**Expansion of Iowa National Guard Ranks and Priority Sioux City Project**
Major General Steve Osborn of the Iowa National Guard made a significant announcement today regarding the organization’s growth and upcoming projects. The Iowa Guard has achieved remarkable success in recruiting, ending Fiscal Year 2024 with a 99.5% assigned strength and an impressive 83% retention rate, one of the highest in the nation.
**New Positions and Priorities**
In 2025, the Iowa National Guard is authorized to add 137 new positions, primarily for combat engineers, soldiers specializing in cyber security, and field artillery. General Osborn emphasized the importance of this expansion, highlighting the critical roles these new soldiers will play in enhancing the Guard’s capabilities.
**Sioux City Runway Reconstruction**
One of the key projects on the horizon for the Iowa National Guard is the rebuilding of the runway at Sioux City’s airport. General Osborn explained that due to the shift from F-16 fighters to KC-135 tankers, a new runway is essential for accommodating these larger aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has alerted officials that the current runway has limited time left before it becomes unsafe for use.
**Funding and Collaboration**
The total cost of the runway reconstruction project is estimated to be $95 million, with the FAA expected to contribute a portion of the funds. General Osborn expressed confidence in securing the necessary funding, citing positive steps taken thus far in collaboration with various government agencies and officials.
**Legislative Proposals**
Additionally, General Osborn presented two crucial policy proposals to state legislators. He urged adjustments to Iowa’s law on chronic absenteeism to account for high school students participating in mandatory screenings for military service. Furthermore, he proposed expanding eligibility for Iowa National Guard Service Scholarships to encompass soldiers pursuing professional certifications and credentials in addition to traditional college degrees.
**Community Partnerships**
In the realm of community engagement, the Iowa National Guard is set to open a cutting-edge $24 million training facility in West Des Moines, catering to both Guard members and the local Fire Department. Furthermore, plans are underway for the construction of a new $14 million Army National Guard maintenance facility in Sioux City, funded federally.
**Dedicated Service**
As General Osborn reflected on the Iowa National Guard’s impact, he highlighted the unwavering dedication of the nearly 9000 men and women serving in the Iowa Army National Guard and Iowa National Air Guard. Their commitment was evident in the deployment of 700 soldiers and airmen in 2024 for various missions, ranging from disaster response to border security efforts.
**Personal Touch**
During my conversation with General Osborn, he shared a touching anecdote about a young soldier whose life was positively transformed by the opportunities provided by the Iowa National Guard. This soldier’s journey from uncertainty to purpose exemplified the profound impact of the Guard’s programs and initiatives. General Osborn’s eyes sparkled with pride as he recounted this story, underscoring the human element at the heart of the Iowa National Guard’s mission.
In conclusion, the Iowa National Guard’s ongoing growth and strategic projects herald a promising future for the organization, underscoring its vital role in safeguarding the state and supporting its communities.
