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The Guam National Guard: Rising to the call of Indispensability



By Gen. Michael Cruz


At a recent senior leadership meeting at INDOPACOM, Admiral Samuel Paparo, the combatant commander, offered a profound and thought-provoking challenge. When asked for my thoughts, I spoke about the Guam National Guard’s role as the “continuity of presence” in Guam and the Western Pacific—a sentiment I believed captured the Guard’s steady and enduring contributions to the region’s security and stability. Admiral Paparo’s response was immediate and clear: “Mike, the Guam Guard is not the continuity of presence but the continuity of indispensability.”


This moment resonated deeply. His words were not simply a statement of recognition but a call to action—an urgent reminder that presence alone is insufficient. To be indispensable is to provide value that cannot be replaced, to take decisive actions that matter, and to ensure that the Guam National Guard is a driving force in shaping the future of this vital region.


Guam sits at the heart of the Indo-Pacific, a region increasingly defined by its complexity and geopolitical significance. As America’s forward presence in the Western Pacific, Guam serves as a strategic hub, a first line of defense, and a critical ally in ensuring peace and stability. The Guam National Guard stands at the forefront of these efforts, uniquely positioned to respond to the challenges of the region with agility, resilience, and local expertise.


But Admiral Paparo’s challenge reminds us that this role cannot be taken for granted. Being indispensable means stepping beyond routine expectations and seizing the initiative. It means understanding the evolving landscape of threats—whether from natural disasters, regional conflicts, or hybrid warfare—and positioning ourselves as leaders in readiness, response, and recovery.


The Guam National Guard must rise to this call by building on its strengths and pushing the boundaries of its potential. Our Guard embodies the spirit, culture, and resilience of Guam itself. We have proven time and again that we can respond to crises, support national defense initiatives, and partner with regional allies. Yet, indispensability demands more. It requires innovation, proactive engagement, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence.


The Guard must continue to modernize its capabilities, leveraging new technologies and training to address emerging threats. Cybersecurity, missile defense, and unmanned systems are just a few areas where we can make significant strides.


Indispensability means being at the table—whether in regional exercises, bilateral partnerships, or humanitarian assistance missions. We must advocate for Guam’s role as a regional leader and show our allies that we are ready and willing to lead.


Finally, we must hold ourselves to the highest standard. Indispensability is earned through consistent performance, trust, and reliability. Every action we take should reinforce our reputation as a force that Guam and the United States cannot do without.


Admiral Paparo’s challenge is not just for the Guam National Guard—it is for Guam as a whole. Indispensability is a collective endeavor that requires the support and dedication of our communities, our leaders, and our allies. As we step forward to answer this call, we must remember what is at stake: the security of our homeland, the stability of the region, and the promise of a better future for generations to come.


The Guam National Guard is always ready and always here. We will rise to this challenge—not merely as a continuity of presence but as a continuity of indispensability. Our island, our people, and our region deserve nothing less.


Brig. Gen. Michael Cruz is the adjutant general of the Guam National Guard.





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