Recruiting Incentives
A LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
I am privileged to present to you the 2022 Georgia Department of Defense Annual Report. This report reflects the outstanding contributions of the 15,000 dedicated men and women of the Georgia National Guard. Our Soldiers and Airmen remain prepared to serve in any capacity for which they are called. As you will see throughout this report, we remain globally engaged and locally connected like never before.
The beginning of the year saw the Georgia Department of Defense continuing to provide support at home in the fight against COVID-19. Nearly two hundred thirty-nine Georgia Guardsmen responded around the state to provide hospital support teams, specimen point of collection teams, as well as Department of Public Health warehouse support. In addition to these state specific missions, we provided linguists, chaplains, and C-130 air support for Operation Allies Welcome which provided support to vulnerable Afghans who worked alongside us in Afghanistan for the past 20 years.
We remain globally engaged as we have had personnel mobilized in all six geographic combatant commands for well over a decade. After Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February, we mobilized members of the Army and Air National Guard to support United States interests in Europe. As of this writing we have more than 500 Army and Air National Guard personnel mobilized around the globe. Domestically, over 150 personnel remain on mission along the United States Southwest border.
Our top three priorities in the Georgia Department of Defense are people, readiness, and communication. Despite a difficult recruiting year, our strength numbers remain strong. We continue to train with partners and allies around the globe to maintain a high level of readiness. As our motto states, we are “Always Ready, Always There!”
Sincerely,
GEORGIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
The ARNG, consisting of over 11,000 of our nation’s finest Soldiers, continues to excel in meeting both state and national level requirements. Throughout 2022, the Ga. ARNG was globally engaged, supporting our allies and partners during combat, deterrence, and training operations overseas; increasing security along the nation’s southwest border; and successfully supporting domestic response operations here at home. During the next decade, the Army will undergo its largest modernization effort in over 40 years. As we transition to multi-domain operations and the Army of 2030, our priorities will not change. We will remain focused on taking care of Soldiers, civilian employees, and families, while also ensuring formations remain ready and relevant for both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Wins
• Awarded funding for a new readiness center located at Fort Gordon, and currently in the process of renovating 18 armories across the State
• Continuously nominated for future force structure growth (extended range cannon artillery battalion, an intelligence/electronic warfare company, and a mobile protected firepower battalion as our most recent examples)
• Received the Army National Guard Director’s Award in Excellence for Integrated Management Systems (IMS) for the past two years
Challenges
• Continue to meet our retention goals during an unprecedented national level recruiting crisis
• Continued fielding of new equipment and weapons platforms concurrently with the active component in an effort to remain relevant, interoperable, and a lethal total force
• Modernization of infrastructure and facilities during transition to multi-domain operations and the Army of 2030
Brigade Command Teams
• 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team - Macon - Col. Jason Baker, Command Sgt. Maj. John Ballenger
• 78th Troop Command - Clay National Guard Center - Brig. Gen. John Gentry, Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon Cook
• 201st Regional Support Group - Clay National Guard Center - Col. Jean-Paul Laurenceau, Command Sgt. Maj. Ryan Peterson
• 78th Aviation Troop Command - Clay National Guard Center - Col. Barry Simmons, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Earhart
• 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade - Fort Benning - Col. Kris Marshall, Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Bettis
GEORGIA
a unique,
117th Air Control Squadron, Hunter Army Air Field
165th Air Support Operations Squadron, Savannah Air National Guard Base
224th Joint Communications Support Squadron, Brunswick
• 116th Air Control Wing - Robins Air Force Base - Col. Amy Holbeck,
139th Intelligence Squadron, Fort Gordon
202nd Engineering Installation Squadron, Robins AFB
283rd Combat Communications Squadron, Dobbins ARB • Combat Readines Training Center - Savannah - Col. Doug Fike,
Georgia State Defense Force
The Ga. SDF (“Ready to Serve!”) is a component of the Ga. DoD, along with the Ga. ANG and Ga. ARNG. The Ga. SDF provides an organized, disciplined, and professionally trained force of volunteer Soldiers (many with prior military service) for rapid response in assisting Georgia communities during emergencies. The Ga. SDF also contributes military support to units of the United States and Georgia DoD and serves under the direction of the Governor and the Adjutant General. Units focus on mission types that include operations, military-to-military support, and community engagement
• Completed 114 missions, totaling 1,206 man-days, in addition to conducting monthly drills and annual training
• Conducted military entrance processing and initial entry training courses
• Provided professional military education, and offered specialty training including: CPR/first aid, chainsaw and debris clearing, search and rescue, and support to civilian agencies
• Provided operational support to the Ga. ARNG, including opposing force engagement
• Delivered a more than a 1,600 percent return on investment
•
Wins Challenges
•
Unit Command Teams
• 1st Brigade, Marietta, Col. Anthony Evangelista, Command Sgt. Maj. Randall Kelley
• 4th Brigade, Ashburn, Lt. Col. Lynwood Yates
• 5th Brigade, Macon, Col. Don Lankford, Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Bayn
• 76th Support Brigade, Marietta, Col. Debbie Redling, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Ulmer
• Opposing Force (OPFOR) Battalion, Cumming, Lt. Col. Vadim Timchenko
• Training and Doctrine Command, Ellenwood, Col. Allen Vance, Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Gaines
State Operations
Georgia DOD State Operations continues to provide exceptional support to the ARNG and ANG, as well as its youth education programs. This function is led by the Deputy Adjutant General, who oversees the Financial Management Division (FMD), State Personnel Office (SPO), STARBASE, Job ChalleNGe, and Youth ChalleNGe programs. In the last year, these programs were forcemultipliers for the overall agency mission and whose support led to many successes.
