National Guard - Top News

Odierno: Army 'moving toward' opening combat arms to women

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army leaders are asking whether -- and how -- to open infantry and armor ranks to women, the service’s senior soldier said Wednesday...

Florida National Guard officer receives Award of Excellence from Medical Service Corps

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Florida Army National Guard Capt. Bill Elliott was recently the sole National Guard recipient of the 2012 Medical Service Corps Award of Excellence and one of only eight throughout all the services during the 2012 annual Medical Service Corps Junior Officer Week in Washington D.C...

Kentucky's Air Guard exercises the Initial Response Hub

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 30 Kentucky Guard members and two C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 123rd Airlift Wing mobilized and flew here during a no-notice exercise response to a notional 7.6 magnitude earthquake outside of St. Louis Monday...

Command post helps National Guard respond to possible disasters

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

The scenario is as horrific as it is potentially tragic: what if terrorists attacked the United States with chemical weapons?..

Missouri Guard remains on mission one year after Joplin tornado

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Within hours of the deadly Joplin tornado on May 22, 2011, Gov. Jay Nixon activated the Missouri National Guard and told the people of Joplin they would remain on duty as long as needed...

New York National Guard Homeland Response Force validation training lifts off

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

About 1,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen worked with New York Guard volunteers at the New York State Preparedness Center here as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency II Homeland Response Force validation training, May 15...

Arizona Guard, Canadian reserve combine training efforts, prepare for future missions

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Plane load after plane load of troops and equipment land on the airstrip at Gowen Air Field here in preparation for a joint combat support mission between U.S. and Canadian service members...

Army National Guard medics among first to attend revamped flight medic program

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Medics from the Army National Guard are among those taking part in a pilot program designed to revamp the training that flight medics throughout the Army will receive...

Mobile application helps service members beat post-deployment "blues"

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

A new mobile application developed by mental health experts combines behavioral therapy with satellite navigation technology to offer returning service members options for adjusting to the slower pace of life at home...

May is "Stroke Awareness Month"

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Approximately 100,800 times a day, blood flows normally and the body functions at 100 percent. Blood is pushed into the heart and lungs and then is sent to nourish the rest of the body. This complicated process all happens in a matter of seconds in the average person...

Wisconsin Guard members, Canadian soldiers collaborate during warfighter exercise

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Wisconsin Army National Guard is training with its neighbors to the North – soldiers of the Canadian Land Force Command – as part of a joint Warfighter Exercise being held at Fort McCoy, Wis. May 7-18...

Former Rhode Island Army National Guard sergeant, golf enthusiast honored by Professional Golfers Association

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Players Club made a dream come true Wednesday for Wounded Warrior and golf enthusiast retired Rhode Island Army National Guard Sgt. Michael McCombs. As part of their annual military appreciation day, the PGA presented McCombs with a membership to The Players Championship in Boston, just 22 miles from his home...

In the hot seat: an Air Guard pilot’s view of flying wildfire missions

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

When wildfires break out across the landscape, they often leave behind a path of scorched terrain and charred remains of homes in the path of the destructive blaze...

Vermont adjutant general nominated as deputy commander, U.S. Northern Command

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

President Obama has nominated the adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard as the next deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced today...

Air Guard, U.S. Forest Service relationship critical heading into wildfire season

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

The North Carolina Air National Guard worked with the U.S. Forest Service in a joint training mission which will enable both agencies to be better prepared for wildfire suppression missions during the upcoming wildfire season...

North Dakota National Guard's 81st Civil Support Team trains with Department of Energy, other agencies

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the North Dakota National Guard’s 81st Civil Support Team, based in Bismarck N.D., participated in a three-day Nuclear Weapons Accident/Incident Exercise at Minot Air Force Base...

Air National Guard members provide medical care to Alabama residents

Wed, 9 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air National Guard service members along with the Air Force, Navy and Army have been providing medical, ophthalmology and dental support services to residents in parts of Alabama as part of Alabama Care 2012, an Innovative Readiness Training mission running through May 10...

North Dakota National Guard members complete wildland firefighting training

Wed, 9 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Tech. Sgt. Tavis Delaney of the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron, Washington Air National Guard, was awarded the Silver Star medal in a ceremony Sunday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord...

National Guard runners beat heat, pound ground to qualify for 2012-2013 All Guard Marathon

Tue, 8 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Runners from throughout the Army and Air National Guard took part in the 35th Annual Lincoln National Guard Marathon and Half-Marathon Sunday in order to earn spots on the 2012-1013 All Guard Marathon Team...

D.C. National Guard leads march across famous Alabama bridge

Tue, 8 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Brig. Gen. Arthur W. Hinaman, the land component commander for the District of Columbia National Guard, and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Espinosa, lead a group of 200 Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., Monday...

Alaska National Guard's 103rd Civil Support Team teaches hands-on chemistry lessons to local students

Tue, 8 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers and Airmen of the 103rd Civil Support Team opened their doors to chemistry students from Grace Christian School last week...

Ohio National Guard training exercise tests Guard members, local and state agencies

Mon, 7 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Ross County public safety agencies and the Ohio National Guard conducted a multi-jurisdictional exercise recently at Camp Sherman Joint Training Center...

Kentucky National Guard takes part in Kentucky Derby

Mon, 7 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Louisville's legendary Churchill Downs hosted the Kentucky Derby, May 6, for the 138th time, but for 19-year-old Pfc. Kara Denise Bucklew, a military police officer assigned to the Kentucky Army National Guard's 223rd Military Police Company, this was her first Run for the Roses...

Arizona Army National Guard Soldiers judge JROTC marching and drill competition

Mon, 7 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Sounds of rhythmic marching and crisp, loud commands filled the air while Soldiers observed the young cadets feverishly working through drill and ceremony movements....

Washington Air National Guard member receives Silver Star for actions in Afghanistan

Mon, 7 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Tech. Sgt. Tavis Delaney of the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron, Washington Air National Guard, was awarded the Silver Star medal in a ceremony Sunday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord...

Retired Army Guard member, others take home silver at Warrior Games

Fri, 4 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

The techniques of retired Maryland Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jesse White and other Army archers helped earn four silver medals May 2 during the 2012 Warrior Games at the Air Force Academy here...

North Dakota Guard members succeed at national marksmen competition

Thu, 3 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

North Dakota National Guard marksmen competed in the 41st Winston P. Wilson Championship at the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center here, April 22 to 28. Three Soldiers placed in the top 50, earning them recognition as a “Chief’s 50” shooter...

Realistic training for deploying Guard, Reserve Soldiers helps with flexibility in mission changes

Thu, 3 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

When it comes to providing mobilized National Guard and Reserve Soldiers with the most realistic and up-to-date training available, First Army Division East can provide subject matter experts from within. Recently, leaders reached out to Kuwait for assistance in training on retrograding equipment...

Georgia Guard appoints first female Command Sergeant Major

Thu, 3 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Sgt. Maj. Carmen Morales recently became the first female in the history of the Georgia Army National Guard to be appointed to the position of command sergeant major...

Gunnery Range helping Guard members hone targeting skills in the fight

Thu, 3 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

To the casual visitor the aerial gunnery range near here is primarily focused on helping military fighter pilots with their target practice, Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Alan VanPate sees it a little differently...

Texas National Guard performs multi-agency exercise, allows junior service members to lead

Wed, 2 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

About 8 a.m., April 27th, a small plane flew over University of Texas Memorial Stadium, dispensing an unknown liquid. People began to complain of irritated airways; the plane crashed nearby. Members of the Texas Department of Public Safety arrived on sight, followed shortly by the Texas National Guard’s Civil Support Team from Joint Task Force 71...

Pennsylvania Army Guard veteran volunteers with Colorado middle school students

Wed, 2 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

“Ready? Take a step and as fast as you can explode! Go! ‘How’s that?’ Great job.”..

Hero 2 Hired program helps redeployed National Guard, Reserve Soldiers

Wed, 2 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

First Army and National Guard Employment Representatives recently placed a new Hero 2 Hired Kiosk at the internet café here, to allow service members to register to participate in the Hero 2 Hired program...

Some Guard, Reserve members to start paying dental premiums directly soon

Wed, 2 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Beginning this month, some National Guard and Reserve members will need to pay dental premiums directly rather than through payroll deduction, a senior official of the TRICARE military health plan said Tuesday...

2012 Warrior Games kick off, five Guard members on all-Army team

Tue, 1 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Among the 50 Army athletes at this year's Warrior Games - which serve as an introduction to Paralympic sports for injured service members - are five current members and veterans of the Army National Guard, competing against their counterparts from the other military services in Colorado Springs, Colo. April 30 to May 5...

Former National Guard Bureau senior enlisted leader retires, leaving a legacy for others

Tue, 1 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

An Alaska Army National Guard member and former senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau retired today after serving his state and nation for 38 years...

Alabama National Guard preparing for hurricane season

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Alabama National Guard takes disaster response seriously and to prepare for the upcoming storm season Guard members from across the state gathered here Saturday, for a Rehearsal of Concept drill to rehearse the state's hurricane operations response plan...

Guam, New Mexico Guard CSTs perform disaster training

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

The New Mexico National Guard's 64th Civil Support Team along with Guam's 94th CST recently participated in the multi-agency exercise Kai Malu O Hawaii - Protected Waters of Hawaii - and responded to a call from the Coast Guard about a stolen tugboat...

Wyoming Guard focuses on fire safety at Camp Guernsey

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Efforts to remove dangerous trees left ruined by fires from years past continue as part of a mixed group of safety, reclamation and training programs at the Wyoming National Guard’s Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center...

Montana Air Guard unit’s asset makes disaster communication simpler

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Since 2007, the 120th Communications Flight has operated a vehicle containing communications equipment that is able to respond to natural disasters or other emergencies occurring within Montana...

DOD to open new assignments for women in May

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Policy changes announced in February opening more than 14,000 new assignments to women in uniform will take effect May 14, Defense Department officials said today...

Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers help with Special Olympics

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Some came to give back to the communities where they grew up. Others attended to show support for friends and fellow Soldiers. All said they learned a valuable lesson - the amount they gave paled in comparison to the amount they received...

Minnesota Guard weather flight conducts joint training exercise

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

In rainy conditions, the Minnesota National Guard’s 208th Weather Flight, 133rd Airlift Wing, conducted a joint field training exercise with Marines at William H. O'Brien State Park April 13 to15...

Illinois, Oregon Guard members place third; Colorado, Wisconsin fifth at Best Ranger Competition

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

As the creed states, a Ranger is a more elite Soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air. From April 13 to 15 a team of Guard members lived this Creed while competing at the 29th Annual David E. Grange, Jr. Best Ranger Competition at Fort Benning, Ga...

Officials announce new sexual assault reporting policies

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Senior Defense Department officials said recently they hope more service members who are victims of sexual assault report the crimes as a result of a policy change Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced last week...

Alaska Air Guard pararescuemen airlift climber after 150-foot fall

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Alaska Air National Guard rescued a Japanese climber early April 21 after he reportedly fell more than 150 feet while climbing Mooses Tooth in Denali National Park...

Kentucky Air Guard to support, participate in Thunder Over Louisville

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Airlift Wing is scheduled to support the 2012 Thunder Over Louisville Air Show April 21, providing logistic and maintenance support for military aircraft scheduled to appear at this year's show...

Wyoming Guard supports Utah during major earthquake exercise

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Wyoming National Guard supported their neighbors in Utah recently as they helped them train and prepare for potential natural disasters, specifically those that could affect the Salt Lake City area...

Defense Department honors Guard member, DOD personnel for combating sexual assault

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Defense Department Wednesday honored the men and women who are on the front lines of the battle against the crime of sexual assault, including Colorado Army National Guard Maj. Alisa M. Englert...

Maryland Army Guard unveils newest helicopter in its arsenal

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Maryland Army National Guard unveiled Wednesday its first of four UH-72A Lakota helicopters – which will replace the older OH-58A Kiowa as their premier aircraft for civil support, search and rescue and homeland security missions...

Wyoming Air Guard unit conducts annual MAFFS training

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Select C-130 Hercules cargo plane crews with the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing began preparing for their mission to fight fires from the air with a new training regiment centered on practicing in the skies above Wyoming...

Alaska Guard, active-duty service members, Reservists serve rural communities

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Blanketed with ice and snow on the Bering Sea coast, most villages here are isolated by miles of open landscape and accessible only by snowmobile and air transportation...

Arizona Air Guard members cream of the crop in Air Guard culinary

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

For only the third time in 18 years, the men and women of the 162nd Force Support Squadron who feed nearly 800 Airmen every training weekend at Tucson International Airport will bring home the 2012 Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth W. Disney Award...

Panetta, Dempsey announce initiatives to stop sexual assault

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Pentagon’s top civilian and military leaders took their campaign to stop sexual assault in the military to Capitol Hill Monday, where they announced new initiatives to combat the problem...

Ohio Air Guard members win Air Transportation awards

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

In 2010, Airman 1st Class Robert Miles ran only the second marathon of his life – he won...

Wisconsin Airman hits the ground running for marathon team try-out

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

In 2010, Airman 1st Class Robert Miles ran only the second marathon of his life – he won...

Kenyan native gives back to new home through service in National Guard

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Pvt. Paul Baiywo has only been in the United States for about five years, but this Kenyan native has made the decision to serve in the Missouri Army National Guard as a means to give back to his new nation...

Air Guard units close chapters, begin anew

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

In the span of a few moments one Florida Air National Guard unit became part of the past, and another became the way of the future...

South Dakota Guard Civil Support Team trains with civilian first responders

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

The South Dakota National Guard 82nd Civil Support Team worked through a new training scenario involving the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation's bomb squad and personnel from the National Park Service at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial April 11...

Senate honors California Air National Guard members for international maritime rescue

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Seven California Air National Guard members from the 129th Rescue Wing was recognized on the California Senate floor today for their efforts in the successful rescue of two injured fishermen March 12...

Maryland Air National Guard member awarded the Air Force Cross for "extraordinary heroism"

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Capt. Barry Crawford, a Maryland Air National Guard member from the 175th Wing, who fought in and survived a 14-hour firefight in 2010, was presented the Air Force Cross during a ceremony at the Pentagon today...

Kentucky Air Guard Contingency Response Group becomes first in Air Guard to earn verification for cargo-handling capability

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group recently set new standards for excellence when they deployed here last month, according to officials from U.S. Transportation Command and the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center...

Missouri Air Guard band 'Sidewinder' performs at White House

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Sidewinder, the rock band element of the St. Louis, Mo.-based 571st Missouri Air National Guard Band made famous by a YouTube video, performed at the White House today in front of the Obamas, National Guard senior leaders and other attendees...

