ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

The National Guard and the Army Reserve are ready to meet evolving national and global threats, said Gen. Andrew Poppas, commander of Army Forces Command.

“We saw flooding throughout the West, … record snowfall, tornadoes and wildfires throughout all of our communities,” Poppas said Oct. 14 in remarks at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition. The reserve components’ response to these disasters “all sent one clear message: Your soldiers stand ready today to face whatever threats that come our way as a nation,” Poppas said.

In his first letter to his “Army Reserve team,” the component’s new chief warned of a complex world for which the force must be ready.

Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, who since Aug. 1 has been chief of the Army Reserve and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command, said in the Sept. 3 letter that the world is changing rapidly, noting that “capable adversaries present growing challenges at home and abroad.”

The Senate has confirmed the nominations of two general officers who are set to lead the Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve.

Maj. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, who has been the adjutant general of Arkansas since January 2023, is slated to become the next director of the Army National Guard. He will receive his third star and succeed Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, who has led the Army National Guard since August 2020 and is expected to retire Aug. 5.

The National Guard and Army Reserve need increased support to modernize their equipment and manning for future conflict, the components’ top leaders testified June 18 on Capitol Hill.

Maj. Gen. Robert Harter has been nominated by President Joe Biden to be the next chief of the U.S. Army Reserve and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command.

If confirmed by the Senate, Harter, who has commanded the 81st Readiness Division at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, since Sept. 20, 2022, would receive his third star and succeed Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, who has led the Army Reserve since July 28, 2020.

The National Guard and Army Reserve need continued investment to outcompete America’s adversaries, the components’ top leaders testified April 30 on Capitol Hill.

“Our nation’s investment in the National Guard comes at a pivotal moment,” said Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau. “Our strategic competitors are seeking advantages in every domain, [including] land, sea, air space and cyber. If we are to compete and deter successfully, and, if necessary, prevail in combat, we must invest in our people.”