The FMD and SPO led by Mr. Kenley Finlayson and Ms. Angela Winters respectively, supported the overall agency mission and goals with stellar management of financial and human capital resources.
Challenges
• This is the first challenge and a few more details about it.
In FY 22, the FMD executed over $16 million in state general funds, $12.5 million in other state funds and over $54 million in federal funds, all in direct support of the agency’s mission. A large portion of this execution is the support of the agency’s statewide readiness center refresh. There are 18 projects in various stages of this refresh with many more on the horizon. These projects will modernize the training environments for for the Georgia ARNG which supports the number one organizational priority readiness. The FMD played a pivotal role in the procurement process as well as the financial management responsibilities.
• This is the second challenge and a few more details about it.
• This is the third challenge and a few more details about it.
The SPO supports over 480 employees across the state at locations in the Savannah area, Augusta, Warner Robins, and Marietta. Over the last two years, the SPO has successfully implemented 100 percent completion of the state mandated sexual harassment training for employees and the training for managers and supervisors. The SPO ensures both the agency and employees are protected and that processes are consistent and fair by providing guidance for state employees and their managers. With the development of new hire orientation as well as improvements on performance management and recruitment, the Ga. DOD state workforce is thriving.
Both the FMD and SPO supported Soldiers and Airmen as they responded to governor-declared emergencies. These state active duty missions saw over 6,000 mandays performed in direct support of local communities recovering from a natural disaster. The division and the office ensured Georgia’s guardsmen were promptly paid and supported in a timely and accurate manner.
Youth Programs
The Georgia DOD will continue to provide a benefit to local communities by offering a second chance to Georgia’s at-risk youth, preparing them for a future as educated, trained, productive, and responsible individuals. Just as important, we will continue to employ a well-qualified staff in a safe, supportive, and learning environment. The Fort Stewart YCA will develop quality facilities to continue its 29-year tradition of developing, educating, and graduating 16 to 18-year-old at-risk youth. We will also evolve the Job Challenge Academy as a premier vocational training program by improving the converted barracks and administrative buildings. The program will continue to seek improved methods of hiring and retaining well-trained and certified educators, counselors, and cadre who can better support youth with learning difficulties, behavioral issues, and increased medical needs.
Future Plans Wins
• Youth ChalleNGe graduation rate increased 9.5 percent over FY21 with only three of four regularly scheduled classes executed
• State cost per graduate decreased by $2,311 due to the increase in the number of graduates
• Increased graduates at Job ChalleNGe Academy by 30 at Fort Stewart over the previous year
• Job Challenge Academy improved career specific job placement by 6.7% and demonstrated a 4.2% increase for overall employment placement by graduates
GLOBALLY ENGAGED, LOCALLY CONNECTED
GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
Overseas Deployment Training
• Supporting major exercises (e.g. African Lion) in overseas locations
• Conducted specialized tasks during deployment activities as a part of the Joint Force
DOMESTIC RESPONSE
Civil Disturbance Operations
• 1,745 Guardsmen responded in Ga.
• 1,186 Guardsmen supported the Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C.
• 20+ locations, 346 days on mission
COVID-19 Response
• 3,911 Guardsmen responded
• 3,503 WebEOC mission requests
• 802 total days on mission
• 948,000 meals prepared, served
Deployments
• 25k + deployed since 9/11
• 600+ deployed for overseas missions in CY 21
• Operating overseas in support of combatant commanders
• Operating in all six geographic combatant commands
Disaster Response
• For Hurricane Ian, the Georgia National Guard sent 14 personnel to Florida from the Fatality Search and Recovery Team for support
COVID-19 Response
• 399.8M pounds of palletized, packaged meals
• 46 Hospital Support Teams
• 41 Entry Control Teams
• 19 Specimen Point of Collection Teams
• 28 Mobile Testing Teams
• 65 Infection Control Teams
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
State Partnership Program
• Improves international security, builds interoperability and partner capacity
• Enduring civil-military relationship with the Country of Georgia
• Six-year relationship with latest state partner, Argentina
Counter Drug Task Force
• In FY 22, provided training to 41 agencies, 90 law enforcement officers
• Partners with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
• $54.5 million in drug-related seizures
Youth Challenge Academy
• 29 years of success, 18,392 Georgia graduates, 22-week program
• Since 2020, 654 cadets have graduated, 336 earned education credentials
STARBASE
• National STEM program, 25 hr curriculum, for at-risk 5th-8th graders, Title I schools, DoD funded