Military medical professionals arrive in Alaska for Arctic Care 2012

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Military aircraft carrying participants for Arctic Care 2012 arrived in Alaska today for the largest recurring joint military medical readiness and logistics training exercise....

Federal Law Enforcement board grants accreditation to Air Force security forces officer, enlisted courses

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board granted initial program accreditation status to the 343rd Training Squadron's Security Forces Basic Officer and Apprentice Courses at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland recently...

Kansas National Guard unit trains to respond to multiple threats

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

The first real-life incident for the Kansas National Guard's 73rd Civil Support Team, Weapons of Mass Destruction, was in 2004 when it was called to identify and remove World War II relics -- a live grenade and a jar of mustard gas -- found in a Kansas barn...

Florida Wildlife expedition makes stop at National Guard training post

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

A thousand-mile, 100-day expedition stopped at the National Guard's training post in North Florida recently, emphasizing the importance of the military site as a wildlife habitat...

Missouri Air National Guard medical team sets bar in disaster evaluation

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

It took only 36 minutes for the Missouri National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing's medics here to make their presence known as medical performers during a recent homeland response evaluation...

Texas Air Guard member named top Air Guard recruiter

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

In March, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jennifer A. Joubert, a production recruiter with the 149th Fighter Wing at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, was recognized by the Air National Guard as one of the nation’s top recruiters during the 2012 Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention Workshop in New Orleans, her native state...

Guard members receive training to help prevent substance abuse

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the South Dakota Army National Guard Counterdrug program held Unit Prevention Leader training at the 196th Regional Training Institute here March 26-30...

Air Force to end pilot travel card program

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Air Force recently decided to transition existing Controlled Spend Account travel cards to an enhanced Government Travel Card by the end of fiscal 2012...

Virtual wingman app makes smart choices easy for Airmen

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air Education and Training Command unveiled a new mobile phone application that is designed to provide resiliency and safety information to Airmen. The app was shown at the Air Force Community Action Information Board meeting March 29...

Counterdrug launches new Counter Threat Finance program

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

In an effort to hit drug cartels where it hurts, the National Guard Counterdrug Program is learning how to follow the money with a new Secretary of Defense program in Counter Threat Finance (CTF) analysis, officials said recently...

Coast Guard Cutter, Air Guard members rescue three injured persons from racing yacht

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, along with Air National Guard members from the 129th Rescue Wing rescued and assisted three injured persons aboard a 67-foot racing yacht hundreds of miles west of San Francisco, April 1...

Illinois Airman named Air National Guard Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

There may not be one perfect Guard member in the United States, but there is one Illinois Guard member who was recognized as the best noncommissioned officer in the country by the Air National Guard...

Illinois National Guard trains Soldiers to respond to sexual assaults

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

In a recent episode of ABC's Private Practice, a Soldier returning from Afghanistan was forced to deal with events that occurred while he was deployed overseas...

VA makes progress on pledge to end veteran homelessness

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

In response to a notification by the Federal Aviation Administration of a downed aircraft carrying two people, the 11th Rescue Coordination Center called on members of the Alaska Air National to conduct a rescue March 30...

Alaska Air National Guard members rescue two plane crash survivors

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 11:52:00 EST

N.D. Aviators Serving on Rotations to the Southwest Border

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers with the North Dakota Army National Guard have been serving on the on the U.S.-Mexico border as a way to provide continued support to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol...

Missouri Army National Guard building better lives in Central America

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Missouri Army National Guard Soldiers from the 35th Engineer Brigade recently deployed to Coban, Guatemala, to coordinate a mission that will develop Soldiers' skills...

Hawaii National Guard "Stay on Track" program helps youth stay drug-free

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Thousands of miles from the sports car racing hotbed of the southern United States, sixth grade students at Aiea Elementary School in Hawaii, are learning the rudiments of effective racing. However, rather than using these skills to drive a car, the lessons are intended to help youth drive their lives and help them stay on the right track...

California National Guard member first Hispanic female general officer

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Brig. Gen. Sylvia Crockett is the first Latina general officer in the California National Guard after being promoted to the rank of brigadier general in a ceremony at the state capitol in here Wednesday...

Rhode Island Guard Soldier makes selfless, ultimate sacrifice for Afghan child

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

The actions of one Rhode Island National Guard Soldier epitomized the Army Value of selfless service, "doing one's duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain," as he heroically saved an Afghan child without regard for his own life...

National Guard Marathon Team runners perform well in desert to honor Bataan Death March

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the National Guard’s All-Guard Marathon Team hit the desert landscape of New Mexico running and marching in the dry heat for the 23rd Annual Bataan Memorial Death March here Sunday...

N.Y. Air Guard member selected as best Air Guard honor guard manager

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Jeffrey Lamarche of the Eastern Air Defense Sector has been named Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year by the Air National Guard Readiness Center at Andrews Air Force Base, Md...

California Civil Support Team enhances civilian partnerships through training

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from the California National Guard's 95th Civil Support Team recently participated in a weeklong multi-agency winter field training exercise as a way to strengthen the partnership between federal, state and local agencies while responding to a large-scale threat...

Local Missouri Guard member reacts quickly to flood waters, saves neighbor

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Staff Sgt. Abe Faulkner, a local Guard member, was driving in to work one morning last week when he noticed another vehicle stranded in high waters across that covered the highway. Without hesitation, he immediately went to investigate and offer any assistance he could...

White House official honors Kentucky Air Guard wing with rare award

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

One of President Barack Obama's top advisors praised the Kentucky Air National Guard for superior achievement March 18, calling the organization "second to none" during a ceremony honoring the 123rd Airlift Wing for winning a nearly unprecedented 15th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award...

Former chief of National Guard Bureau named as 'Great Floridian

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

A Florida National Guard Soldier and former chief of the National Guard Bureau was honored posthumously by the State of Florida recently for his significant contributions to his home-state during his lifetime....

DOD, National Guard's Operation Deep Freeze 2011-2012 season concluded

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Following the redeployment of the last two C-17 Globemaster IIIs to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Stewart Air National Guard Base, the personnel participating in the 2011-2012 edition of Operation Deep Freeze can lay claim to yet another successful and history-making season...

Ohio National Guard Soldiers use AED equipment, swift action to save life

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Ohio Army National Guard Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment, proved the effectiveness of their automated electronic defibrillator and training they had previously received, when a civilian contractor who went into cardiac arrest, at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base March 6...

Alaska Air National Guard rescues two stranded skiers

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Alaska Air National Guard, using a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter, successfully found two skiers involved in an avalanche 35 miles southeast of Anchorage and brought them to safety March 17...

Officials extend deadline to apply for 'Stop Loss' pay

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Service members and veterans whose military service was involuntarily extended under the “Stop Loss” program between the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Sept. 30, 2009, are eligible for special retroactive pay, and they now have more time to apply for it...

Oregon Air Guard unit trades snow for sun and sand during exercise Sentry Aloha

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 90 Airmen from the 173rd Fighter Wing, Oregon National Guard, left the snowy skies of Klamath Falls, Ore., for the tropical paradise of Hawaii March 2, but it wasn’t the sun and sand they were chasing in their F-15 Eagles...

Indiana Guard hosts Canadian forces at state military training facilities

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Hosting foreign forces and last summer’s multinational, NATO-led Bold Quest exercise, Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center has the reputation of a premier training facility and mobilization station for American troops, and has become world renowned as a training site for military, civilian and police forces...

N.Y. Guard's 106th Rescue Wing gets first female weapons instructor

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Senior Airman Tara Langella, a recent Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Academy graduate, is the 106th Rescue Wing's first female combat arms training and maintenance instructor, but that's not a fact she wants emphasized...

New York Guard members continue tradition of leading N.Y. St. Patrick’s Day parade

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Step by step, and block by block, Soldiers of the New York National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, led the St. Patrick's Day Parade up Fifth Avenue, a tradition they have performed every year since 1851...

ESGR announces nominations for 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, received 3,236 nominations for the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award...

Missouri Guard Biathlon Team fields two new recruits at national championships

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

A three-man Missouri National Guard biathlon team recently competed at the 2012 Chief of the National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships beginning in late February, testing their skiing abilities, endurance and marksmanship skills...

West Virginia Airman gives veteran final honor by sounding “Taps”

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

The rendering of “Taps” at a military funeral is a final way for family members and service members to pay tribute to fallen veterans, but what happens when the bugle or trumpet used to render the 24-note tune malfunctions?..

Pennsylvania National Guard awards new state medal for outstanding public service

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Pennsylvania National Guard awarded the first two recipients of its new Major Octavius V. Catto Medal Feb. 25 during a ceremony at The Union League of Philadelphia...

Minnesota National Guard takes home top honors at combatives tournament

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Georgia Army National Guard Warrior Training Center hosted the 5th annual National Guard Combatives tournament with over 145 Guard members traveling from 20 different states and territories...

Georgia Guard member, Wounded Warrior receives independence, new home

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

An escort fit for a hero, conducted by a motorcade of police vehicles with blaring sirens and flashing lights and flag-bearing motorcycles, escorted Georgia National Guard member Staff Sgt. Scott Millican, and the specially adapted truck he was driving, to the front of his new home...

Missouri National Guard served as starting point for Afghanistan agribusiness teams

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

In an effort to help Afghanistan recover from economic devastation brought on by decades of war, the Missouri National Guard became the first to deploy an Agribusiness Development Team in 2007, with a mission of facilitating agricultural reconstruction and development in the Nangarhar Province...

First Lady lauds Minnesota's military family support

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

First Lady Michelle Obama met with military families and support group leaders in Minnesota last week to “shine a spotlight” on the state's efforts to aid troops and their families...

President proclaims March 19 'National Day of Honor'

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

On the ninth anniversary of U.S. forces moving into Iraq, President Barack Obama has proclaimed today to be "A National Day of Honor."...

Army Guard director tours Guard facilities in Hawaii

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Lt. Gen. William E. Ingram Jr., the director of the Army National Guard, finished his first 100 days in his new post with a three-day tour of the National Guard Facilities in Hawaii...

TSA announces date for expedited screening, additional airports

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

On March 20 the Transportation Security Administration will expand their trusted traveler program known as Pre Check to service members out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport...

Alaska Army National Guard deploys to Afghanistan alongside Mongolians

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Two Alaska Army National Guard members are preparing to deploy to Afghanistan later this month as U.S. liaisons in support of the Mongolian Expeditionary Task Forces in Afghanistan...

Massachusetts biathlon team races to National Guard Bureau championships

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Massachusetts National Guard Biathlon team, as well as more than 100 National Guard competitors from 22 states, recently spent a week challenging themselves to shoot at targets between laps on the cross country ski course here...

New York National Guard members step off for NYC St. Patrick's Day parade

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 800 Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment will mark 150 years since the American Civil War as the troops lead the world's largest St. Patrick's Day parade here on Saturday....

Fundraising by military members in uniform is prohibited

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulation, as well as the regulations of each branch of the military services, prohibits fund raising activities while in uniform or acting in an official capacity...

National Guard, active duty, Reserve optometrists provide free services to more than 300 patients per day

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Optometrists were in high demand recently at the Hanapepe Innovative Readiness Training Facility located on one of the medically underserved areas on island of Kauai...

Florida National Guard officer receives prestigious leadership award

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Florida Army National Guard Capt. Benjamin Ruffner, was recently selected to receive the Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award, a prestigious award given to six National Guard company grade officers throughout the nation each year...

Air Force senior leaders: Wingmen key to reducing sexual violence

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Wing Commanders' Guide was sent out to wing commanders recently and contains statistics, facts and talking points to help leaders encourage healthy conversations among their Airmen, which senior leaders say is paramount to eliminating sexual crimes in the Air Force...

FORSCOM commander conducts Northeast regional adjutants general conference

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Gen. David R. Rodriguez, Commanding General, United States Army Forces Command, conducted a Northeast Regional Adjutant General Conference here, March 8...

Illinois Guard members equipped with next generation communications during natural disasters, emergencies

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air National Guard members assigned to the 126th Communications Flight know that reliable communications are essential every day but become more critical during times of natural disasters or emergencies. ...

Kentucky Army Guard member credits service for saving his life, glad to help storm victims

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

In 2010, Kyle Gray was in a poor situation. With no place to turn, he packed up his belongings and moved from California to Kentucky and joined the National Guard...

Air Guard members part of total force tanker team at Red Flag exercise

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Aerial refuelers have been here sharpening their skills through joint, allied and total force integration during Red Flag 12-3...

Army National Guard Director visits Guard member in Korea, tours new housing area

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Lt. Gen. William Ingram Jr., the director of the Army National Guard, visited here March 6...

Tropic Care training mission becomes realistic for Guard members in Hawaii after storms

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the U.S. armed forces - working together jointly - recently provided free health services to Hawaii residents during the worst rain storm seen here in many years...

National Guard Soldier represents New York in National Hand-to-Hand Fighting Competition

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Staff Sgt. Theodore Albright, a member of the 204th Engineer Battalion, will represent the New York Army National Guard in a nationwide hand-to-hand combat competition at Fort Benning, Georgia March 16 to 18...

California Army Guard Soldier rises up from setbacks in life

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Pvt. Travonce Marquiese Covey suffered the misfortune of having his senior year at Helix Charter High School in La Mesa, Calif., interrupted when his mom lost her job...

California Air Guard team rescues fishermen off Mexico coast

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

California Air National Guard members from the 129th Rescue Wing conducted a long-range, over-water rescue of two injured fishermen on a fishing vessel Monday, about 700 miles off the coast of Acapulco, Mexico...

Ham encourages enlisted Soldiers to earn their commissions as officers

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Gen. Carter Ham, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, is urging enlisted Soldiers who are looking for a new challenge to step up and become an officer through the Army’s Green to Gold program...

Defense Department releases energy conservation roadmap

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Defense Department Friday released an implementation plan for cutting energy consumption in military operations...

Arizona Guard reaches out to community, youth

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Young boys’ voices are heard in unison yelling the word “challenge” as they drop to do pushups. The boys conduct the exercise with stern, determined faces while the instructor shouts cadence...

North Dakota National Guard musicians win Army honors

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Two Soldiers from the North Dakota National Guard’s 188th Army Band were honored as among the Army’s best Feb. 27...

Pennsylvania Air Guard member named Air Force Athlete of the Year

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Pennsylvania Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Emily Shertzer has been chosen by the Air Force as the Athlete of the Year for her sustained success in military athletic competitions, Air Force officials said today...

West Virginia National Guard members rescue stranded citizen after tornado

Thu, 8 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

On the evening of March 2, Janet Lynn Porterfield – a resident from here - was doing something most of the state was doing: watching the development of a tornado on TV...

