Guard and Reserve Leaders Warn of Readiness Strain Amid Defense Budget Uncertainty
Top leaders from the National Guard and Reserve have raised concerns about the impact of funding uncertainty, aging equipment, and rising mission demands on military readiness. During a testimony before the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, leaders highlighted that the Guard and Reserve, which constitute 20% of the joint force, operate on less than 4% of the Department of Defense's budget. The Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal includes a shift in how Guard and Reserve funding is managed, moving the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account into the broader Pentagon budget, which has raised concerns about potential gaps in equipment and readiness. 
