Despite Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's reassurances, the governors are outraged at what they see as a Defense Department end-run around their authorities that they say could set a negative precedent.
"OMB’s opposition to establishing a SNG and directive to transfer current National Guard space missions to an unestablished 'Space Component' will create a 7–10 year gap in the capabilities Air National Guard Space Units provide today," the 51 Guard adjutant generals argue in a letter to President Joe Biden.
The Biden administration so far has pushed back on the idea, citing cost, but some powerful senators are on board and an NDAA fight is brewing on the Hill.