Transforming the Air National Guard in the 21st Century: How to Balance the Air Guard's 'Remarkable Trinity'- The Airman, the Family, and the Employer

摘要

In his book On War-published in 1852-the great Prussian theorist Carl Von Clausewitz described what we have come to know today as a remarkable trinity that consisted of the government the military and the people. He recognized that a crucial relationship existed between the three and that if a balance was not maintained synergistic effect of the trinity as a powerful force becomes muted. His theory asserted that the three entities are inextricably linked and that neglect in one area equates to neglect in all areas. Although this is a basic interpretation of a complex idea the point is that all parts of the equation are important. Certainly a perfect balance cannot be maintained at all times but the caution is that there is a limit. This belief can certainly be applied to the Air National Guard's remarkable trinity-the airman, the family and the employer. Thousands of dedicated guardsmen regularly perform an extraordinary balancing act in regard to their military family and employer related responsibilities. As the Air National Guard continues to participate in worldwide operations at a phenomenal pace a clear strain has been placed on each of these three segments. This paper will explore the issues surrounding those strains and present recommendations on how to maintain a balance. As the military transforms, so too must the Air National Guard. The relationship that exists between the airman, the family, and the employer must be considered as the Air National Guard contemplates changes necessary to ensure the force of the 21st century remains ready reliable and relevant.