Hawaii counterdrug program offers a second chance to at risk youth and families

Thu, 8 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

As Alexander Pope said, “To err is human.” For young people, errors can have a detrimental impact on the rest of their life. However, Pope also said, “To forgive is divine.” Here in Hawaii, first time juvenile status offenders are given a chance at redemption through the Hawaii National Guard Counterdrug Program’s Kokua Ohana Aloha program...

Program to expedite security for troops at Reagan Airport announced

Thu, 8 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Some service members traveling out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport soon will be able to speed through security as part of a joint Defense Department and Transportation Security Administration program...

'Serving Our Troops' serves families, Minnesota Guard members at home, deployed

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers currently deployed with the 1st Brigade Combat Team come from more than 500 Minnesota communities, but they all have one thing in common – each of them has a family they left behind in order to serve their country...

Indiana Guard members compete for best-of-the-best competition

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Screams and cheers of encouragement filled the air as Indiana Army National Guard Soldiers navigated over obstacles designed to give the most skilled amongst them a challenge – all just after they completed an eight-mile road march carrying a total weight of 75-pounds...

Tornadoes: "The deployment of the National Guard was one of the most timely … I've ever seen"

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 700 National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and –Airmen were supporting civilian authorities in four states recovering from tornadoes and floods this morning –troops who arrived on-scene within a few hours of the storms.....

Hundreds of National Guard troops responding to Midwestern, Southern tornadoes

Sat, 3 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 500 National Guard members are supporting civilian authorities in five states today after the second night this week of devastating tornadoes in the Midwest and South....

Guard's role in disaster response defined more clearly

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

Through an ongoing initiative between state governors and Department of Defense leadership, greater steps have been taken to further define the National Guard's role as the first military force to respond to emergencies and disaster situations, said Dave Heineman, governor of Nebraska, while addressing attendees at the 2012 Domestic Preparedness Workshop last week...

Guard exhibit, artifacts to tell 9/11-era Guard story

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

With the final crossing of troops from Iraq into Kuwait, Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn are finding a new home – in museums...

White House invite: Guard members experience Nation's Gratitude

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

On Wednesday night, eight National Guard members stood tall amongst other Iraq War veterans from all of the services as they prepared for dinner at the White House with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama...

National Guard adjutants general visit White House, meet with vice president

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

On Wednesday, Vice President Biden spoke with the top ranking National Guard Officers from every state and territory to thank them for their service and discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing the Guard today...

National Guard responds to Midwest tornadoes

Thu, 1 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

As of 11 a.m. EDT, the National Guard had about 90 Guard members supporting civilian authorities responding to tornadoes that ripped through communities throughout the Midwest, Guard officials said today...

Missouri Guard holds its first air assault course

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Nearly 200 Missouri Citizen-Soldiers began strenuous training this week at the Missouri National Guard's first air assault course at Camp Crowder in Neosho, Mo. this week...

National Guard car finishes second in Daytona 500

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove the Diet Mountain Dew/National Guard Chevrolet to a second-place finish behind Matt Kenseth in the 54th running of the Daytona 500 -- a Monday night race that finished Tuesday morning at Daytona International Speedway...

Schwartz: Smaller Air Force will concentrate on key capabilities

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

As the Air Force gets smaller in the years to come, it will have to emphasize the areas that will be the most relevant to defense, the Air Force chief of staff said here today...

Operation Red Snow tests cold weather training, multi-agency tactics

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Nearly 100 California National Guard troops faced below-freezing temperatures, early morning raids and chemical warfare during a weeklong training mission in the Sierra Nevada Mountains...

Nation's Gratitude: White House recognition includes National Guard members

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Eight National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen are among 78 service members attending the Nation's Gratitude dinner hosted by President Barack Obama and the first lady on Wednesday...

Ohio Air National Guard units, Airmen still excelling in times of tightening budgets

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

In a time of decreasing resources marked by a tight economy, the National Guard continues to provide an excellent value to the citizens of Ohio and America...

Nigerian man serves his new country in the Missouri National Guard

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The unique journey of one Missouri Guard member begins more than 6,500 miles away in Nigeria...

Virginia Guard members participate in Global Guardian exercise

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen provided weather forecasting and fixed wing and rotary aviation support for Global Guardian 2012, a joint Army and Air Force exercise held at the Georgia National Guard Combat Readiness Training Center here, Feb. 13 to Feb. 24...

Virginia Guard D-Day veteran recognized for award

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Over a hundred people filled the halls of American Legion Post 74 here, Feb. 20 to witness Virginia Rep. Robert Hurt present the French Legion of Honor to local war hero Carl "Chubby" Proffitt, 93, and to pay tribute to a man who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day with his National Guard unit in 1944...

USNORTHCOM, National Guard leaders: Partnerships key to domestic response

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Sharing a stage Wednesday at a domestic preparedness workshop that emphasizes partnerships, the chief of the National Guard Bureau and the combatant commander of U.S. Northern Command emphasized a whole-of-government, whole-of-community approach to responding to natural or manmade disasters...

Puerto Rico National Guard enhances response force package

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Puerto Rico National Guard has a new emergency response element of citizen-Soldiers and Airmen known as the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosive enhanced response force package, or CERF-P...

Virginia National Guard member scratches the itch to serve after eight-year break

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Standing on the edge looking down with nothing to stop them from hitting the ground but the rope between their legs - a group of Canadian troops training with Virginia National Guard members - waited, anticipating for the command to begin their first experience in rappelling...

Alaska Air Guard members help family 3,000 miles away

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

In an instant, everything was gone. A lifetime of laughter, tears and memories lay smoldering in a heap of twisted metal and charred lumber. Annette Cook was now without a home...

Owning your story: How writing helps veterans heal

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

"You can tell the extroverted writers; they are the ones that stare at your shoes while they are talking to you, while the introverted writers stare at their own shoes," Ron Capps, founder of and instructor with the Veterans Writing Project, joked during a weekend seminar...

Air Force working to update disability hiring records

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Disability hiring initiatives are ongoing as federal agencies work to meet the president's challenge to hire 100,000 people with disabilities over the next five years...

South Dakota National Guard member selected for Tops in Blue

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Staff Sgt. Katie McGuire, of the South Dakota National Guard's 114th Fighter Wing, was selected as the only National Guard member from a nationwide search to join Tops in Blue for their 2012 tour...

National treasure: Tuskegee Airman imparts history to aviation Soldiers

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

'Not many people are considered a national treasure, and if you mention that William T. Fauntroy Jr. is, he'll simply smile back at you and continue on with one of his many humorous stories about the time he spent as a Tuskegee Airman...

Employer partnership helps Army Guard member find employment

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

"I don't know what the hell this 'logistics' is that Marshall is always talking about, but I want some of it."..

Defense Department senior enlisted leaders cite troops' top concerns

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The senior enlisted advisors for the four military services met on Capitol Hill Thursday to discuss with lawmakers the top issues on service members' minds...

White House to honor Iraq War veterans, families

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will honor Iraq War veterans and their families - including National Guard members - at the White House later this month, White House officials announced in a statement Feb 6...

McKinley: National Guard ready for shifting operational focus

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

With the close of operations in Iraq and the projected winding down of operations in Afghanistan, the National Guard continues to stand as a ready, reliable force prepared for a variety of missions, the chief of the National Guard Bureau told National War College students here at Fort Lesley J. McNair recently...

Texas, Wisconsin Guard units recognized for top family readiness programs

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Texas and Wisconsin National Guard units were among several from the reserve components recognized Friday at the 2012 Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Awards ceremony here at the Pentagon...

Alaska Air Guard members rescue head-on collision victims

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

In a joint effort with the Coast Guard, the Alaska Air National Guard successfully rescued two injured men after their vehicles collided head-on Wednesday...

President Obama's Milwaukee visit begins, ends at Wisconsin Air Guard base

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Wisconsin Air National Guard's 128th Air Refueling Wing was part of a collaborative effort between government, law enforcement and military agencies supporting President Barack Obama's visit here Wednesday...

Website helps Army Guard members maintain dental readiness

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

A new comprehensive website has been developed to help Soldiers maintain their dental readiness, Army officials said here, Wednesday...

California Air Guard members go above and beyond to save lives

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Over the last several months multiple California Air National Guard members have been placed in scenarios - off duty - where their decisions and actions made the difference between losing a life and getting a second chance - here are their stories...

Florida National Guard participates in groundbreaking for historic seawall project

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Alongside the nation's top defense officials, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, unveiled a new report today that spotlights military spouses' employment challenges and aims to remove barriers for the thousands of spouses with occupational licenses...

First Lady, Panetta unveil effort to aid spouse employment

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Guard's state partnership program could shape future Army capabilities

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

During the fifth Unified Quest seminar last week, many participants said one Army National Guard program could go far in expanding capabilities for the force of the future...

Air Guard's 109th Airlift Wing "skis" into remote missions

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

This winter has been one of the warmest in history, and in many parts of the country skiers are crying and snowboarders are bummed. But there's an organization in upstate New York that looks for winter and finds it all year long...

South Carolina Guard hosts UAE delegation, establishes relationships

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The South Carolina National Guard welcomed a military delegation from the United Arab Emirates Feb. 3, to tour the Joint Operations Center, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, and McCrady Training Center and learn more about National Guard operations...

Back to basics: Active Army trainers focus on infantry skills

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

After two years of focused observer controller/trainer work, Soldiers in the 2nd Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment turned their attention back to basic infantry skills with two weeks of intense field and range training this month...

Florida National Guard Counterdrug Program receives prestigious award

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Florida National Guard Counterdrug Program received the 2012 Outstanding State National Guard Civil Operations Program Award Feb. 7, at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America 22nd National Leadership Forum, held at the Gaylord National Hotel and Conference Center here...

Alaskan veterans honored by military funeral services increase

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

During fiscal year 2011, the Alaska Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Program provided an honor guard detail for 444 military funerals throughout Alaska, paying tribute to a record number of veterans all across Alaska...

Alaska National Guard member wins "Top Brass" Charity Sled Dog Race

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The crisp winter air covered the glistening trail as an Alaska National Guard member raced to the finish line during the "Top Brass" Charity Sled Dog Race held at Tozier Track here, Feb. 11...

Army blood drive seeking targeted donors

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The goal of the Army's new blood drive campaign, beginning today, is to match a donor's blood type with a specific need, rather than simply issuing a general call for donations...

FBI exercise capitalizes on Michigan Guard value

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Law enforcement agencies trekked to the Michigan National Guard's 127th Wing here, Feb. 9 as the FBI held a field office visit and table top exercise designed to guide actions that would be utilized during an actual weapon of mass destruction contingency response in the Detroit area...

Agreement has Navy Reservists anchored to the Mississippi Guard for three years

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Although Air Force and Navy personnel may fly or swim to the beat of a different drummer, members of the Mississippi Air National Guard's 172nd Airlift Wing and the State's U.S. Naval Reserve unit are now working together and finding out how much they have in common...

Volk Field receives second straight Air Force excellence award

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air Force officials recently announced the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center as one of eight units nation-wide to earn the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (AFOEA)...

South Dakota National Guard member named Miss Rodeo USA

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Staff Sgt. Trisha Smeenk, an Air Guard member with the South Dakota National Guard's 114th Fighter Wing, was selected as Miss Rodeo USA for 2012 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Jan. 15...

Former Israeli soldier finds footing in Army National Guard

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Last summer, near the Sea of Galilee in the northern Israeli settlement of Mitzpe Adi, Daniel Houten finished up routine repairs on an Israeli Army M113 armored personnel carrier. As he shut the hood, he also closed the door on another chapter in his life...

Guard members, families to benefit from landmark settlement

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Guard members and their families are among the Americans who will benefit from a "landmark" $25 billion foreclosure settlement between the government and banks, federal and state officials said Friday...

Defense Department allows women more "combat" jobs, assignments

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Military women, particularly Soldiers, will see more than 14,000 new job or assignment opportunities because of policy changes the Defense Department announced Thursday...

Royal Netherlands air force turns to Iowa Air Guard for F-16 paint-job

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

This week, painters from the Air National Guard Paint Facility in Sioux City, Iowa rolled out the first of six F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Royal Netherlands Air Force that will be receiving new paint jobs...

Alaska Air Guard pararescuemen save young man's life in Red Devil

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Two Alaska National Guard members parachuted from a HC-130 "King" aircraft to perform a heroic rescue and save a man's life in Red Devil Feb. 1...

Illinois Guard training site prepares Soldiers for overseas deployments

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

What may look like normal semi-truck trailers to any passer-by, are actually a portal into modern warfare, giving Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers a chance to experience what they might encounter overseas before they ever leave the Midwest....

NGB senior enlisted leader: Airmen must be more flexible than ever

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air National Guard Airmen will need to be more flexible in their careers than ever before as the nation's military restructures for the future...

Super Bowl party benefits wounded warriors

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Just days before Super Bowl XLVI, Jim McMahon, the retired NFL, two-time Super Bowl champ, hosted the Fourth Annual Swang N' Super Bowl Bash at the historic Rathskeller where charity donations from NFL players and celebrities were raised to benefit wounded warriors...

Army wants YOU to sound off about your PT uniform

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

In an effort headed up by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, a survey site has been developed to get feedback from the field about the Improved Physical Fitness Uniform...

Arizona Guard reaches out to community, assists youth with life skills

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Arizona National Guard Civil Operations team held a Freedom Academy for children from various organizations across the state here at the Chauncey Cowboy Camp, Jan. 13 to 15...

Air Force announces force structure and mission changes

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Air Force announced force structure plans to retire, not acquire or transfer 191 Air National Guard aircraft and add 65 aircraft to the Air National Guard fleet...

Indiana Guard members receive surprise "gridiron" visit

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Football fans at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center had unique visitors today, as seven NFL football players from various teams and a group of Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders made an appearance for the NFL Salute to Service military appreciation event here...

Partnership benefits New Hampshire Guard, El Salvador

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

New Hampshire Guard senior leaders recently spent several days here meeting with key military leaders to strengthen the state and nation's pairing in the National Guard State Partnership Program...

Kentucky Air Guard members fly south for the winter to support scientific research at the bottom of the world

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The term "flying south for the winter" usually invokes thoughts of tropical climates and sunny beaches, but the reality couldn't be more different for two Kentucky Air National Guard members...

DOD begins prorating imminent danger pay

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Service members now will receive imminent danger pay only for days they actually spend in hazardous areas, Pentagon officials said here today...

Kentucky Guard members show their unbridled service in Japan

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

What started off as a whirlwind of a mission evolved into a great working and learning experience for the Kentucky National Guard's 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment as they embarked on a mission to Camp Itami located on the outskirts of Osaka, Japan...

