by the members of the strategic planning committee. The results, although not all encompassing, are revealed listed below.

SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)

Internal (Strengths and Weaknesses)

S – Financial – A number of years back the board of the Association wisely invested early cash proceeds into secure investment accounts with has enabled the cash reserves of the Association to support its mission. The primary financial stability of the Association has depended upon a healthy insurance program, which still exists.

W – Cash flow – An aging insured population plus increase payouts has dramatically reduced receipts from the insurance program, which had previously easily supported the Association. Receipts from membership dues, which have never been a significant income producer, have continued to drop with decreasing support from the field in recruiting and sustaining membership. Currently the association has very few corporate sponsors and no other significant source of revenue.

W - Perception and culture of belonging to Associations - A culture developed in the Illinois National Guard over a number or years, deemphasizing membership in the NGAI and national associations, primarily because leaders were afraid to talk about it. The perception that encouraging membership and participation in professional military associations was illegally influencing subordinates, and which would result in IG complaints and/or disciplinary action has been widespread. This new culture emphasizing non membership has created a void, a gap in the critical senior and mid level leaders active membership and involvement. This has resulted in declining membership and very limited support for Association activities.

W – (Although improved) Participation from membership - It is difficult to find and elect volunteers to the Association Board and it’s committees. Lack of emphasis over the last 10-15 years has produced a gap in Officer and senior NCOs with a close tie and interest in the NGAI and national Organizations. Fewer active participants restricts the NGAI’s ability to perfom it’s mission.

W- Communications - Telling our story (how well are we communicating) – Over the last five years the NGAI website has been redesigned and is more functional than it’s predecessor, yet it is in great need of overhaul again to take continued advantage of the newest technologies. The Prairie Minuteman Magazine, long a staple of the Association, and for many years the only written venue to tell the Illinois National Guard story is for the most part considered a publication of the Illinois National Guard and not the NGAI. It is one of the most costly expenses of the NGAI with probably the least results in recognizing the NGAIs contributions.

S – Combined Officer and Enlisted Association – Surprisingly, Illinois is one of a minority of states which have a combined Association. Although it sometimes presents challenges in working with the national groups, it still represents all he members of the Illinois National Guard alike.

S – Composition of board, constitution and by laws – The NGAI has a comprehensive constitution and bylaws which is continually maintained and set the ground rules for effective operations. The Board of Directors, led by an experienced team of President, Vice President Army and Vice President Air, has traditionally been a good mix representing the members of the NGAI. The board generally seeks concensus in decision, avoids parochial actions, and in general represents the best in volunteer association boards. All board members serve because of their dedication to the NGAI and its goals.

External (Opportunities and Threats)

T - Mobilizations, Deployments and Readiness (OPTEMPO) – The massively increased OPTEMPO for both the Army and Air National Guard presents a challenge to the NGAI primarily because the emphasis, and rightfully so, is on readiness, and all other distractors are subordinate. This reduces the time and propensity to support NGAI programs and memberships. Continued mobilizations also threaten the fiscal viability of the NGAI as casualties increase and insurance is paid out.

O - Legislative - The NGAI’s past success in legislation is well known. The Global War on Terrorism and its effects on the military member is a high profile issue at the national and state level. There has never been a better time to generate legislative support for the NGAI and its members, and foster amicable and long term relationships with the Illinois legislative team.

O - Relationship with National Associations, NGAUS /ENGAUS – One of the biggest challenges and yet the greatest opportunity for growth is in increased memberships and subsequently increased participation at the national level. Illinois’s ability to generate force structure, influence long range decisions and have a greater impact on the National Guard nation wide is open for tremendous change. The NGAI can be the focal point for that growth, as it is the focal point for current interactions.

O - ILNG Command Climate – The command climate in support of the NGAI is currently very strong, stronger in fact than in the last 10 years. A willingness to search for answers, and a can do attitude is apparent. The strong support of the chain of command will go a long ways in redirecting and reassuring the culture of the Illinois National Guard that membership in NGAI and the national organizations is simply good sense.

O - Transformation - The changes in the Illinois National Guard force structure, peacetime chain of command and missions is phenomenal. The emphasis is on change, viable, relevant and dramatic change, focused on achieving the state and national objectives. NGAI needs to seize the opportunity to sell ourselves to new organizations as they develop, jumpstart the Association and emphasize the Transformation the NGAI is undergoing to ensure that their association is itself, relevant and viable. Utilize as a key building block, the strength in individuals and organizations who have supported us in the past.

O - Communications - We should try to get others to tell our story. Senior leaderships
involvement in the National Associations as well as active participation with the NGAI
will send the message that the NGAI, NGAUS and ENGAUS are vital, supportable
organizations, worthy of membership and support. Illinois members who fill key
leadership roles in National Organizations have been few. Changing that paradigm will
allow Illinois to function more effectively at the National level. Upgrading the Prairie
Minuteman to be more specifically relevant to the NGAI, improving the website and
working closely with the Adjutant General and staff can greatly improve the
communications within and outside of the board.

Summary

The National Guard Association of Illinois has been greatly affected by the same events and activities that have defined the fast paced and ever changing environment of the Illinois National Guard. Recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of the NGAI and developing appropriate strategies to deal with them has been, and will continue to be, the primary concern of the NGAI board of directors as they represent you, the member. The challenges of the future are great, the opportunities greater. Transformation will be the byword of the NGAI as it works to support the Adjutant General and all members of the Illinois National Guard for years to come.