SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday signed Executive Order No. 740, revitalizing the Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program (JEEP) to strengthen recruitment and readiness within the Alabama State Military Department, which includes the Army and Air National Guard. The order was signed ahead of the National Guard’s birthday Saturday, underscoring what Ivey called Alabama’s commitment to keeping its force “always ready.”
“We call on the men and women of the Alabama National Guard often, so to ensure Alabama’s force stands ready, we have to continue increasing our support for them,” Ivey said. “As we look forward to celebrating America’s oldest fighting force, I was proud to sign this executive order to ensure the Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program is allowing the Guard to maintain operational superiority.”
The executive order directs the Alabama State Military Department to issue new regulations encouraging soldiers, airmen, qualified retirees and department employees to assist with recruitment efforts. Financial incentives will be offered to individuals who provide leads resulting in enlistments into the Alabama National Guard. In addition, Air National Guard recruiting and retention personnel will be eligible for bonus payments when they exceed annual recruitment goals.
The department is also required to submit an annual report to the governor evaluating the effectiveness of the program.
“Alabama is already a top state for military recruitment and this only further strengthens that momentum,” Ivey said.
Adjutant General David Pritchett praised the order, calling it a key step in sustaining the Guard’s mission readiness. “This executive order strengthens our ability to recruit, retain and support the talented men and women who choose to serve,” Pritchett said, noting the Guard’s ongoing missions from the National Capital Region to the Southern Border and overseas operations.
Ivey also highlighted the Guard’s recent deployments to Washington, D.C., in support of the Trump administration’s “Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful” mission. The first wave of 191 soldiers is expected to return home by Christmas, with an additional deployment of approximately 200 Guardsmen projected for a 90-day mission.
“The safety of the United States begins and ends in our Nation’s Capital,” Ivey said. “I am proud of the Alabamians serving to support that mission.”