Recognizing 375 years of service of the National Guard and affirming congressional support for a permanent Operational Reserve as a component of the Armed Forces.

Recognizes: (1) the critical importance of the Operational Reserve as a component of the Armed Forces, particularly as a means of preserving combat power during a time of budget austerity; and (2) the dual-status, state-federal National Guard as the foundation of the Operational Reserve and of military manpower.

Expresses support for making the Operational Reserve permanent.

Repudiates proposals to return the Reserve Components to a diminished or purely strategic role in national security.

Affirms the growth of the Operational Reserve as circumstances warrant.