Officials outline absentee voting options

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Federal officials are urging military members, their families and other Americans living outside the United States to register to vote and request an absentee ballot...

DOD drug testing program to screen for more prescription drugs

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Defense Department's drug-testing program is expanding to add screening for two additional prescription medications to the range of legal and illegal drugs it currently detects...

Outstanding Unit Award recognizes Virginia National Guard Wing

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Maintenance and Operations Groups of the Virginia Air National Guard's 192nd Fighter Wing were recently each selected for an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for their accomplishments over the past two years...

Guard unit validates deployment training at Silver Scimitar

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The 633rd Theater Gateway, an Army National Guard unit training to deploy overseas, will be the first Guard unit to operate a theater gateway for combat operations and the first to use the exercise Silver Scimitar as validation for their mobilization training...

From surf to snow: Hawaii Guard members learn cold weather survival tactics

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Hawaii National Guard's 93rd Civil Support Team joined the Colorado National Guard's 8th Civil Support Team to train on cold weather survival tactics as part of their support role in operations at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo...

NDNG celebrates its origins and 150 years of service

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

The North Dakota National Guard, along with the South Dakota National Guard recently marked 150 years of service to their communities, state and nation as they celebrated the Jan. 27, 1862, birthdate of the organization's formation...

Digital partnership improves health care access for National Guard members, Reservists

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:52:00 EST

Part of the demobilization process for Reservists and National Guard members has gone digital with a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Eligibility Center and First Army Division East...

North Dakota National Guard Biathletes Win Regional Competition

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

The North Dakota National Guard biathlon team entered this weekend's regional competition with a bit of pessimism. A few of the team's top biathletes couldn't attend, and two others left after the first day's race to compete overseas...

Guard Soldiers share, discuss capabilities with active duty counterparts

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

When disaster strikes, first responders and military support units must work quickly and decisively to contain the incident. This requires coordinated efforts and effective communication to ensure these disparate agencies present a unified force to engage the catastrophe...

Air Guard crew plays vital role in South Pole evacuation

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

A New York Air Guard LC-130 Hercules "Ski Bird" belonging to the 109th Airlift Wing evacuated seven severely burned crew members of the South Korean ship Jeong Woo 2, from McMurdo Station, Ross Island in Antarctica to Christchurch, New Zealand Jan. 13...

Some Soldiers need to decide whether to reenlist now, officials said

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Some Soldiers will need to make a reenlistment decision by Jan. 31, or they won't get to stay in the Army...

PA, IL National Guard among Army's top environmental performers

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Today the Army announced the winners of the Fiscal Year 2011 Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards Program...

National Guard Bureau Homeland Security Institute hosts unique joint Homeland Protection Course with MIT

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard Bureau Homeland Security Institute, in cooperation with MIT Lincoln Laboratory, recently hosted a first-of-its-kind, joint Homeland Protection Course at Hanscom Air Force Base here....

New Hampshire Air Guard on display at El Salvador air show

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

As aircraft buzzed overhead and an announcer's voice echoed, Airman 1st Class Joy DeWitt, a life support equipment specialist with the New Hampshire Air National Guard's 157th Air Refueling Wing, answered another question about the wing's equipment...

IRR Affiliation Program offers support network to Soldiers, families

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

In order to support Individual Ready Reserve Soldiers, the U.S. Army Reserve, the U.S. Army Human Resources Command and the Army National Guard have initiated the IRR Affiliation Program (IAP)...

Master Resilience Training effective according to study

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Master Resilience Training aspect of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness is working well. That's the conclusion of an Army report, released last month, covering a 15-month period of statistical evaluation...

Wisconsin Air Guard Airmen hone skills under Florida sun

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

About 150 Airmen from the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing returned to the white snow of Wisconsin from the white sands of Key West, Fla., following a joint training exercise with the U.S. Marine Corps Jan. 7-21...

Guard members participate in Army Warrior Games training at Ft. Bliss

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Inhale…exhale, the sound of breathing in a small quiet room, then a sudden pop, as the pellet is shot from an air rifle into the target in a room filled with Soldiers taking their chance at tryouts for the National Warrior Games competition...

Former PA Guard adjutant general, three others nominated for top Defense Department posts

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

President Barack Obama on Monday announced he will nominate four people to fill key Defense Department posts - including the former adjutant general of the Pennsylvania National Guard as assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs...

Texas Guard unit provides security for Afghanistan-bound reconstruction teams

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

The notion of security for Americans may entail locking our homes and cars, questioning whether our children are safe or if our bank accounts have been hacked. For an Afghan, that notion could be expanded to include stumbling upon a roadside bomb or militants with hostile intent. For the people of Afghanistan and the troops deployed there, security takes on added dimensions and is a serious concern...

Guam Guard's first adjutant general dies

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Leaving a historic legacy on Guam, Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert H. Neitz, the first adjutant general for the Guam National Guard, died Dec. 21 in Virginia. He was 83...

Nevada Guard responds to Washoe Drive fire

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

About 50 Nevada National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen supported civil authorities fighting the Washoe Drive Fire south of Reno, Nev., on Friday...

Army study shows decline in suicides and in behavioral health stigma

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

A newly released Army study on behavioral health shows a decline in Soldier suicides and more seeking treatment for their problems...

Arizona Guard recruiter receives national recognition

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Staff Sgt. Craig Wester, a team leader within Recruiting and Retention Battalion with the Arizona National Guard, was selected as the Army National Guard's Top Recruiting and Retention Noncommissioned Officer for 2011, a selection process that screened more than 3,000 recruiting and retention NCOs nationwide...

New York City National Guard unit to train with Malian Defense Force

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Thirty-seven New York Army National Guard logistics specialists assigned to the 369th Sustainment Brigade, headquartered at the Fifth Avenue Armory in Harlem, will be heading to the African nation of Mali in February as part of exercise Atlas Accord 12...

Dr. Biden: Military kids need schools' support

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, on Thursday joined a group of educators here for a discussion on how schools can better serve and support military families and to learn about a program that's having a positive impact in military children's lives...

Polish military leader visits Arizona Guard's 162nd Fighter Wing

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

As part of a whirlwind tour of United States military commands, the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, Gen. Mieczys?aw Cieniuch, visited the 162nd Fighter Wing here at Tucson International Airport on Jan. 12...

National Guard hosts virtual conference on diversity

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

The chief of the National Guard Bureau outlined his vision for diversity within the National Guard during the first National Guard Bureau Virtual Diversity Conference - held completely online on Wednesday...

Panetta announces initiatives targeting sexual assault

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Sexual assault has no place in the Defense Department, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said Wednesday, calling the crime "a stain on the good honor of the great majority of our troops and their families...

1 Guard dad + 4 Guard sons = 5 Citizen-Soldiers

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

With the most recent enlistment of their youngest son, one northwest Missouri Family serving in the National Guard could all but make up their own squad of artilleryman. One dad and four sons now serve with the 1-129th Field Artillery Battalion, making for some interesting war stories...

People form Defense Strategy's centerpiece, official says

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

RPeople are the centerpiece of the new defense strategy guidance that President Barack Obama released this month, the deputy undersecretary of defense for strategy, plans and forces said here last week...

Air Guard flyover to honor Tuskegee Airman's burial at Arlington Cemetery

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Luke J. Weathers, Jr., a famed Tuskegee Airman decorated with multiple medals in World War II, will be buried Friday at Arlington National Cemetery...

Colorado Guard cooks get training from respected industry chef

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

When people think of Army chow, a boxed lunch or a Meal, Ready-to-Eat may come to mind, which is why Army Capt. Mark Tommell, commander of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation, has enlisted the services of a professional chef and culinary instructor to teach his food service specialists the tricks of the trade - changing the way his Soldiers feel about chow...

Second Lady Biden writes children's book about military families

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, has written a children's book to raise awareness among Americans, particularly children, of military families' challenges during deployment...

Georgia Guard troops train for historic Afghan mission

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

A Georgia Army National Guard unit will play a significant role in the expected reduction of United States forces in Afghanistan...

Air Guard's 174th Fighter Wing writing the book on Air Force MQ-9 maintenance

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Since Hancock Field Air National Guard Base converted from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the MQ-9 Reaper, the flight line has become more silent and there has been a noticeable reduction in the level of aircraft maintenance activity on the base...

Texas Guard members train for Africa mission

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Waiting their turn, National Guard members from Texas huddled around a space heater in the 17-degree Indiana weather. The warmth it provided was only temporary as they had to head down to the range soon...

National Guard State Partnership Program emphasizes building relationships

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

A small, but innovative, program demonstrates the U.S. military's "very agile and flexible" capabilities in working with partners, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said recently...

Silver Star recipient's memorabilia given to Florida Guard armory

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Nearly 70 years after he was killed in battle, a central Florida Soldier's medals and memorabilia were given to the Florida National Guard armory that bears his name...

New York Air National Guard evacuates burned fishermen to New Zealand

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

An LC-130 Hercules "Ski Bird" aircraft belonging to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing evacuated seven badly burned crew members of a South Korean flagged ship from the United States McMurdo Station in Antarctica to Christchurch, New Zealand on Thursday...

Trainee controllers gain skills at Selfridge Air Guard base

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Sitting in a darkened room on the ground floor of an air traffic control tower, Leah Ned outlines the goals for her Air Force career, not quite yet a year old:...

National Guard part of team standardizing Army disability evaluations

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

A team charged with establishing an Army-wide standardized disability evaluation system has been meeting this week here at the headquarters of U.S. Army Forces Command...

Panetta: King renewed promise of America's dream

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

In anticipation of the nation's Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance on Monday, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has issued a message to members of the Defense Department outlining his personal view of the slain civil rights leader's impact on America...

Missouri Guard course focuses on creating well-rounded, physically fit Soldiers

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Following the active Army component, the Missouri National Guard is pushing its Soldiers to be more all-around physically fit as opposed to simply being able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test...

Wisconsin's first Armed Forces Reserve Center opens

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and senior military officials cut the ribbon Saturday for a new $24 million building on Madison's east side, replacing old armories, saving money, and allowing for joint training with Wisconsin National Guard, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Reserves...

41 years: Florida Air Guard's last Vietnam veteran retires

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

The last Vietnam veteran in the Florida Air National Guard is retiring and ending a more than 40 year military career...

McKinley: Guard and Reserves well-positioned for new defense strategy

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Rotary Club of Jacksonville hosted Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, on Monday at the Omni Hotel here, where McKinley spoke about the current state of the National Guard and the challenges that ahead for the U.S. military...

National Guard assists Alaska community buried in snow

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Alaska National Guard members arrived in Cordova Sunday afternoon to help the citizens in this small Alaska town dig out from a series of winter storms...

Missouri Guard's attack battalion transitions to Longbow Apache

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Missouri National Guard's 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion held a roll-out ceremony that officially transitioned the battalion to a AH-64D Apache Longbow unit....

Army Guard, Arizona State University sign historic sustainability initiative

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

With Army National Guard members, Department of the Army leadership and the president of Arizona State University present here Friday, a historic sustainability education initiative was signed into effect signifying the beginning of a partnership between the Army National Guard and ASU...

Alaska National Guard responding to Alaska community buried in snow

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Alaska National Guard is responding to personnel and equipment requests for support in Cordova after weeks of record snowfall have left the city covered in more than 18 feet of snow...

Chicago Army National Guard Soldier prevents robbery

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Quick actions by a 21-year old Illinois Army National Guard Soldier during the weekend thwarted an attempted robbery and resulted in three teenagers being arrested by Chicago Police...

Tell the Air Guard story, command chief tells Milwaukee Airmen

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Changes are coming to the Air National Guard, Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher E. Muncy, command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard, said during a Sunday visit with the 128th Air Refueling Wing here....

Florida governor, adjutant general visit 101st AOG

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

The governor of Florida is to Florida Air National Guardsmen what the president of the United States is to active duty military: commander in chief...

Deadline nears for employer support award nominations

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the National Guard and reserves have just 10 more days to nominate their employers for the Defense Department's highest award recognizing employers who have gone the extra mile to support their reserve-component workers...

Rules restrict political activity by DOD personnel

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

With election activity steadily picking up, defense officials are in the process of issuing regular election-year guidance to remind military and Defense Department civilians that they're subject to rules regulating their involvement in political activities...

The National Guard's contribution: 300,000-plus Iraq deployments

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

On Dec. 18, 2011, when the final U.S. troops crossed the Iraqi border into Kuwait, the National Guard had deployed more than 250,000 Guard members in support of the war...

The dos and don'ts of the political season

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

With the presidential primaries lurking around the corner, there are a few things service members must remember during this upcoming political season...

Health concerns prompt Exchanges to remove dietary supplements

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Department of Defense has implemented a temporary moratorium on the sales of products containing DMAA within military facilities...

Nevada Guard trains with police in New Year's Eve exercise

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Sgt. Dale Peterman didn't pop champagne this New Year's Eve. He didn't kiss his wife at midnight or watch "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve...

N.Y. Guard Counterdrug Task Force helps keep 100 schools drug-free

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Throughout 2011, more than 100 communities across New York State welcomed Soldiers and Airmen of the New York National Guard, not to hear about their overseas wartime experiences, but to share life skills with students and keep them drug-free...

Adjutant general: "This is an historic moment for the National Guard"

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 11:52:00 EST

Florida National Guardsman and chief of the National Guard Bureau Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley will officially join the Joint Chiefs of Staff...

National Guard's senior officer elevated to Joint Chiefs of Staff

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

The chief of the National Guard Bureau is a statutory member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. With the stroke of a pen, the same month the nation's oldest military institution celebrated its 375th birthday, President Barack Obama today signed legislation that includes a provision adding the CNGB to the Joint Chiefs...

National Guard on-duty for New Year's Eve

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

The U.S. experienced an unusual number of natural disasters in 2011, including Hurricane Irene, flooding across the northern Plains states and Midwest, Southwestern wildfires and tornados that leveled communities...

Domestic disaster relief and a birthday among National Guard 2011 highlights

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Colorado National Guard high-altitude aviation training: local school, global impact

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

One of four Army National Guard aviation training schools, the High-altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site in Gypsum, Colo., is the only Department of Defense school specifically focused on teaching high-altitude power-management environmental training to military rotary-wing pilots from around the world...

N.C. National Guard drives into history as last convoy out of Iraq

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

In the early morning hours of Dec. 18, while most service members stationed here were sleeping, a small group of Soldiers from the North Carolina Army National Guard's 1452nd Transportation Company, were riding into history as the last military convoy to depart Iraq...

