Connecticut Guard Joint Staff Trains for Emergency Response as Winter Storm Arrives
The Connecticut National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters completed a five‑day Joint Task Force Staff Training Course at Camp Nett, sharpening its ability to plan and coordinate Guard support during domestic emergencies. The curriculum covered logistics, personnel management, and inter‑agency coordination, culminating in a simulated winter‑storm response that mirrored real‑time weather conditions. Instructors from Western Hemisphere Command emphasized the military decision‑making process to produce a common operational picture for the adjutant general. Maj. Lee Lukas proposes making the course biennial to counter high staff turnover and sustain readiness.
Nevada Army Guard 321st Signal Company Activated to Support 17th Sustainment Brigade
The Nevada Army National Guard officially activated the 321st Signal Company on Dec. 6, 2025, assigning it to the 17th Sustainment Brigade. Capt. Howard Kemple Jr. and 1st Sgt. Justin Strong now lead the unit, which expands the brigade’s organic communications capability. The...
Oregon Guard Innovation Becomes Army Standard for Medevac Operations
Oregon Army National Guard aircrews identified a mismatch between the new Vita Vertical Rescue System (VRS) and existing Black Hawk litter straps, prompting them to redesign the strap as SK‑1189‑V. After prototyping with Skedco and six months of testing, the...
29th ID Participates in Warfighter Exercise in Finland
Virginia National Guard soldiers from the 29th Infantry Division headquarters joined Finland’s Operation Karelian Spear from Nov. 28 to Dec. 4, 2025. Integrated into the Finnish 4th Army Corps, they supported warfighting functional cells and observed tactical field operations. The exercise, part...
Senate Confirms Carden as First Four-Star Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau
The U.S. Senate confirmed Army Lt. Gen. Thomas M. Carden as the 12th vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, making him the first officer to hold the four‑star rank in that position. The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act elevated...
Illinois National Guard, Portugal Sign New State Partnership Agreement
The Illinois National Guard and Portugal’s Ministry of National Defense signed a State Partnership Program agreement on Jan. 12, 2026 in Lisbon. The partnership, part of the U.S. Army’s National Guard Bureau program, formalizes cooperation between the Illinois Guard and Portuguese armed...
NY Army National Guard Col. Jason Lefton, a Niskayuna Resident, Takes over 53rd Troop Command
New York Army National Guard Colonel Jason Lefton, a Niskayuna resident, assumed command of the 53rd Troop Command on Jan. 11, 2026 at Camp Smith. The 53rd Troop Command oversees roughly 5,100 soldiers across the state and is one of the Guard’s two general‑officer commands. Lefton...
Leadership Conference Conducted for Junior Enlisted New York Army National Guard Soldiers
The New York Army National Guard hosted a four‑day Junior Enlisted Conference for 61 junior soldiers at its Latham headquarters from Jan 8‑11, 2026. Led by Command Sgt. Major Leyland Jones and adjutant general Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the workshop covered training, readiness, family programs,...
Pennsylvania Guard, Côte D’Ivoire to Partner Through State Partnership Program
The Pennsylvania National Guard has been selected to partner with Côte d’Ivoire through the U.S. Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. The partnership will focus on security cooperation, disaster preparedness, and professional development, while also exploring economic...