$1 BILLION
That is the annual economic impact Wisconsin's military bases and facilities, as well as the specialized military and civilian workforce that support the mission of these assets, have on the state of Wisconsin.
Three of these assets:
- Wisconsin Air National Guard 115th Fighter Wing,
- Wisconsin Air National Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing and
- Volk Field Air National Guard
are directly intertwined in their missions and employ over 3,100 military and civilian employees and account for about $1 in $4 dollars of the total military economic impact in the State of Wisconsin, nearly $250 million annually.
Wisconsin Air National Guard 115th Fighter Wing
Based in Madison at Truax Field, the 115th Fighter Wing currently accounts for over 1,500 military and civilian employees. The 115 FW has 18 F-16C Primary Aircraft Assigned (PAA) that support three primary federal missions: 1) Global Precision Attack by means of an Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) aviation package; 2) air superiority through AEF and Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) for Homeland Defense; and 3) global integrated intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). Importantly, the 115th Fighter Wing also serves a state mission through emergency response to catastrophic events and natural disasters; counter-drug operations; explosive ordinance disposal; and crash and fire rescue services at Dane County Regional Airport.
Direct / Indirect Employment
1,659
Direct / Indirect Labor Income
$61,960,000
Total Economic Impact
$99,200,000
Wisconsin Air National Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing
Located in Milwaukee since 1963, the 128th Air Refueling Wing serves its state and federal missions with more than 1,100 military and civilian personnel. It is currently home to 10 KC-135R Stratotanker Primary Aircraft Assigned with room for two additional PAA. As with other National Guard units, the 128th has both state and federal missions. Specifically, the 128 ARW notes that its mission is to "transfer fuel to United States' Military and Allied aircraft, provide aero-medical evacuation, and airlift personnel and equipment to strategic locations in a cost effective manner. Thus, we are protecting and defending the United States' global mission while simultaneously serving the communities of Wisconsin and incorporating a 24/7 National Guard Reaction Force." The 128th Air Refueling Wing also provides a number of fiscal benefits to General Mitchell International Airport through joint service fees paid to the airport and additional equipment made available from the FAA due to heavy aircraft touchdowns generated by the 128 ARW
Direct / Indirect Employment
1,433
Direct / Indirect Labor Income
$58,310,000
Total Economic Impact
$93,820,000
Volk Field Air National Guard Base
Located in Camp Douglas, Volk Field is home to the 128th Air Control Squadron (ACS) and the 126th Weather Flight. Volk Field is one of only four Combat Readiness Training Centers (CRTC) in the nation. A CRTC provides an integrated, year-round environment that allows for combined airspace, facilities and equipment training to be conducted in manners not available at a unit's home station. The facilities approximate a Forward Operating Location and provide a realistic setting for conducting unit Operational Readiness Exercises and Inspections. Additionally, the CRTC oversees the operations and scheduling of the Hardwood Air-to-Ground Gunnery Range and over 11,000 square miles of special use military training airspace. The CRTC provides training opportunities for all Department of Defense components and also hosts non-military users such as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies; the Civil Air Patrol; and youth organizations. In addition to its federal missions, one of Volk Field's primary state missions is to provide personnel and equipment to be used in protecting life and property, as well as preserving the peace, order, and safety of the general public. Volk Field also provides a Continuity of Operations (COOP) location for Wisconsin's state government and the Department of Military Affairs.
Direct / Indirect Employment
625
Direct / Indirect Labor Income
$28,400,000
Total Economic Impact
$52,410,000
TOTAL IMPACT
Direct / Indirect Employment
3,717
Direct / Indirect Labor Income
$148,670,000
Total Economic Impact
$245,430,000