Dempsey: hazing, bullying "intolerable" within military

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Emphasizing that bullying and hazing undermine everything the military stands for, the top U.S. military officer said every member of the armed forces has a personal responsibility to uphold its "zero tolerance" standard and intervene to stop any occurrences...

NORAD tracks Santa's flight

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

As children go to bed tomorrow with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, the staff at North American Aerospace Defense Command will be busy tracking Santa Claus' global flight...

DOD Officials: National Guard border support to shift to the air

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Defense Department and National Guard support to southwest U.S. border security will change in the next few months from a ground effort to primarily air, Defense and Homeland Security officials said here Dec. 20...

New York Honor Guard performs record number of military funerals

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

The New York Army National Guard's Honor Guard performed more military funerals in 2011 â€" more than 10,500 â€" than in any time since it was started in 1999, and last year 10,415 were performed, said the program's director....

Odierno unveils vision for Army's future role

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

The following information is from an Army Live Blog, which Army Gen. Raymond Odierno, the 38th chief of staff of the Army, conducted on Dec. 12...

Indiana Guard, ISU reach agreement on use of restricted air space

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Indiana National Guard recently teamed up with Indiana State University in Terre Haute by officially entering into an agreement to share restricted airspace with the state school...

Alaska National Guard brings Santa to remote villages

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Santa, Mrs. Claus and 35 helpers brought Operation Santa Claus and holiday cheer via an Alaska National Guard C-130 to the small, remote Alaska village of Wales Dec. 9...

Army Chief of Staff issues instructions for Guard, Reserve Soldiers demobilizing over holidays

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno issued instructions Wednesday regarding reserve component Soldiers who will be demobilizing at bases in the United States over the holidays...

West Virginia Air Guard unit testing ground for flight mask development

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Develop one aircrew mask that can be used on over 100 different air frames. This is the challenge for researchers assigned to the Joint Service Aircrew Mask-Fixed Wing Program...

Army National Guard Soldiers saves lives in, out of uniform

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

While serving in the military, many service members expect to perform their duties while in uniform and to kick back, relax and not think of work at the end of the day. Army National Guard Sgt. Gerald Dick, assigned to the Medical Detachment at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center here, discovered that he is always on "duty"...

New York National Guard instrumental to Reaper training mission on ground, in air

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

This fall, for the first time ever, the airspace above Fort Drum was graced with a 10,500-pound unmanned aircraft performing an essential operation. It was a pivotal moment that would prove to military personnel that the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly referred to as the "Reaper," had established a home base for training missions at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield here...

Cake Boss helps National Guard celebrate 375 years, donates iconic cake

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

To help the National Guard celebrate its 375th birthday Tuesday, a crew from Cake Boss drove four hours to present a professionally decorated cake to National Guard members and civilians at the Army National Guard Readiness Center here...

National Guard Soldier, educator earns prestigious teaching certification at White House

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Becoming a nationally recognized educator is a lofty accomplishment and for one South Carolina Army National Guard member, that achievement became a reality as she was one of about 100 teachers from across the country honored in a White House ceremony Dec. 7 in Washington...

Vets4Warriors offers Guard members, reservists peer-to-peer counseling

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

In an effort to face the unique challenges of providing peer counseling, the National Guard unveiled, during a ceremony at Capitol Hill today, its newest initiative, Vets4Warriors...

Texas National Guard tours vital port to better understand, build relationship with local emergency response agencies

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Despite brisk winds and an unexpected drop in temperature, unit and section leaders with Joint Task Force 71, Texas Army National Guard, joined the Coast Guard and members of the Harris County Hazmat team for an extensive tour of the Port of Houston ship channel and interagency capabilities brief here last week...

Born from humble beginnings, the National Guard celebrates its 375th birthday

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded in 1630. More than 5,000 men, women, and children made the two-month voyage to the New World, leaving the relative comfort and safety of England behind in an effort to break free of religious intolerance, and to manage their communities the way they saw fit. In doing so, their actions tread new ground in the country that would become the United States of America...

Wisconsin Air Guard member first recipient of Thomas E. Wortham IV Achievement Award

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

A seven-year veteran of the Wisconsin Air National Guard is the first recipient of the Thomas E. Wortham IV Achievement Award...

Florida National Guard Soldier writes, sings song about Citizen-Soldiers, Airmen

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Behind every National Guard Soldier or Airman lies talent, passion and skills that often reach farther than just their military jobs. Guard members often come with life experience and technical skills that can't be learned through the military alone...

DoD calls on Guard members to nominate supportive employers for 2012 Freedom Award

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, encourages Guard and Reserve members to nominate their supportive employers for the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award as only five weeks remain until the deadline...

International military officials tour Kentucky Air National Guard Wing

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Military officials from five European countries toured the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Airlift Wing Nov. 14 to learn about the Guard's dual role of supporting both federal and state missions...

Officials announce absentee voting guidelines

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Federal Voting Assistance Program and the Military Postal Service Agency announced Tuesday the absentee ballot mailing date guidelines that apply to various overseas locations...

Air National Guard Band of the Lakes to be decommissioned after 90 years of service

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Air National Guard Band of the Great Lakes, which has been in existence since the 1920s, will be decommissioned in 2013 as part of a decision to consolidate Air Force bands across the country, Guard officials said recently...

Fishing program offers wounded military troops a safe haven, relaxation

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Army National Guard Capt. Marshall Davis recalls life during his recent deployment to Iraq with one word – Indescribable. At least to anyone who wasn't physically there, it was...

California National Guard's combined arms battalion displays might in the Mojave Desert

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

In the immense barren landscape of the National Training Center here, hulking armored machines of the California Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 185th Armor Battalion, grind and clank as their heavy steel tracks churn up the Mojave Desert. The sharp cracks of M4 Carbine rifles echo off the surrounding hills...

Utah National Guard assisting state after damaging windstorms

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Utah National Guard continues today to assist the state with clean-up efforts in multiple cities after high windstorms took out power lines, tore down trees, blew over semi-trailers and caused extensive damage to properties throughout Davis County...

D.C. mayor recognizes distinguished D.C. Guard members, 9/11 heroes

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Mayor Vincent Gray joined Army Maj. Gen. Errol Schwartz, commanding general, D.C. National Guard, and members of D.C. National Guard for their annual awards ceremony Sunday at the D.C. Armory...

Air guard rolls out new program for recruitment rewards

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Current and retired Air National Guard members who refer new recruits to the Guard may now collect rewards for their efforts...

Muncy to Air Guard members: Tell Your Story

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Christopher Muncy, the command Chief Master Sgt. of the Air National Guard spoke with members of the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard during a town hall meeting Monday...

Arizona Guard refreshes motorcycle rules with safety day

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

In 2010, 2,735 accidents involving motorcycles occurred in Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Of those accidents, 83 were fatal...

National Guard diversity conference to go virtual for minimum cost, maximum impact

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

With tighter budgetary challenges causing senior leaders to find more innovative ways to communicate to the masses, the National Guard Bureau is tapping into the online realm by hosting its first ever Virtual Diversity Conference on Jan. 18, 2012...

Documents from Lincoln's National Guard service discovered

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Before his presidency and before his name became synonymous with the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln slogged his way around the state during the Black Hawk War as a volunteer Soldier with the Illinois Militia, today known as the Illinois National Guard...

Pennsylvania National Guard vital to Canadian forces deployment training

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

The 4,000-mile stretch of land between the United States and Canada is the largest unprotected border in the world. To Army Maj. Gen. Raymond Carpenter, former acting director of the Army National Guard, this is all the more reason U.S. and Canadian forces should train together as often as possible...

Farewell Maj. Gen. Carpenter, you will be missed

Sat, 3 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Army National Guard bid farewell this week to Army Maj. Gen. Raymond Carpenter after his 29-months of service as the acting director of the Army National Guard, and more than 44-years of military service...

Deployed Virginia Guard Soldiers give thanks for support from groups nationwide

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

At the beginning of this holiday season deployed Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers took a moment from their deployment here to reflect on the care packages, letters and cards that have poured in from patriotic supporters all across the U.S...

Era of Vietnam War veterans serving in North Dakota Guard ends

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

While most North Dakota Guard members are war veterans, one holds a special distinction: He's the last serving combat Vietnam War veteran in the North Dakota National Guard...

World at strategic inflection point, Dempsey says – and praises Air Guard member on world stage

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

The world may be facing a strategic inflection point as important as the one facing Allied leaders in World War II, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here Monday...

Air Force leaders collaborate on Total Force future

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Air Force senior leaders are looking at ways to balance the ratio of regular and Reserve component Airmen to create the most effective and efficient combat capability in austere budget times...

Iraqis stand ready to defend their own

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

Beginning in 2012, Iraqis will be responsible for defending their own borders and air space, and for policing their own people, both inside and outside their cities...

Indiana Guard members join Iraq exodus

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:52:00 EST

About 150 Soldiers of the 219th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade returned home from the Iraqi desert climate to Indiana's rain and cold sleet on Monday and Tuesday...

Oregon National Guard teams with Navy Reserve to help service members with jobs, benefits

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

All hands were on deck at a community college here Nov. 19, as the U.S. Navy Reserve showed its commitment to taking care of Sailors by partnering with the Oregon National Guard for the largest joint service career and benefits fair of its kind...

National Guard Soldier overcomes immigration, education challenges to live dream

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Coming to America was easy, but the journey to stay here was paved with one obstacle after another, for Army National Guard Pvt. Angel Chavez and his family...

Missouri National Guard creates chronicled, interactive history project

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Missouri National Guard is honoring its Soldiers and Airmen in ceremonies across the state as part of a project to capture the Guard's history and honor those who have worn the uniform since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks...

National Guard agribusiness specialists use surveys to gauge progress, future potential in Afghanistan

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Amid the hustle and bustle of the Kama Village farmers market, Air National Guard Master Sgt. Greg Dunlap, an agribusiness specialist with the Missouri National Guard Agribusiness Development Team, perused a shop stall offering a variety of produce and dried legumes here earlier this month...

National Guard units adapt training for NATO mission to current events

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

A senior U.S. military leader in Europe condemned recent violence against NATO troops in Kosovo just as a Wisconsin Army National Guard unit prepares to take command of the 15th rotation of peace enforcement there...

Emergency communications exercise answers the question: Can you hear me now?

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

An explosion hits Jacksonville. Terrorist activity is suspected. Meanwhile, a smaller disturbance is reported in a neighboring town. Who is left to respond when the bulk of the resources have already been sent to the larger disaster? How can efforts be coordinated when communications are down? It's the perfect storm...

Marines, National Guard conduct joint exercise in Hawaii

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

AV-8B Harriers, F-15 Eagles and F-22 Raptors participated in a joint air-to-air exercise over Oahu, Hawaii, Nov. 20 to 22, during the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's first port visit of its seven-month deployment...

Army Guard doctor serves those who serve

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

If you had told Tim Cheslock when he was in high school 20 years ago that he someday would be serving in the military in Afghanistan, he would have assumed he'd be in the cockpit of an Air Force jet...

Survey shows growing gap between civilians, military

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

A new report confirms a concern defense and military leaders have long recognized: There's a growing disconnect between Americans and their military...

Last Vietnam veteran in North Dakota National Guard to retire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

The last North Dakota National Guard member to have served in the Vietnam War is scheduled to retire Wednesday at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center...

Ingram sworn in as Army National Guard director at Pentagon

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

On the day he formally assumed the duties of the director of the Army National Guard, Army Maj. Gen. William E. Ingram, Jr. was simultaneously promoted to lieutenant general during a Pentagon ceremony here Monday afternoon...

Chairman, senior enlisted advisor send Thanksgiving wishes to service members

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan. Battaglia, the chairman's senior enlisted advisor, signed a joint letter today wishing service members and their families a happy Thanksgiving...

Connecticut Air National Guard reaches milestone with 100th turbofan engine

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Through the hard work and efforts of the members of the 103rd Maintenance Squadron, the 103d Airlift Wing reached a new milestone – the 100th A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft, TF-34, or turbofan, jet engine was completed here Oct. 10, 2011...

Air Force leaders issue holiday safety message

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy send the following holiday safety campaign message to all Air Force personnel:..

Obama boosts employment opportunities for veterans, families

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

President Barack Obama delivered a clear message Tuesday when he signed two new tax credits into law to increase the hiring of military veterans and wounded warriors...

Panetta issues Thanksgiving message to troops, families

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta expressed his gratitude to service members and their families in a Thanksgiving message:..

D.C. National Guard, Army Huey takes its final flight

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Other than some tears and good-humored teasing about hanging on to the last UH-1 "Huey" in the Army's inventory, it was an unremarkable day as the D.C. National Guard's legendary helicopter lifted off for its final flight here...

California Air Guard heroes recognized for lives saved

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Eleven California Air National Guard members from the 129th Rescue Wing were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross at Moffett Federal Airfield on Nov. 5 for multiple combat search and rescue missions conducted in Afghanistan during 2009 and 2010...

Massachusetts Air Guard Wing passes first inspection near perfect

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Air Guard members of the 102nd Intelligence Wing are in the fight every day. They deploy to the Middle East, train at several continental U.S. locations, and operate a 24 hour, 7 days-a-week Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission...

Five-year-old cancer survivor reports for duty as a Guard member for a day

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

A five-year-old boy who recently battled cancer got the chance to be a Guard member for the day, here Saturday. His day was part of a military-themed experience for the boy that included a bedroom makeover...

Louisiana National Guard Soldiers train active duty noncommissioned officers

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Louisiana National Guard trained active duty Soldiers from Fort Polk, along with Guard members and Reservists from throughout the country during the first multi-component Warrior Leader Course at Camp Cook in Ball, La., Nov. 4-18...

Guard members highlight combatives program through mixed-martial arts

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Participation in the Army Combatives Program came in handy for two Missouri National Guard Soldiers who took part in the Fight-Me Mixed Martial Arts event at the St. Charles Family Arena on Veteran's Day...

California Guard members save lives in mock collapsed building

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Responding to a simulated improvised nuclear device in downtown Phoenix as part of the 2011 Arizona Vigilant Guard exercise, about 60 combat engineers from the 235th Engineer Company (Sapper), 579th Engineer Battalion, 49th Military Police Brigade, California Army National Guard, picked up their ropes and jackhammers and dug into the destroyed city, Nov. 4-5...

Guard units prepped by big Army for capital air defense mission

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Two Army National Guard units will soon be using a combination of air defense systems to guard the National Capital Region and the nation's leaders...

Nevada Guard helps Reno Police in fire-stricken neighborhood

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

About 80 Nevada Guard Soldiers and Airmen were on duty Friday night assisting the Reno Police Department with welfare checks and security in west Reno as the 2,000-acre Caughlin Fire smoldered...

