Cruz resigns, Watson sworn in, memo indicates “procedural irregularities” with transition process
BY SKYLER OBISPO
Journal Staff
The Adjutant General of the Guam National Guard, Brig. Gen. Michael Cruz, resigned on Nov. 14, concluding nearly 40 years of service. He described his tenure with the Guard as “the greatest honor” of his military career.
In a message to all soldiers and airmen of the Guam National Guard, Cruz said his abrupt departure was not a reflection of the Guard or its mission, but a step intended to avoid ambiguity and conflict as the next adjutant general assumes command.
On Nov. 17, retired U.S. Army Col. Karin L. Watson was sworn in by Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero as acting adjutant general.
Retired U.S. Army Col. Karin L. Watson was sworn in on Nov. 17 at the Ricardo J. Bordallo Governor's Complex in Adelup. Guam National Guard photo by Mark Scott
Krystal Paco-San Agustin, spokesperson for the Office of the Governor, told reporters on Nov. 14 that the leadership transition “follow[ed] the requirements of Guam law and the established authorities governing the Department of Military Affairs and the Office of the Adjutant General.”
A memo from Cruz to the Leon Guerrero administration, dated Nov. 13, outlined his concerns with the transition process.
“My concern lies solely with the procedural manner in which the transition has been executed—an approach that diverges from established military, administrative, and federal norms and introduces avoidable risk to the Guam National Guard,” he wrote.
Before Cruz’s appointment as TAG, a two-year investigation by the National Guard Bureau’s Office of Complex Administrative Investigations, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in 25 substantiated violations against the former TAG and a recommendation for replacement.
Cruz accepted his 2023 appointment amid concerns that the Guam National Guard could be placed under the receivership of another state or risk losing its federal recognition.
He wrote that he and senior Guard leadership were not formally notified that his replacement had been selected. He also said Watson was appointed and sworn in without administrative orders, communication, or notice to him as the sitting TAG. According to Cruz, he learned of the change from the civilian quartermaster within the Department of Military Affairs, who informed him that Watson would begin her tenure on Nov. 17.
“This process conflicts with Army, NGB, and standard military leadership transition norms, and creates unnecessary ambiguity in command authority,” he wrote.
Cruz added that procedural irregularities pose several risks, including ambiguity in command authority, potential erosion of federal trust, confusion affecting joint operations, disruptions to the State Partnership Program, and negative effects on soldier morale and cohesion.mbj
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