Enlisted Committee of PNGAS

The Enlisted Committee of the Pennsylvania National Guard Association (PNGAS) serves as a dedicated forum for enlisted personnel within the Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard. Formerly known as the Pennsylvania National Guard Enlisted Association (PNGEA), this committee has evolved to integrate seamlessly into the broader PNGAS structure, ensuring focused representation and advocacy for enlisted-specific concerns while aligning with the organization's overarching mission.

Historical Background

Established as PNGEA, the group historically functioned as an independent entity advocating for Pennsylvania National Guard enlisted members, with strong ties to the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). In alignment with PNGAS Bylaws Version 5.0 (adopted in 2025), PNGEA was restructured and incorporated as the Enlisted Committee within PNGAS. This transition fosters unified advocacy across officer and enlisted ranks, enhancing collaboration and efficiency in supporting the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Role and Composition

The Enlisted Committee comprises elected and appointed enlisted representatives on the PNGAS Board of Directors, including positions such as Enlisted Board Member, Enlisted 1 Elect, Enlisted 2 through Enlisted 5, and Junior Enlisted. These roles ensure balanced representation from both Army and Air components. Committee members are elected at the Annual Meeting of the Membership for two-year terms, following a leadership succession model that alternates chair and vice-chair positions between officer and enlisted leaders to promote equity and continuity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with national organizations like EANGUS on initiatives, quarterly functions, and resolutions.
• Leading marketing, membership engagement, and professional development efforts targeted at enlisted personnel.
• Contributing to the Air/Army Resolutions Committee to compile and present resolutions at national conferences, addressing readiness, welfare, and policy needs.

Non-voting advisory members, such as unit representatives and the DMVA Liaison, may participate to provide additional insights.

Objectives and Contributions

In line with PNGAS's mission to support, advocate for, and strengthen the Pennsylvania National Guard, the Enlisted Committee focuses on:

• Advocacy and Legislation: Educating government officials on enlisted-related needs and promoting beneficial policies at state and federal levels.
• Professional Development: Encouraging leadership training, education, and career advancement opportunities for enlisted personnel.
• Community Engagement: Fostering public awareness of the Guard's role and heritage, while supporting collaborations with entities like the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).
• Membership Growth: Driving recruitment and retention among enlisted personnel, with current membership standing at approximately 1200 enlisted members as of January 2026.

The committee operates under the guidance of the PNGAS Executive Committee and reports to the full Board, ensuring fiscal and ethical accountability.

Get Involved

Active and Retired/Life members who are enlisted in good standing are eligible to serve on the Enlisted Committee. Elections occur at the Annual Meeting, and vacancies are filled by the Executive Committee to maintain operational continuity. If you are a Pennsylvania National Guard enlisted member interested in contributing, consider joining PNGAS or nominating yourself for a board position. For more details, contact us at pngas@pngas.org or visit our membership page to explore opportunities.

By uniting enlisted personnel under the PNGAS umbrella, the Enlisted Committee amplifies their voice, ensuring the Pennsylvania National Guard remains ready, resilient, and respected for generations to come.