West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing participates in historic surge

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Flying seven of its 11 assigned C-5 Galaxy aircraft, the West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing participated in an historic "surge" last month...

Afghanistan: Virginia Guard's DJ-Soldier rocks FOB

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

The boom, boom, boom you hear from Forward Operating Base Lagman on Thursday and Friday nights isn't artillery rounds – it's a heavy mix beat laid down by enthusiastic disc jockey, Sgt. Deon D. Matthews of the Virginia Army National Guard's 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team...

Border mission Guard members serve communities on Veterans Day

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Veterans Day in many communities is marked by events to honor and observe the sacrifices made by all our veterans. Arizona Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen serving on Operation Copper Cactus know the meaning of service, especially when it comes to supporting their local communities...

Realistic scenario tests National Guard Homeland Response Force capabilities

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

It's a capability that's critical to our national security, but one no one wants to ever have to use. Housed within the National Guard are several Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosive and Weapons of Mass Destruction response forces and teams, tasked with responding to serious incidents and disasters throughout the country at a moment's notice...

Missouri Guard Soldier turns life around, competes in memory of Guard athlete

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

When Missouri Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Ryan Houk takes off from the starting line at the Arizona Ironman contest in Tempe, Ariz., on Sunday, the event will mark a milestone in the Citizen-Soldier's physical transformation, as well as commemorate the anniversary of the death of fellow Guard member Army Master Sgt. Mark Turner, who died on that date two years before...

New York National Guard conducts "dirty bomb" drill in urban setting

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Sirens wailed and emergency vehicle lights flashed as more than 600 New York Army and Air National Guard and civilian first responders reacted to a terrorism response drill here earlier this month...

New statue recalls WWI sacrifice of 'Rainbow' Division Guard members

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

With the battle streamers and colors of the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry "Rainbow" Division flying, officials from the Croix Rouge Farm Memorial Foundation joined U.S. and French military and political leaders to dedicate a memorial Nov. 12 to the soldiers who fought at the Croix Rouge Farm in the summer of 1918...

Wolf Ops: Muscatatuck Urban Training Complex's training secret

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Ministry of Defense Advisors team – a Department of Defense initiative to help Afghanistan and Iraq stand up their own ministries – are talking to a local Afghan governor while citizens protest outside the building...

Missouri Guard crucial player in summer flood fight

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

It has been five months since the Missouri National Guard was activated to respond to flooding along the Missouri River in the northwest portion of the state. The urgency of the flood has subsided, but the battle continues for many...

Hawaii National Guard supports APEC Summit

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

While leaders from 21 Pacific Rim countries met this past week in Hawaii to hash out economic growth, trade issues and disaster response, a considerable number of Hawaii National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen were on hand to support the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit...

Michigan Air Guard members begin rolling mobilizations

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Citizen-Airmen of the 127th Air Refueling Group have begun a series of rolling mobilizations that is anticipated to keep dozens of members of the Michigan Air National Guard on duty at least for the next year...

JSLC: McHugh says Guard remedy for military, civilian divide

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Secretary of the Army John McHugh told members of the National Guard last week that military leadership is concerned about the divide between society and the less-than-1-percent that serve in uniform...

Ohio National Guard first to receive explosive detection dogs

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Charged with the responsibility to "protect" and "look out for" 24 hours-a-day, battle buddies are authorized to take necessary action to prevent their fellow Soldiers from doing anything that would be unsafe and unwise...

Senate confirms Maj. Gen. William Ingram as new director, Army National Guard

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

On Veteran's Day comes word of the confirmation of a new director for the Army National Guard, Army Maj. Gen. William Ingram, former adjutant general of the North Carolina National Guard and current special assistant to the Army vice chief of staff...

Obama, Panetta Praise Military Veterans' Service

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today joined President Barack Obama in recognizing the contributions veterans have made throughout U.S. history and the sacrifices U.S. military members continue to make in defending its freedoms...

National Guard, local agencies train for disaster at Vigilant Guard

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Firefighters and civil support team members donned hazardous materials suits in response to a simulated building collapse when a nuclear bomb detonation downtown, generating thousands of wounded...

JSLC: Strongest-ever National Guard vital to war effort, Panetta says

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

At its strongest in its 375-year history, the National Guard has been indispensable to the warfight, the secretary of defense said here Tuesday...

JSLC: Defense cuts an opportunity for National Guard, McKinley says

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

An era of deep defense cuts is an opportunity for the National Guard, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here Monday...

JSLC: Last decade another shining moment in Army Guard's 375-year history

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Since the 2001 terrorist attacks, Army Guard members have contributed one of the finest decades of service in the Guard's 375-year history, the acting director said here Monday...

Jelinski-Hall: Leadership, taking care of Airmen should be the culture

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Taking care of Airmen, getting help when help is needed and leading through engagement is the wingman concept the Air National Guard must continue to embrace, the senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here last week...

JSLC: Military must work to keep America's trust, Dempsey tells National Guard

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

The military is among the most admired institutions in America, and service leaders must work to ensure that continues, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today...

JSLC: Dempsey gives National Guard leaders vision of 2020 military strategy

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey gave National Guard leaders the CliffsNotes version of U.S. military strategy for 2020 during a talk at the Guard's 2011 Joint Senior Leadership Conference here today...

Vigilant Guard: California National Guard Homeland Response Force prepares for worst

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

They're the last in line in any catastrophe, but the first to be relied upon to bring closure...

Indiana Guard members save lives, credit military training with fast response

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Two Indiana National Guard Soldiers helped save the lives of more than 20 people on a September evening when the apartment across from where they live went up in flames...

Air Guard, Reserve benefit from off-the-shelf equipment solutions

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

By using ideas from recently deployed Airmen and off-the-shelf technology, the reserve components have developed new equipment that saved lives and led to highly successful combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq...

Army Guard Soldier makes different kind of sacrifice for battle buddy

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Army Spc. John Chase wasn't feeling his best when he came home on a two-week leave from his second Afghanistan deployment in May 2010. Soon after a family vacation and just before he was to report back to his unit, Chase learned what was ailing him – his kidneys were failing...

Army Secretary: Balance Needed as Wars Draw Down

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

With the drawdown of forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, talented Soldiers will need to be retained while Army infrastructure draws down, and the American people and warfighters need to maintain a connection, Army Secretary John M. McHugh said here Wednesday...

Army Guard sees unexpectedly high retention rate

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Defense Department announced recruiting and retention numbers for the 2011 fiscal year recently, stating that the Army National Guard intentionally achieved only 95 percent of its recruiting goal in order to stay within its authorized end-strength...

Study: No relationship found between service members' health and burn pits

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

No evidence was found between exposure to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, and long-term health problems, according to a study released here Monday by the Institute of Medicine...

Burch, SMA, Army Reserve CSM visit sends "one Army" message

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

During what has been viewed as a significant and historic trip, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Burch, the command sergeant major of the Army National Guard, recently spent time downrange talking to Guard members...

Obama calls on nation to honor military families, caregivers

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Calling on the nation to celebrate military families' service and sacrifice Tuesday, President Barack Obama signed proclamations designating November as Military Family Month and National Family Caregivers Month...

Texas National Guard performs during World Series

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

With more than 50,000 people in attendance at Ballpark Stadium here and millions more watching at home, members of the Texas National Guard joined the Texas Rangers in their battle for the Major League Baseball World Series title, Oct. 22 and Oct. 23...

Brett Favre surprises deploying Guard members

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 11:52:00 EST

Brett Favre, Mississippi native and retired NFL quarterback, visited soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 134th Field Artillery Regiment at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center on Oct. 25...

Air Force BDU officially history today

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

There are two things you should not see Nov. 1 – Halloween costumes and the Air Force Battle Dress Uniform...

Roy: Guard members should tell their story

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Air National Guard is in the fight and it is up to each and every Guard member to tell their story to their families, employers and fellow service members, the chief master sergeant of the Air Force said here today...

Guard mobilizes after severe October snowstorm

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick mobilized the Massachusetts National Guard late Saturday evening in the largest single-state response to a rare October snowstorm that dumped nearly two feet of snow in areas of Central and Western Massachusetts...

Muncy: Guard members should use three key steps to deal with change

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

Resiliency, flexibility and preparation are three key steps for Guard members preparing for potential changes coming to the Defense Department, the Air National Guard's command chief master sergeant said here Sunday...

Department reminds troops of member-designated benefits

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

In their ongoing review of military benefits in connection with the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," Defense Department officials have now identified a total of 14 benefits where members may designate beneficiaries of their choosing, regardless of sexual orientation...

McKinley gives praise, admiration to Guard members in Kosovo

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, visited Soldiers and Airmen stationed in Kosovo who are part of Multinational Battle Group East, Kosovo Forces 14 deployment in support of the NATO-led peacekeeping mission here, Oct. 24...

National Guard runners well represented at Army Ten-Miler

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

More than 1,700 National Guard members took to the streets here and throughout our nation's capital Oct. 9 for the 27th Annual Army Ten-miler...

First Air National Guard F-16 unit deploys in support of OEF

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

More than 175 members of the District of Columbia National Guard deployed to Afghanistan earlier this month, initiating the first Air National Guard F-16 deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom...

Ambassador: National Guard uniquely suited to peacekeeping operations

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard is playing a critical role supporting desert peacekeepers at a critical moment in the Middle East, the director general of the Multinational Force and Observers said here Sunday...

Texas National Guard, Japan military forces partner for Orient Shield 2011

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

Orient Shield 2011 progressed through its second day of functional training Oct. 20, as Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment joined members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, Eastern Army, 1st Division, 1st Aviation, in performing mounted heliborne operations...

Army Guard CSM visits, discusses new standards with Soldiers

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

In my first blog entry, I discussed the four themes that are important to me as I start my tenure as the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Among them I mention keeping faith with our Military Family...

Chairman's Corner: The Military Retirement System

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

New Reserve Forces Board chairman looks ahead

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Reserve Forces Policy Board is returning to its 60-year-old roots under statutory changes giving it broader membership and a direct line to the defense secretary, the board's new chairman said Oct. 14...

D.C. National Guard supports dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

About 100 members of the D.C. National Guard assisted local and federal agencies to with security and traffic control at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall Oct. 16...

Dan Wheldon: More Than a Driver

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Army National Guard lost a true friend and champion on October 16, 2011 when Dan Wheldon, 33, driver of the Guard's No. 4 IndyCar during the 2009 and 2010 seasons, died from injuries sustained during a tragic 15-car crash...

Guard member's "solution" a game-changer on battlefield

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

It all began during an intense 2 1/2-hour firefight with the enemy earlier this year in Afghanistan...

Guard member remembers Indy driver Wheldon fondly

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

When I first heard that the National Guard was going to sponsor an Indy Racing League car, I had my doubts. I'm a noncommissioned officer. I'm noncommissioned officer from Indianapolis, Indiana. I'm a noncommissioned officer from Indianapolis, Indiana who has been following the Indianapolis 500 for nearly fifty years...

Air Guard, Reserve set to participate in total force "surge" exercise

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

A historic "surge" of military airlifters scheduled Oct. 17-21 will exercise the ability of U.S. Transportation Command and its air component, Air Forces Transportation, to rapidly provide strategic airlift in response to large-scale crises and contingencies, said officials here...

Defense office protects privacy, liberties of troops, civilians

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

A small and little-known Defense Department office has the big task of protecting service members' and civilian employees' personal information in the digital world, while also getting accustomed to its new charge of protecting their civil liberties...

Panetta: Services Must Work Jointly on Budget 'Storms'

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

The services must work together to face mounting budget pressures and determine the nation's future military needs, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today...

AUSA: Q-and-A with the U.S. Army NCO of the Year

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Utah Army National Guard's Sgt. Guy Mellor sat down with the National Guard Bureau's Air Force Tech. Sgt. Leisa Grant at the Association of the U.S. Army's annual meeting and exposition here Tuesday to discuss his path to becoming the U.S. Army's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year...

Hawaii Air National Guard member earns distinguished marksmanship honors

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

'It's an extremely big accomplishment," said Brig. Gen. Stanley Osserman...

National Guard agribusiness seminar prepares commanders for a different fight

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

A weapon unique to the National Guard was studied here last week – the Agribusiness Development Team...

AUSA: Army bracing for more budget cuts, McHugh says

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

The potential of the Defense Department facing additional budget cuts of $500 billion to $600 billion over the next decade keeps him up at night, Secretary of the Army John McHugh said...

AUSA: Rodriguez stresses importance of Army Guard, Reserve as operational force

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

The commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command highlighted the critical role of reserve component Soldiers and units at the 2011 Annual Meeting and Exposition of the Association of the United States Army here Monday...

AUSA: App spotlights Army exhibits, forums

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

A new app for smartphones allows Soldiers worldwide to visit Army exhibits and watch presentations taking place at the Washington Convention Center today through Wednesday...

AUSA: App spotlights Army exhibits, forums

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

A new app for smartphones allows Soldiers worldwide to visit Army exhibits and watch presentations taking place at the Washington Convention Center today through Wednesday...

AUSA: Utah National Guard member is U.S. Army's NCO of the Year

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

For the second time in three years – and for only the second time in history – a National Guard member has been named the U.S. Army's Noncommissioned Officer of the Year...

Indiana Guard facility redirects historical training operations

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

As Soldiers deploying through Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center slows, the operational tempo does not. Instead, Atturbury has redirected its historical ability to train deploying Soldiers to a different and ever-growing part of the contemporary environment: civilians...

Maryland National Guard members train DEA agents in combat life skills

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

You're a drug enforcement agent, and while working a case your partner gets shot. You drag them into another room, but there are still shots being fired in the hallway. You see that they've been hit once in the upper-right chest area and once in the stomach. What do you do now?...

Texas Guard helps community reclaim neighborhoods

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Texas Military Forces participated Aug. 31 in Operation Crackdown, a joint community effort of Guard members and citizens to reclaim neighborhoods from the influences of violence and illegal drugs...

Missouri Guard members help Navy, Air Force recover helicopter

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

Missouri National Guard members helped recover a Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter that crashed at the Jefferson City airport as it was taking off after refueling on Saturday...

Virginia Guard home after helping Vermont reopen 400 miles of roads

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

Virginia National Guard Soldiers supporting tropical storm recovery operations in Vermont completed their last mission there Sept. 27 and have since returned home...

Guard members begin training on new Lakota variant

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

Army National Guard pilots from four states are now training on the new Security and Support variant of the Lakota helicopter...

Dempsey outlines objectives, focuses on future

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 11:52:00 EST

It is an honor to be the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I am thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve with you...

Chairman's Corner: A Farewell Message

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

To the men, women and families of the armed forces of the United States:...