• Clay National Guard Center 25-hour curriculum
• Over 2,000 graduates annually
Georgia Guard Soldiers Fallen in Service Since 9/11
1. SFC Willoughby, Christopher R. 121st Infantry (LRSU)
2. SGT Pinkston, Foster HSC, 878th Engineer Bn.
3. SGT Boles, Dennis J.
1st Bn, 171st Aviation Regiment
July 20, 2003 Iraq
September 16, 2003 USA
October 24, 2004 Kuwait
4. SSG Gillican, Charles C. 1st Bn, 118 Field Artillery Regiment May 14, 2005 Kuwait
5. SSG Mercer, Chad M. 2nd Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment June 30, 2005 Iraq
6. SPC Brunson, Jacques E. 2nd Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment July 24, 2005 Iraq
7. SSG Fuller, Carl R. 2nd Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment July 24, 2005 Iraq
8. SGT Kinlow, James O. 2nd Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment July 24, 2005 Iraq
9. SGT Thomas, John F. 2nd Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment July 24, 2005 Iraq
10. SFC Anderson, Victor A. 2nd Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment
July 30, 2005 Iraq
11. SGT Haggin, Jonathon C. 2nd Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment July 30, 2005 Iraq
12. SSG Jones, David R. 2nd Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment July 30, 2005 Iraq
13. SGT Shelley, Ronnie L. 2nd Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment
14. SGT Ganey, Jerry L. 648th Engineer Bn.
July 30, 2005 Iraq
August 3, 2005 Iraq
15. SPC Gibbs, Mathew V. 648th Engineer Bn. August 3, 2005 Iraq
16. SFC Warren, Charles H. 648th Engineer Bn.
17. SGT Dingler, Joshua P. 1st Bn, 108th Armor Regiment
August 3, 2005 Iraq
August 15, 2005 Iraq
18. SGT Saylor, Paul A. 1st Bn, 108th Armor Regiment August 15, 2005 Iraq
19. SGT Strickland, Thomas J. 1st Bn, 108th Armor Regiment August 15, 2005 Iraq 20. SGT Stokely, Michael J. Troop E, 108th Cavalry Regiment
August 16, 2005 Iraq 21. SGT Draughn, George R. Troop E, 108th Cavalry Regiment
September 1, 2005 Iraq 22. SFC Hollar, Robert L. Troop E, 108th Cavalry Regiment September 1, 2005 Iraq 23. SPC Grijavlva, James 2nd Bn, 130th Infantry Regiment October 12, 2005 Iraq 24. SSG Merck, Dennis P. 878th Engineer Bn. October 20, 2005 Iraq 25. SGT Dodson, Philip A. 148th Forward Support Bn. December 2, 2005 Iraq 26. SGT Futrell, Marcus S. 148th Forward Support Bn. December 2, 2005 Iraq 27. SSG Travis, Philip L. 148th Forward Support Bn. December 2, 2005 Iraq 28. SGT Maravillosa, Myla L. 221st Military Intelligence Bn. December 24, 2005 Iraq 29. SSG Edwards, Amos C. 1st Bn, 118th Field Artillery Regiment February 17, 2006 Iraq 30. SPC Singletary, Channing 122nd Support Center June 23, 2006 Iraq
SPC Boone, Christopher 121st Infantry (LRSU) February 17, 2007 Iraq
MSG Weaver, Davy N. Headquarters Company, 48th Inf. Bde. May 18, 2008 Afghanistan
SFC Beale, John C. 1st Sqdn, 108th Cavalry Regiment June 4, 2009 Afghanistan
MAJ Jenrette, Kevin M. 1st Sqdn, 108th Cavalry Regiment June 4, 2009 Afghanistan
SGT Jordan, Jeffrey W. 1st Sqdn, 108th Cavalry Regiment June 4, 2009 Afghanistan
1SG Blair, John David 1st Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment June 20, 2009 Afghanistan
SGT Chavers, Brock Henry 2nd Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment July 6, 2009 Afghanistan
SPC Johnson, Isaac Lee 1st Sqdn, 108th Cavalry Regiment July 6, 2009 Afghanistan
CPL Morales, Raymundo Porras 148th Forward Support Bn. July 21, 2009 Afghanistan
SSG French IV, Alex 1st Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment September 30, 2009 Afghanistan
SGT Holmes, David 810th Engineer Company
SFC Roberts Jr., Edgar N. 810th Engineer Company
MSG Allen, Mark 2nd Bn, 121st Infantry Regiment
June 26, 2010 Afghanistan
August 17, 2010 Afghanistan
October 12, 2019 USA