Description
The Adjutants General Association of the United States is made up of the fifty-four Adjutants General of the sovereign States, Territories and the District of Columbia. Each Adjutant General is the senior military official in his or her state, territory or district, and the modern embodiment of the concepts of the citizen-soldier, civilian oversight of the military, and protector of the checks and balances between the state and federal military functions that are rooted in the Constitution of the United States. In the words of George Washington, "There is nothing that gives a man consequence, and renders him fit for command, like a support that renders him independent of everybody but the State he serves." There is, therefore, no organization, group, office or individual better suited than the AGAUS to speak collectively on behalf of the National Guards of the sovereign States, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. The Adjutants General Association of the United States will lead the National Guard and NGUS in the 21st Century, insuring we remain a National Guard with skilled personnel dedicated to our militia heritage and reflecting the diversity of our communities. AGAUS will also ensure we remain a National Guard fully equipped with modern weapons and facilities essential to the fulfillment of our diverse state and federal missions. To ensure that commitment, we must understand the events and experiences of our past that have contributed to the strength of our...