Conclusion To continue with the AGR program is unconscionable. It serves no meaningful purpose. The present administration is constantly cutting unwarranted programs and this is a program that should be abolished. We certainly believe that technician performance leads to more consideration of new manpower alternatives. Well over 30 years of performance, bruised only in the last three years by poor conceptual direction, should lead to studies to enhance the growing need for civilian technician manning. We believe this subcommittee can provide impetus to important considerations in this area. The savings in funding would be high, and could be measured by gains in skills performance. Even today and for many years, Navy support ships are being manned by civilian merchant mariners. All active Air Force bases have many civil service employees supporting the active mission. It is important to recognize that not only are additional tax dollars being unnecessarily expended on this AGR nrogram, but a large portion of the military compensation received by AGR personnel is not subject to state income tax, whereas all of the civilian technician's pay is taxable. The program is a military luxury which, if continued, will only result in a great embarrassment to the defense establishment if it is brought to the public's attention. Mr. Chairman, I respectfully request that no funding in this or any other appropriation shall be used to fund the conversion of any civilian technician position in support of the National Guard or Reserve by active-duty or reserve military personnel, or to continue to fund any existing active-duty position converted from civilian status beyond the incumbent's present tour of duty. This concludes my formal statement. I shall be happy to respond to any questions you may have or provide any additional information you may desire. Attachment 1 Bi-weekly comparisons (38 positions) difference bi-weekly (AGR/technician) difference yearly (x 26 pay periods) average difference yearly (divided by 38) $ 13,048.41 $ 8,927.85 total, FY81 total, FY82* total, FY83* = $8,927.85 x 18,561 $165,709,823.80 *FY82 and FY83 military pay raises not included in figures. All pay received by a technician is taxable. AGR receives free retirement, free health insurance, free education benefits and commissary privileges. Cost differential: 13 examples Here are 13 examples of current technician positions at a New York Air National Guard base and how the cost of each would change if there was a conversion to Active Guard Reserve (AGR). |