To support Section 1, Article 111, Purposes, as defined in the Bylaws of the National Guard Association of Texas, which reads as follows: The purposes of the National Guard Association of Texas shall be:

1. To promote and support adequate National Security.
2. To foster and improve the National Guard of Texas and the National Guard of the United States as a component of the Armed Forces of the United States.
3. To preserve and perpetuate the history and traditions of the National Guard of Texas.
4. To further the educational opportunities of young people and to support educational, literary or scientific activities, including the granting of educational scholarships to annual and life members of the National Guard Association of Texas and their dependents. The Association shall provide for an Educational Foundation to be known as the National Guard Association of Texas Educational Foundation.

NGAT's Long Range Plan

NGAT's five-year long range plan and goals focus on the direction of the association on issues of highest priority for our board and membership. All programming and budgeting decisions are made within the context of the long range plan. It is not an attempt to describe what NGAT is or everything we do. The plan is an evolving document which is reviewed annually by the Board of Directors with input from the membership throughout the association. While elements of the plan do not dramatically change each year, this annual review assures an opportunity for NGAT to modify its direction when a changing environment indicates the need.

Assumptions

• The DoD's equipment modernization policy will bring displaced and new equipment to the Texas National Guard.
• There will be a shortage of resources to support theincreased reliance placed upon Texas National Guard units.
• Drug demand reduction involvement will increase for the TXNG.
• The end strength and force structure of the Texas National Guard will decrease.
• There will be a greater requirement for full-time support personnel in Texas National Guard units.
• There will be a continuation of state control of the TXNG.
• There will be a greater need to inform and educate Congress, governors, state legislators, defense contractors, local community leaders, voters, families, employers, and Texas Guard members about national defense issues.
• There will be a greater need to inform and educate Active Components at all levels about the uniqueness of the National Guard.
• There will be greater focus on family issues to strengthen support in the home for Texas Guard membership.
• The National Military Budget will continue to decline.
• NGAT will find ways and means to promote important programs and increase corporate memberships and sponsorships.
• NGAT will continue as an active organization during and after any mobilization.
• The TXNG will emphasize high standards of ethical and moral conduct.
• Changing Texas demographics will cause a decrease in available quality personnel resources for the TXNG.
• Active military installation closures will negatively impact training facilities for the TXNG.
• TXNG activities will become more focused on environmental and safety concerns and awareness.
• The TXNG will continue to improve in equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.
• The "citizen-soldier" concept will take on greater importance as the nation decreases its reliance on a standing Army.
• The TXNG will be asked to assume a greater role in the community to add value to Texas.

Objectives & Goals of NGAT

Government Relations Goals

Expand NGAT's involvement in government relations.

1. Expand the awareness of the National Guard to local, state, and national government leaders and the news media.
2. Continue to pursue the acquisition of the latest state-of-the-art equipment which parallels the active component.
3. Continue to assess the political environment and its impact on the National Guard.

Membership Goals

1. Expand NGAT membership by 2% per year.
2. Improve membership incentives.
3. Improve the NGAT awards program.
4. Improve the public image of NGAT.
5. Improve the NGAT News magazine.
6. Improve the NGAT Newsletter
7. Improve the NGAT Travel and Recreation program.
8. Improve retirees' participation in NGAT.
9. Support family issues to include NGAT and Guard benefits.
10. Improve the ESGR program.

Educational Foundation Goals

• Increase NGAT scholarships by 5% per year.

Internal Operations Goals

1. Establish and annually review NGAT's facility requirement.
2. Continue to develop procedures to improve NGAT headquarters staffing and operations.
3. Continue to support the Adjutant General's Department in areas of mutual interest and benefit.
4. Seek ideas and suggestions from NGAT membership.

Military History Goals

• Preserve and perpetuate the history and traditions of the Texas National Guard.

Minority Goals

• Continue to increase minority participation in all areas of NGAT until it reflects the Guard as a whole.