Orr says Iowa Guard is mission-focused and warrior ready - KWWL.com

The head of the Iowa National Guard says his troops remain mission-focused and warrior ready.

Major General Timothy Orr addressed the Iowa General Assembly Thursday about looming cuts to the national defense during his annual Condition of the Guard Speech.

Major General Orr specifically referred to the 132nd jet fighter unit, which was on the Federal chopping block last year.

Orr says "We were successful at minimizing the proposed mission and personnel cuts to the 132^nd.

Orr says the 132nd will lose only about 32 personnel and those will come from retirements, relocations and transfers. The existing force will change focus to drone missions, intelligence and cyber security. But, there's still concern over about possible cuts from Washington.

 "Budget constraints and shifting priorities will impact how we operate, how we are organized and what we are asked to do in the years ahead. but despite these changes, the Iowa National Guard will remain mission-focused and warrior ready."

The Iowa National Guard depends on the Federal government for 93 percent of it's budget.