Air Force vice chief: Total Force key as budget pressures increase

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Maintaining a highly capable Total Force will be key to the Air Force mission as the service faces the challenges of the future, the vice chief of staff of the Air Force said here Sept. 28...

Indiana National Guard hosts, participates in multinational exercise

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Indiana National Guard Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment played part in a multinational exercise at Camp Atterbury Training Center this month called Bold Quest 2011...

Wyatt: Air Guard is affordable, operational, accessible

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Air National Guard is the affordable, operational, fully accessible force the Air Force needs during uncertain economic times, the director of the Air National Guard Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt said here last week...

Time for annual flu vaccination

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Army and Air National Guards have begun rolling out this year's flu vaccinations to service members as they look to get ahead of the approaching flu season...

Colorado Army National Guard breaks ground on aviation training facility

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Colorado Army National Guard broke ground on a new state-of-the-art aviation training facility at the Eagle County Airport, Sept. 22...

Florida Soldier becomes first African-American general officer in history of Florida National Guard

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

When Florida Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Calhoun pinned on his silver stars Sept. 23, he became the first African-American in the history of the Florida National Guard to attain the rank of a general officer ...

Employers cited for support of deployed Guard members, Reservists

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Clifford L. Stanley, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, recognized 15 employers whose support for their deployed National Guard and reserve employees was "restricted only by their imaginations." ...

Wildlife study at National Guard training facility may yield insight into black bear behavior

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

A wildlife study at the National Guard's training post in north Florida may soon give biologists insight into one of the state's most intriguing inhabitants...

Minnesota National Guard battles Pagami Creek wildfire

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Four Minnesota National Guard UH-60 Black hawk helicopters, along with National Guard Aviation support teams, have been called in to battle the 100,000 acre wildfire within the Pagami Creek region of northeastern Minnesota, Guard officials said Sept. 13...

Deadline nears to apply for special stop loss pay

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Only a month remains for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay...

Arizona Guard embarks on resiliency training

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Arizona National Guard is establishing a new standard for its personnel in response to the stresses and strains on service members and their families as a result of serving a nation that has been involved in overseas conflicts for almost a decade...

Top Guard, Reserve employers to be honored - part 3

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

When Army Maj. Kerry Studer deployed with his Army Reserve unit, his boss and coworkers pledged to support him and care for his family in his absence. But the staff also had a big surprise for him: it adopted Studer's entire unit...

Alaska Guard members among first to respond to Reno Air Show crash

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Two Alaska Air National Guard members were among the first responders to a crash at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nev., Sept.16...

Obama proclaims Employer Support of Guard, Reserve Week

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard and Reserve constitute nearly half of the nation's military forces and make vital contributions to overseas missions and domestic emergency response operations, President Barack Obama said in a presidential proclamation issued Sept. 16...

Top Guard, Reserve employers to be honored - part 2

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

When Navy Reserve Lt. j.g. Todd Brooks leaves his civilian job at Ford Motor Co. to report for military duty, he does so knowing his employer isn't just about vehicles...

Mullen: Happy Birthday Air Force!

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen issued the following message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:...

DOD announces appointment of Reserve Forces Policy Board chairman

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Department of Defense announced Thursday that Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro has been appointed chairman of the Reserve Forces Policy Board...

Ohio Guard assists Vermont with Irene recovery

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

In the wake of flooding caused by Hurricane Irene, the call went out from the Vermont National Guard for heavy equipment and personnel. The Ohio National Guard, among other states, responded with ready units...

Top Guard, Reserve employers to be honored - part 1

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard's 65-nation State Partnership Program won a major award here Tuesday...

National Guard State Partnership Program garners prestigious award

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard's 65-nation State Partnership Program won a major award here Tuesday...

Recruit sets example for females at National Guard program

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

When Army Pfc. Kirsty Penn arrived at the National Guard GED Plus program, she was intent on doing her best but never thought she would set a benchmark for other females who would attend the program...

Jacoby: Guard most important partner to NORAD, NORTHCOM missions

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Teaming with the National Guard is at the core of his new duty position, said Army Gen. Charles Jacoby, Jr., said here last month...

National Guard, reserve members learn sling-loading operations together

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The breeze was gone and replaced by gusts of air as an Illinois Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter was lowered down from the sky...

Schwartz to Guard: Let's work together, achieve together

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Air Force will continue to depend heavily on the nation's reserve components, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, at the 133rd general conference of the National Guard Association of the United States here last month...

Maryland Guard tackles Lee storm floods

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Maryland National Guard has activated 25 soldiers to assist in the response to heavy flooding in parts of the state caused by Tropical Storm Lee's heavy rains, according to Guard officials...

Winnefeld: National Guard right for America

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

When he was commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, Navy Adm. James Winnefeld embraced the National Guard...

Guard aircraft join Texas, Northwest firefighting efforts

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Air National Guard C-130 Hercules equipped with U.S. Forest Service modular airborne firefighting systems have been tasked by U.S. Northern Command in support of the National Interagency Fire Center to supplement wildland firefighting efforts in Texas and in the Pacific Northwest...

In their own words: Guard members tell personal accounts of 9/11

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

As the 10-year anniversary of the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 approaches, those who were there – or who knew only someone that was directly affected – are once again telling their story, a story that can be tragic or heroic...

In their own words: Guard members tell personal accounts of 9/11

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Where were you that day? This question has become synonymous with the attacks of 9/11, and as the 10-year anniversary approaches, those who remember will reflect back upon that day, vividly remembering a day the world changed...

Odierno becomes Army Chief, Dempsey to serve as chairman of JCS

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Army transitioned to new leadership as it welcomed the 38th Army chief of staff during a change-of-responsibility ceremony held here Wednesday...

1,600 National Guard members continue Hurricane Irene recovery operations

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

More than 1,600 Guard members remained on duty today in six states affected by Hurricane Irene, the bulk of them in New York and here in Vermont...

Nevada National Guard members killed, injured in shooting

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Three Nevada National Guard members have died and two are currently injured as a result of a random shooting at a local eatery Sept. 5 in Carson City, Nev...

Texas National Guard fights wildfire from the skies, ground

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Texas National Guard has taken to the skies to assist in fighting the wildfires engulfing thousands of acres in southeastern Texas this week...

ARFORGEN's 'Reset, ready, go' gives predictability to Soldiers, families

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Until a decade ago, the Army National Guard was historically used as a strategic reserve, with most Soldiers reporting for duty one weekend each month and two weeks in the summer...

Virginia Guard Soldiers prepare for post-Irene duty in Vermont

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Virginia National Guard Soldiers completed administrative paperwork and conducted vehicle maintenance checks at Fort Pickett, Sept. 5, to prepare for duty in Vermont...

"I don't believe we could do it without you," Vermont official tells National Guard

Mon, 5 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard is essential to Vermont's recovery from Hurricane Irene, the director of the state's crippled road system said here Sunday...

After Hurricane Irene, National Guard pours resources into Vermont's recovery

Sat, 3 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Two things Hurricane Irene did not rob from Brian Halligan: His life – and Cappy, his golden retriever...

Department of Defense watchful as 9/11 anniversary approaches

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

Defense Department officials are "keenly aware" that terrorist attacks are possible as the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, a department spokesman told Pentagon reporters today...

Louisiana Guard members fight marsh fires from above

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

At the direction of the governor of Louisiana, the Louisiana National Guard continued assisting the city of New Orleans with aerial firefighting and saw a significant impact in the marshes of the Bayou Sauvage area, Aug. 31...

Managing stress: Arizona National Guard builds resiliency at all levels

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

The recent and alarming rate of suicides within the military is cause for concern at all levels of leadership, and the Arizona National Guard is taking steps to address this growing issue...

NY National Guard Soldiers help authorities rescue civilians in Irene's aftermath

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST

A pair of New York Army National Guard Soldiers worked with Greene County emergency personnel and New York State Police to help rescue almost two dozen civilians stranded by Hurricane Irene's raging and dangerous floodwaters here Aug. 29...

California Guard joins interagency effort targeting marijuana growers, environmental contaminants

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

As hikers, campers and nature enthusiasts enter the Golden State's forests, too few realize the dangers lurking deep within the canopy. The perils they face are not limited to terrain and wildlife; they now face a large number of criminal organizations growing marijuana in California's parks, reserves and public lands...

Connecticut Guard members rescue Irene-stranded residents

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Connecticut Guard members have rescued residents trapped by the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and helped clear debris, assess damage and support civil authorities responding to emergency calls...

California Guard members tackle Vibrant Response 12

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

If this was real, Cincinnati would be a wasteland. It would be incinerated by a greater act of terror than New York's World Trade Center attack on Sept. 11, 2001...

New York National Guard focus shifts after Hurricane Irene

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

As local governments across New York began assessing the impact of Hurricane Irene, the focus of effort for the New York Army and Air National Guard shifted from Long Island and New York City to the mountain towns in Greene and Schoharie Counties...

New capabilities enhance operations as 7,675 Guard members join team tackling Irene

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

With about 7,675 Citizen-Soldiers and –Airmen from 18 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico responding today, three capabilities enhanced the National Guard's contribution to the joint state and federal support of civil authorities tackling Hurricane Irene...

Hurricane Irene: As thousands deploy, National Guard supports joint team, civilian authorities

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

National Guard support to the joint response to Hurricane Irene was in full motion Saturday as thousands of Soldiers and Airmen rolled out in multiple states to support civilian authorities...

Irene: National Guard center coordinates joint support to civilian authorities

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

With Hurricane Irene making landfall, the National Guard has about 101,000 Guard members ready to respond; organizing that response is a three-pronged effort that takes communication and patience, the National Guard Bureau's current operations division chief said late Friday...

Illinois Guard members en route to New York ahead of Hurricane Irene

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

About 160 members of the Illinois Army National Guard will depart for New York to train for possible hurricane relief operations on the east coast...

Defense Department prepares in advance of Hurricane Irene

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Department of Defense announced on Friday that it is currently providing support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) efforts to prepare for Hurricane Irene's expected landfall on the U.S. mainland...

Virginia Guard members pre-positioned for hurricane

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Alaska Air National Guard is ramping up this afternoon to send crews and equipment to Charleston, W. Va., to provide search and rescue assets in response to Hurricane Irene...

Alaska Air National Guard to provide rescue support for Hurricane Irene

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Alaska Air National Guard is ramping up this afternoon to send crews and equipment to Charleston, W. Va., to provide search and rescue assets in response to Hurricane Irene...

Obama, Panetta urge caution, preparedness for coming storm

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Millions of people along the eastern seaboard should be preparing to face what may be a historic hurricane, President Barack Obama said today...

Guard member excels in decontamination field

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Indiana Army National Guard Spc. Michael Clayton, a chemical operations specialist with the 438th Chemical Company here, brings nearly 10 years of experience to an emergency response organization that trains to contend with nuclear, chemical or biological incidents...

North Carolina Guard 'packages' disaster response assets

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

With Hurricane Irene spinning her way towards the North Carolinian coast, the North Carolina National Guard put in to play an innovative response plan...

The National Guard responds to Hurricane Irene

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

As of 11:30 a.m. EST the governors of seven states had declared states of emergency, prompting National Guard adjutants general to upgrade Hurricane Condition levels and relocate assets in preparation for Hurricane Irene, Guard officials said today...

Thousands of National Guard members converging on Milwaukee

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

More than 3,000 Army and Air National Guard officers and enlisted members from across the United States began arriving here Thursday for the 133rd National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) General Conference and Exhibition, held at the Frontier Airlines Center and hosted by the Wisconsin National Guard...

DoD says 101,000 Guard members available as military bases prepare for Hurricane Irene

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Military bases along the eastern seaboard are securing for the Category 3 winds and rain of Hurricane Irene, and the Defense Department is working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of the U.S. government response, defense officials said today...

Puerto Rico Guard helps Vieques with Tropical Storm Irene aftermath

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Puerto Rico National Guard's Marine Transportation Unit on Wednesday was transporting heavy equipment for debris removal to the island municipality of Vieques to help with repairs after the damage from Sunday's Tropical Storm Irene...

Operation Lone Star brings free healthcare to valley

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Some describe it as a humanitarian mission, others call it a disaster response exercise; however, the reality is that Operation Lone Star is both...

National Guard contributes to joint terrorism response exercise

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

With less than a month until the opening of the 9/11 Memorial in New York, and the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pa., the Army unit responsible for responding to large-scale domestic terrorism and natural disasters is conducting exercises here involving 7,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and DOD civilians responding to a simulated 10-kiloton nuclear detonation in Cincinnati...

Virginia Guard prepares for possible Hurricane Irene recovery operations

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring up to 300 personnel on state active duty for possible severe weather recovery operations from Hurricane Irene and will begin staging Friday at readiness centers in Bowling Green, Emporia and Sandston in order to be ready to support potential response missions...

California Guard CERFP first to be transported by military air

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

When the National Guard moves a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and high-yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package of 200 people and 265 tons of equipment, it can be challenging. To beat that challenge, they went to the air...

Puerto Rico National Guard assists with hurricane cleanup

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

As of 10:00 a.m. EST, the Puerto Rico National Guard has about 800 Guard members performing cleanup operations in the wake of Hurricane Irene striking the island Aug. 21, Guard official said today...

National Guard ready for Hurricane Irene

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

National Guard adjutants general along the East and Gulf Coasts are currently awaiting the potential landfall of Hurricane Irene, but are prepared to act if called upon by their governors, Guard officials said today...

Alabama Guard members Participate in Vibrant Response 12.1 Exercise

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Alabama Army National Guard's 167th Theater Sustainment Command deployed about 60 soldiers here in support of Operation Vibrant Response 12.1., a national exercise designed to test the preparedness of various federal, state and local emergency responders...

Panetta: Any retirement changes won't affect serving military

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

In his clearest statement on the subject to date, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Monday that if the military retirement system changes, it will not affect serving servicemembers...

North Carolina Army Guard helicopter crew rescue teen after 50 foot fall

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Military units train to effectively execute missions in the future. For a North Carolina Army National Guard LUH-72 Lakota helicopter crew, they had the opportunity to both train and execute a real-world mission in the same day when they lifted a teenage boy to safety after he took an estimated 50-foot fall onto some trees below a ledge in a wooded area here Tuesday...

National Guard honors best of best

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard's 2011 outstanding Soldiers and Airmen of the year are continuing a 375 year tradition of guarding America, defending freedom and being the best our nation has, Command Chief Master Sgt. Denise Jelinski-Hall said here, Aug. 12...

Air National Guard band gains international fame while deployed

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

An element of the 571st Air Force Band, Missouri National Guard, is gaining world-wide fame after a video of one of their performances in Southwest Asia went viral...

