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TAG's Message: Future Goals
By Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General - New Jersey
TAG at Operation Jump Start
Governor Jon S. Corzine signs a Statement of Support for the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve at Sea Girt Oct. 14. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA.

As we approach the holiday season and the start of a new year, this is good time to look at the direction the New Jersey National Guard is heading.
We have successfully completed deployments of Soldiers and Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism while at the same time engaged in the transformation of the Army and Air Guard. Every member of our team needs to be keenly aware of the direction our organization is heading and how we will sustain our sterling record of accomplishments.

In October, I issued my Priorities and Goals for the next two years and beyond. Everything we do should take into account the following Core Values: Integrity, Loyalty, Service before Self, Excellence and Diversity.

The trust and confidence that New Jersey and the nation have placed in us must be upheld to the highest standards. Adhering to these Core Values will continue to allow us to recruit the best and brightest to join our ranks.

Right along with the Core Values is the concern for the health, morale and well being of those wearing the uniform and their families will go a long way to keep us successful in any mission we face and enable us to retain our highly capable personnel.
These tenets of my command philosophy are the bias of my five top priorities.

STRENGTH: This is much more than a number; it is a gauge that will determine future missions and structure for our state. We need to use all the elements of sound force management to include; recruiting, retention and effective manning. The old adage that ‘Everyone Is A Recruiter” is even more important today with the Guard Recruiter Assistant Program (G-RAP). My goal is meet or exceed National Guard Bureau strength targets for our state.

HOMELAND SECURITY: Except for Federal mobilization, this is the priority mission. Protecting the citizens of this State continues in the ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ tradition that is our core competency. Our relevance as military first responders will define our abilities to respond to state emergencies, natural or manmade within four to 24 hours.

READINESS and HOMELAND DEFENSE: To meet the needs of the nation, the organization as a whole must be ready to answer the call. Readiness is the personal responsibility of every Soldier and Airmen. Having the facilities and equipment needed to train is a responsibility of the leadership. My goal is to keep the ‘Home Town team” trained to standard and equipped to respond to state or federal missions.
FUTURE MISSIONS and TRANSFORMATION: As with any change, there will be some pain before we gain a dynamic combination of capabilities to better serve the state and nation. We have moved from a ‘strategic reserve’ to an ‘operational force’ while the country is fighting the Global War on Terrorism. I ask that you remain flexible to help make this transformation as smooth as possible without any loss of mission capability.
DIVERSITY: The New Jersey National Guard must be a reflection of the population of the Garden State. We must mentor our junior enlisted and officers to ensure their future success. The goal is to have senior level NCO’s and officers that match the demographics of the state.

These priorities are well within our reach, but let us not limit ourselves. Instead let us strive to exceed my goals and to be the best in everything we do.
Thank you for all you have done this year to make sure that the New Jersey National Guard is a ready, reliable and relevant force. You are the reason for our successes and the foundation of our future.

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Volume 32 Number 5
Staff / Information
     
(c) 2006 NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
http://www.nj.gov/military