Those who lead our people should know our people.

That's the belief backing Bill No. 91, authored by Senator Joe San Agustin.

The measure seeks to ensure that future leaders of the Guam National Guard, specifically the adjutant and assistant adjutant generals, have strong ties to Guam.

“This isn’t about exclusion. It is about ensuring that people at the highest levels of our Guard leadership have a solid understanding of Guam’s history, issues, and beliefs because leadership without connection lacks direction,” said San Agustin. 

Boosting public confidence and giving Guam's people the assurance that those at the helm of the guard aren’t just qualified and capable, but are rooted in the island’s unique needs and identity is paramount for San Agustin as a retired Army National Guard member himself.

He also proposes an amendment: The residency requirement would not apply to Guam guardsmen and women who are currently deployed or are on temporary duty elsewhere.

“We have a lot of officers that have gone up the ranks, got all the certifications, got all the training, but they never get a shot at being the Adjutant General,” added San Agustin. 

“We’ve seen in the past that Generals have been replaced before the end of the Administration’s tenure. So that’s nothing new. So they can pick and choose, but pick from our own Guam people,” he added. 

The bill has garnered early support from fellow lawmakers as they anticipate written testimony from members of the Guam National Guard.