Officer Committee of PNGAS

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

Historical Background

Established as NGAPA, the group historically functioned as an independent entity advocating for Pennsylvania National Guard officers, with strong ties to the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). In alignment with PNGAS Bylaws Version 5.0 (adopted in 2025), NGAPA was restructured and incorporated as the Officer 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 Officer Committee comprises elected and appointed officer representatives on the PNGAS Board of Directors, including positions such as Officer Board Member, Officer 1 Elect, Officer 1 through Officer 5, and Junior Officer. 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 NGAUS on initiatives, quarterly functions, and resolutions.
• Leading marketing, membership engagement, and professional development efforts targeted at officers.
• 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 Officer Committee focuses on:

• Advocacy and Legislation: Educating government officials on officer-related needs and promoting beneficial policies at state and federal levels.
• Professional Development: Encouraging leadership training, education, and career advancement opportunities for officers.
• 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 officers, with current membership standing at approximately 625 officers 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 officers in good standing are eligible to serve on the Officer 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 officer 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 officers under the PNGAS umbrella, the Officer Committee amplifies their voice, ensuring the Pennsylvania National Guard remains ready, resilient, and respected for generations to come.