Transformation Message to the Force

Warriors,

We are in a time of dynamic change in the Total Army with Active, National Guard and Reserve units undergoing significant structure changes as we transform into a more adaptable and lethal fighting force. Changes like these aren't new as the Army has evolved many times before, and indeed many of us experienced something similar with the large-scale total force transformation in 2004-2006. 

For the past nine months, Virginia has been on the leading edge of Army's Transformation in Contact (TIC) 2.0 initiative with the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team selected as one of two National Guard brigades to convert to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team (MBCT).

As we transform, let me be clear, every Soldier in the Virginia Army National Guard (VAARNG) has a home, and we want to keep each of you in our formation because we value your skills, experience, and commitment to service. While transformation may require some Soldiers to transition to another military skill or unit type, our goal is for every Soldier to continue serving close to home, and to have access the great education, training, and leadership opportunities that you expect.

As part of the accelerated Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) and the recently published Army Structure Plan (ARSTRUC), the VAARNG, along with the rest of the National Guard, will experience substantial changes. Force structure actions are expected to impact Virginia in the next 12 months including the planned inactivation of 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry and the partial inactivation of the 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion. These cavalry and engineer unit inactivations are happening across the Total Army.

The 2-183d CAV will form the core of the MBCT's multi-functional reconnaissance company (MFRC). Our Troopers who don't transfer to the MFRC will have opportunities to continue to serve in the infantry battalions of the 116th MBCT, where Soldiers with the 19 series MOS in the ranks of E-1 through E-4 will not require reclassification training. Other transition opportunities to other units or branches will also be available subject to individual qualifications, line scores, and geographic preferences. 

Our retention NCOs and unit chain of command will work with each Soldier to find their best path forward in the Virginia Army National Guard.

There are many opportunities for Soldiers in the 229th BEB. The military intelligence (Ml) company will become a stand-alone company, minus the unmanned aerial system and electronic warfare platoons, and most of the signal company will be aligned to the 116th MBCT headquarters. Elements of the Ml and signal companies that do not transition will remain in their current companies as the National Guard expects to receive additional force structure for those branches in one to two years. The VAARNG is currently competing to make the 229th BEB the 229th Division Engineer Battalion, which historically has shared lineage and honors with the 29th Infantry Division.

Organizational change is unsettling, but necessary to make sure our formations remain relevant and lethal. While our overall force structure will decrease in the short term, we will continue to grow individual unit end-strength to better compete for emerging force structure options in the future. As we transform there are so many exciting opportunities to continue to serve. I look forward to seeing you around the formation.

This We'll Defend! Death to Tyrants!

Timothy M. Hawley
Command Sergeant Major
Virginia Army National Guard

Charles B. Martin
Brigadier General, VAARNG
Land Component Commander