Virgin Islands National Guard Faces Funding and Resource Crisis
The Guard’s current budget request seeks just over $3.2 million in local funds, which would secure a federal match of more than $39 million. However, Knox-Limbacker emphasized that the issue lies not only in budget approvals but also in the execution of those budgets. Since taking command in 2019, he has witnessed approved budgets fail to materialize, with payments arriving late or not at all. This year, the fourth-quarter allotment—already appropriated—has yet to be disbursed.
While federal funds cover most operations, the local share is critical for programs that directly serve the public, such as Forward March, Youth About Face, and Territorial Active Duty mobilizations. These programs include crowd control during events like Carnival and emergency support for the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD). However, the lack of timely funding has led to soldiers being deployed for missions without assurance of payment. During this year’s St. Thomas Carnival, some soldiers refused to volunteer after not being paid for their work during St. Croix’s Carnival.
Knox-Limbacker stated firmly, “I will not call my soldiers somewhere where they will not be paid. And I will not ask them to volunteer.”
The loss of aviation capabilities is particularly concerning. The Virgin Islands once had two small helicopters and a skilled flight unit that performed critical missions. However, after the loss of their replacement unit, efforts to bring aviation assets back to the territory failed. Despite Congress funding a $24 million hangar, construction bids came in at an exorbitant $1,700 per square foot, leading the Department of Defense to cancel the project. The helicopters were reassigned, and the Virgin Islands aviation unit was permanently disbanded. Currently, the territory relies on a unit in El Paso, Texas—2,800 miles away—for air support during emergencies.
Knox-Limbacker attributed the ongoing issues to mismanagement of funds within the Virgin Islands government. “We don’t have a revenue problem in the Virgin Islands. We have a spending problem,” he said. He explained that while the Guard builds balanced budgets, overspending by other agencies often diverts funds from departments that adhere to their budgets. The Major General criticized the government’s inability to track its spending, echoing long-standing concerns from the Government Accountability Office about the lack of financial transparency.
The Virgin Islands National Guard, once a model of capability, now faces significant challenges due to delayed funding and resource shortages. Soldiers are left waiting months for payment, and the territory remains without critical aviation and maritime support. Knox-Limbacker’s testimony underscores the urgent need for accountability and prioritization to ensure the Guard can fulfill its mission.
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