Northwest Iowa — The Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard was in northwest Iowa Thursday, explaining new training schedule requirements for National Guard troops.
Major General Timothy Orr told KIWA that the role of the Guard has changed over the years.
General Orr talks about the changes made this year.
The General says uncertainty around the world has caused the changes in training.
He says Guard units will now work on a 5-year cycle, and the amount of time commitment per year will depend upon mission and training requirements.
Several years ago, Sheldon’s 2168th Transportation Company was activated and sent to the Middle East, and had very short notice of their activation beforehand. General Orr says the new 5-year cycle provides Guard soldiers plenty of notice before their units would be activated. In addition, he says each soldier will know a year ahead of time what changes in time commitments they’ll be making, providing ample time for the soldier, as well as their civilian employer, to make plans for a smooth transition.
Photo above: Major General Timothy Orr, Adjutant General, Iowa National Guard
