Oregon National Guard briefs lawmakers on 2024 deployments, wildfire response and recruiting priorities

The Oregon National Guard told the Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs that 2024 was a busy training and deployment year, with units deployed overseas, continued air defense missions, support for wildland-fire response, and a state budget request that focuses on recruiting and retention.

"We appreciate any invitation to come and showcase ... the fantastic work that our service members and our civilian teammates provide to our state and our nation," Brigadier General Jennifer Pardy, director of the joint staff for the Oregon National Guard, told the committee. Adjutant General Alan Gronewald said the guard remains "the service of choice for Oregonians," citing large training rotations, aircraft deliveries and domestic missions.

Gronewald and Pardy highlighted several operational points: soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployed in support of NATO-led operations in Kosovo; elements of the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery performed counter-rocket attack missions across multiple CENTCOM locations; and units prepared for additional deployments to the Horn of Africa and Egypt. The Oregon Air National Guard began receiving F-15EX aircraft and supported large multistate training exercises such as Century Luau and the USAF Weapons Instructor Course.

The guard also supported the state during the 2024 wildland-fire season. Following Governor Tina Kotek's emergency declaration on July 12, more than 200 soldiers and airmen were activated on state duty for roughly 60 days, assisting with bucket missions, medevac and hand crews, and search-and-rescue operations. The presentation described one rescue of a hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail that required helicopter hoist operations and a transfer to a hospital in Medford.

Pardy gave staffing and program details: the state component includes roughly 495 positions that support readiness centers and logistics, and the guard's community programs include the Oregon Youth Challenge (since 1994, the presentation said it has graduated 66,100 cadets) and STARBASE programs serving about 8,700 students annually. The agency presented an overall governor's budget request of $338,000,000 and said its top priorities are a reenlistment bonus, an agency-funded enlistment enhancement program, and a state-funded retention bonus to address recruiting shortfalls.

The presentation noted manpower currently deployed: about 927 service members are assigned around the world, with a forecasted deployment of roughly 225 additional individuals. Pardy and Gronewald emphasized the dual state-and-federal role of the guard and described continued planning for future training, demobilization ceremonies and aircraft transitions through 2027.

Committee members asked about recruiting outreach and female membership; the guard said recruitment remains challenging and that bonuses and enlistment programs in the budget are intended to address retention and attraction. Gronewald and Pardy said they would provide additional information on demographic breakdowns and outreach approaches if the committee requests further detail.