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Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Donnellan presents experience, priorities in Idaho adjutant general hearing
Summary
Brigadier General Timothy J. Donnellan told the Senate State Affairs Committee he would prioritize readiness, collaboration with state agencies and maintaining the Idaho National Guard as an operational reserve if confirmed as Idaho’s adjutant general; the committee deferred a confirmation vote to its next meeting.
Major General Timothy J. Donnellan, nominated by Gov. Brad Little to serve as Idaho’s adjutant general and head of the Idaho Military Division, told the Senate State Affairs Committee on the appointment hearing that he would prioritize a ready, modern National Guard and collaboration across state agencies.
Donnellan opened by thanking the committee and Gov. Little and described his 32 years of military service: “I am truly honored to be here and I thank you for your continued long time support of the men and women of the Idaho Military Division,” he said. He described combat deployments, command experience and responsibilities that included “annual budgets over $150,000,000.”
Donnellan told senators that the Idaho National Guard must remain both a combat-capable federal reserve and a state-level disaster response force. “We simply cannot afford a large full time military and yet we cannot walk away from the global stage,” he said, arguing the National Guard fills that dual role at roughly one-third the cost of a full-time force. He said he would “ensure that our Idaho National Guard airmen, soldiers, and state employees are trained and equipped to continue to meet mission anytime and anywhere.”
Committee members asked about the A‑10 aircraft and civilian control of the military. Donnellan said the A‑10 was “an absolutely incredible machine to fly” but that he expected the aircraft would be retired and that he supports civilian control of the armed forces. Senators thanked Donnellan for in-person testimony; no confirmation vote was taken at the hearing.
The committee chair said the appointment would be voted on at the next meeting, likely Monday; Donnellan remained eligible to attend but would not be required to be present for the vote.
Speakers identified in the hearing included Major General Timothy J. Donnellan; the committee chair (unnamed in the transcript); Senator Harris; Senator Adams; and Senator Shippey.
