Defense News reports that “the US Air National Guard has always been defined by its ability to fulfill both military and civil missions. But with budget draw downs, the service faces increasingly tough choices about how to spend what remains of its modernization budget while serving two masters.”  

“A March report by the Pentagon warned that ‘many support equipment items critical to daily operations are rapidly nearing the end of their expected lives and are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain economically.’ Air Guard assets are an average of 25 years old.”  

‘The tough choice between modernizing its equipment and sustaining capability is one the active is struggling with as well. Top generals, such as Air Combat Command head Gen. Mike Hostage, have identified that as incredibly difficult in the current budget environment.”  

“But unlike the active, the Guard has an additional challenge: balancing its twin civil-overseas missions.”