Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee

SJM 8008

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Calling for a National Guard Stryker Brigade stationed on the west coast.

Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, Roach, Conway, Miloscia, Hatfield, King, Bailey, Keiser, Billig, Padden, Mullet, Ericksen, Frockt, Fraser and McAuliffe.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requests the conversions of the National Guard's 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team into a new Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

Hearing Date: 3/16/15

Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).

Background:

A Stryker Brigade Combat Team (Stryker Brigade) is a deployable unit of the United States Army that is structured to fill the gap between mobilization of the Army's light combat units and heavy armored combat units. Stryker Brigades employ the Stryker vehicle, which is an interim armored vehicle that is less heavily equipped than a tank, but more equipped than a light utility vehicle, such as the Humvee. Since 2003 Stryker Brigades have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Two Army Striker Brigade Combat Teams are currently located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

An Armored Brigade Combat Team is an Army unit that operates heavy armored vehicles, such as tanks. The 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team is part of the Army National Guard, with headquarters at the Washington National Guard, Camp Murray and units in Washington and California. The 81st Armored Brigade has deployed overseas on multiple occasions, and also has been called upon by the Governor for support in response to various state emergencies.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature transmits a request to the President, Congress, and the National Guard Bureau to convert the 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team of the National Guard into a Stryker Brigade Combat Team with units in Washington, Oregon, and California.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.