Guard member acts heroically at Indiana State Fair tragedy

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

An Indiana Air National Guard member, and medic, was in a place to use his skills when the concert stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair here, Aug. 13, killing five and injuring about 40...

Army Guard warriors compete to be best of the best

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

In the early morning hours of Aug. 5, 14 Army National Guard Soldiers from ten states began the first full day of the 2011 Army National Guard's Best Warrior Competition at the Warrior Training Center, Fort Benning, Ga...

New York Air Guard Wing selected to conduct MQ-9 pilot training for Air Force

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Air Force officials approved the New York Air National Guard's 174th Fighter Wing as the location for the Air National Guard MQ-9 Reaper Formal Training Unit mission...

Flood response operations cease for North Dakota National Guard

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

In an unprecedented stint of support for a single-kind of natural disaster, the North Dakota National Guard ceased flood response operations Aug. 12, said North Dakota National Guard officials...

Maryland Air Guard embarks on new era

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Maryland Air National Guard's 175th Wing celebrated the arrival of its first C-27J Spartan Aug. 13, marking the beginning of their transformation from the C-130J Hercules, which it had been flying since 1999...

McKinley hails Tuskegee Airmen achievements in military diversity

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

During World War II a group of African-American service members paved the way for equality – overcoming not only their enemy abroad, but Americans who doubted them racially, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said here Aug. 5...

Guard members killed in Chinook crash identified by DOD

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Today Defense Department officials released the identities from the Aug. 6 CH-47 Chinook helicopter crash that killed 30 service members, including two National Guard members...

Therapy dogs lift spirits of returning Soldiers at Camp Atterbury

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Lugnut, a 3-year-old Golden Retriever and registered therapy dog, moved through several groups of Soldiers here – bringing smiles to their faces – as they waited to demobilize Aug. 4, after returning home from a 10-month deployment in Afghanistan...

Army Guard Sherpa useful tool in joint environment

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

In the skies over Someplace, U.S.A., members of the Navy elite jumped from a perfectly good C-23B Sherpa flown by members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, on July 28...

First Air Guard member graduates Army Sergeants Major Course

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Every day National Guard members throughout the world join forces with other services and nations, living up to their motto, "Always ready, always there."..

New York Guard maintains disaster preparedness during 'Rainbow Hurricane' exercise

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

New York National Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters left their armories from across the state to converge at on empty field Aug. 5 in an exercise meant to mimic the Guard's hurricane response efforts...

All Guard rifle team excels at Quantico

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

The All Guard service rifle team captured first place as the High National Guard or Reserve Team and second overall at the 50th annual Interservice Rifle Championship held here July 19 to 26...

GI Bill changes include actual cost for in-state tuition

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Department of Veterans Affairs is reaching out to inform veterans of recent changes made by Congress to the Post 9/11 GI Bill that take effect in 2011...

Army Guard to begin nine-month deployments in 2012

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Beginning Jan. 1, most soldiers, to include Army National Guard members, will deploy for nine months, giving them more time at home between deployments, Army officials announced Friday...

Louisiana Guard first to fly new helicopter in overseas mission

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Aviators from the Louisiana National Guard led the first overseas humanitarian training relief mission involving the Army's newly fielded UH-72A Lakota helicopters during Task Force Bon Voizen – New Horizons Haiti 2011 from April through June...

History, achievements of Tuskegee Airmen celebrated

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

"I have a dream," said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."..

Happy Birthday to the United States Coast Guard

Thu, 4 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Two hundred and twenty one years ago today, Congress created the U.S. Revenue-Marine to protect a vulnerable young nation's shores, on a date we now celebrate as the birthday of the United States Coast Guard...

Missouri Guard medics lend support to Disaster Recovery Jobs Program

Thu , 4 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Missouri National Guard medics have been assigned to the Disaster Recovery Jobs Program here to ensure the safety and well being of civilians, Soldiers and Airmen who have joined in the tornado recovery effort...

Oregon National Guard forward observers train with SEALs, Air Force

Thu , 4 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

A cavalry fire support team lands in a remote area on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and quickly moves for cover on a hill overlooking their target. Communication is set up swiftly to get the exact location of the team's objective. The crew finds the coordinates of the target and calls an A-10 Warthog fighter jet which eventually swoops in, precisely striking its mark...

42nd Infantry Division Band: Army's musical ambassadors in New York State

Thu , 4 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Sweat drips from the brow of New York Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Mark Kimes as he motions with his baton, directing the 42nd Infantry Division Band through a rendition of "Army Strong"...

McKinley: National Guard accessible, fiscally sound operational force

Mon , 1 Aug 2011 11:52:00 EST

Reserve Component senior leaders met on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to discuss maintaining the Reserves as an operational force and measures to keep it funded in such a capacity...

Florida Guard infantrymen go back to basics, earn coveted badge

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

For the first time in more than 20 years, the Florida National Guard conducted testing for the Expert Infantryman Badge, a coveted award and symbol of tradition for U.S. Soldiers who accept the difficult and sometimes thankless job of infantrymen...

Jacoby: Relationships drive NORTHCOM, NORAD missions

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

An active duty Army general has been nominated to lead Northern Command...

Active duty Army general nominated to lead Northern Command

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

An active duty Army general has been nominated to lead Northern Command...

Carpenter: Soldier-to-Soldier intervention key to stopping suicides

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Army National Guard members must intervene to ensure suicides continue to decline from last year's record numbers, the acting director said here Sunday...

Recruiting, retention remain strong

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

A bumper crop of new high school graduates who joined the military in June helped the Defense Department continue its strong recruiting and retention streak...

First Lady, Dr. Biden Join Forces with Guard, Reserve

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, took their Joining Forces campaign to New Hampshire on Sunday, telling National Guard and Reserve families to "keep doing what you're doing," while they work to support military families in the best ways possible...

Senator: National Guard Youth ChalleNGe effective program

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard's Youth ChalleNGe program is one of the most effective anti-high school drop out programs in the country, Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu said Monday at the 2011 National Guard Family Program National Volunteer Workshop here...

France bestows high honors on National Guard, active duty Green Berets

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

They are men used to seeing their deeds pass as unrecognized as their battlefield movements, but Monday five National Guard and one active duty Special Forces Soldier took the limelight here to receive a French award roughly equivalent to the Silver Star...

National Guard Family Programs workshop kicks off in Kentucky

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

More than 1,400 National Guard Family Programs volunteers converged here today to exchange ideas and share best practices as well as to provide training on current program policies and practices and new initiatives...

National Guard boosts Louisiana's emergency response capability

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Louisiana has a new National Guard resource for immediate emergency mass casualty response that will significantly increase disaster reaction for local, state and federal agencies...

Army Guard, Air Force families share top honors

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Families from the Army National Guard and the Air Force shared the honors on Thursday as the National Military Family Association's 2011 Family of the Year for their service to the nation and their communities...

New York Air Guard rescue teams look forward to future space missions

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Space Shuttle missions have ended, but the New York Air National Guard's contribution to outer-space exploration – like the challenge of exploration itself – continues...

National Guard remains vigilant in ongoing flood fight

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

As the heat continues to swelter in North Dakota, North Dakota National Guard troops continue in their steady vigilance to guard levees and man quick reaction forces in the event of an emergency...

Active Guard, Reserve program great opportunity for active-duty Soldiers

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Active Guard Reserve program allows Soldiers transitioning off active duty the opportunity to compete for AGR positions closer to home...

Texas National Guard engineers bridge the gap

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

With hurricane season upon us, the mission and critical skills recently obtained by Texas National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 551st Multi-Role Bridge Company, 386th Engineer Battalion, 176th Engineer Brigade has taken a much greater importance...

First assigned C-17 lands at New York Guard base

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

The first C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft assigned to the 105th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, landed at Stewart Air National Guard base Monday. The C-17 is one of eight the 105th Wing is scheduled to receive as the unit phases out its C-5A Galaxy aircraft...

Wisconsin National Guard plays vital role in international exercise

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen continue to support approximately 1,000 local, federal and military emergency responders from six states in the second week of the National Guard's largest annual training exercise...

Texas Guard member, former Iraqi army soldier helping to improve Iraq

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Decisions can be painful to make, and sometimes choices can alter the entire course of a person's life. For one 36th Infantry Division Soldier, the tormenting decisions he was forced to make would lead him to a life fraught with danger, isolation and a journey that he never expected...

Air Force releases updated dress and appearance instruction

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Air Force's instruction on dress and personal appearance recently received an appearance upgrade with the release of the updated instruction today...

DOD releases first strategy for operating in cyberspace

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Defense Department's first strategy for operating in cyberspace is a milestone in the fight to protect the nation from potentially devastating network attacks, Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn said Thursday...

Air Guard member named one of Air Force's top 12

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Air Force officials announced the service's top enlisted members Wednesday, naming Pennsylvania Air National Guard Staff Sgt. John Norris as one the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011...

A Soldiers' poet: Texas Guard member evokes emotions through poetry

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

A warrior is defined as a person who shows great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness...

White House launches SAVE award competition

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

When the space shuttle Atlantis thundered into the Florida sky on its final voyage last week, a generation of Americans watched as their epitome of the space program came to an end...

Florida Guard members reflect on 30 years of space shuttle program

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

When the space shuttle Atlantis thundered into the Florida sky on its final voyage last week, a generation of Americans watched as their epitome of the space program came to an end...

W. Virginia Guard, active Army work together for equipment reset

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Army's Project Manager Warfighter Information Network-Tactical teamed up with the National Guard and the state of Maine to upgrade key communications equipment, a mutually beneficial partnership highlighting the efficiency of a united force..

Army Guard helicopter crash kills crew

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

At about 5:30 p.m. EST on Saturday a Tennessee Army National Guard OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter with two pilots on board crashed in northern Tennessee. Both pilots were killed...

New York Air Guard supports NASA's final shuttle mission

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

New York Air National Guard members, working with the Eastern Air Defense Sector, supported the launch of NASA's final space shuttle mission June 8...

Air Guard emphasizes motorcycle safety

Fri, 8 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

The summer began early this year for many after what seemed higher-than-normal temperatures early on, but the season officially began June 21, thus beginning the summer safety programs of the Air National Guard...

Alaska Air Guard PJs assist wounded warriors up Denali

Fri, 8 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Alaska Air National Guard pararescuemen aren't just helping wounded veterans down Mount McKinley. This year, they're helping them up, as part of a three-week, rehabilitation-oriented expedition that started June 24...

SECDEF "wanted to stress his appreciation" in call to Guard member

Thu, 7 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Army Staff Sgt. Kelly Ann Pels of the Ohio National Guard had an unforgettable Independence Day: Not only was she here supporting Operation New Dawn – she also got a personal phone call from Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta...

New Mexico Guard secures Los Alamos during wildfire

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

The New Mexico National Guard was activated June 26 by Gov. Susana Martinez to assist local law enforcement agencies within Los Alamos due to the Las Conchas fire...

National Guard is piece of Arctic puzzle

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard, working through the Defense Department with multinational forces, is promoting a balanced approach to improve human and environmental security in the Arctic region, Pentagon officials said in a May report to Congress here...

Florida Guard member to represent USA at World Military Games

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

A Florida Guard member is tightening his black belt and perfecting his judo throws as he prepares to represent the U.S. Armed Forces Judo Team at the World Military Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, scheduled to take place July 12 to 25...

Former Burmese refugee now National Guard Soldier

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Each evening, Army Pvt. Saw Blut, a member of the Michigan National Guard, reads his Bible and prays, thanking his God for life and freedom and asking for a chance to help others...

National Guard lends a hand in Haiti

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Since U.S. Task Force Bon Voizen launched its humanitarian relief exercise in Haiti at the end of April, task force personnel under the command of the Louisiana National Guard have treated more than 800 dental patients and nearly 23,000 medical patients...

Colorado Army National Guard discovers, recovers missing hikers

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

A Colorado Army National Guard helicopter aircrew found two bodies on Missouri Mountain, Colo., at approximately 9:30 a.m. Saturday while assisting the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office search for a missing father and daughter...

Deployed Guard member among Panetta's Fourth of July calls

Tue, 5 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Kelly Ann Pels, deployed in Iraq, got an encouraging phone call on Independence Day – from the secretary of defense...

First Lady salutes Vermont Guard members, Reservists, families

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

National Guard and Reserve members and their families deserve the thanks and support of a grateful nation, first lady Michelle Obama said in Vermont on Thursday...

Victim-Soldiers put lives on hold to help others

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

The men and women of the National Guard are unique: Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen ready at a moment's notice to jump into a domestic emergency and help neighbors...

Holiday message from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

This Independence Day we celebrate our Nation's 235th birthday. As we enjoy all the traditions and pleasures this singularly American holiday has to offer, I also ask that we take a moment to remember those who have done so much to secure and safeguard our independence throughout our history...

Message to the Department of Defense from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 11:52:00 EST

Ohio National Guard members of the Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade will be working on a unique mission in the form of the ongoing air defense of the National Capital Region, Ohio Guard officials said last month...

Guarding the D.C. skies: Ohio Guard prepares for second National Capital Region tour

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Wisconsin Guard Soldiers have blast shooting cannons after six-year hiatus

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

The thunderous blast of a 105-mm light towed howitzer cannon and the smell of its smoke soon met with shouts and cheers from Soldiers in the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery Regiment here June 18...

Nebraska Guard Soldiers apply military experience to flood response

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

With a fondness for physical activity and the outdoors, Army Sgt. Matthew Hagen, a carpentry and masonry specialist with the Nebraska Army National Guard's 195th Special Operations Forward Support Company, never envisioned himself working in an office...

Army Guard members act quickly, save elementary school from flood

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

When Army Capt. Gary Ripplinger and his Soldiers received the call to save a local elementary school, they sprang into action and were on the scene and placing sandbags within 45 minutes...

Recovery: Minot citizens, Guard members change gears as water recedes

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Recovery has begun here, North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple said Tuesday...

Photo essay: Guard members participate in a weapons-loader competition

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Members of the New Jersey Air National Guard participate in a load-crew competition here June 12...

Finding a safe place: Soldier volunteers to help victims of sexual assault

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

"We were anxious to find justice, but in our ambition, we failed to see the signs of the victim who was mentally deteriorating and we did not notice," said Army Maj. Paula Rodriguez, retelling the story of a female Soldier who became a victim of sexual assault her first day stationed in Germany...

Florida National Guard producing alternative fuels at Camp Blanding

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

In an effort to reduce waste and meet recycling goals, the Florida National Guard is producing biodiesel from used vegetable oil to fuel state maintenance vehicles at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center...

First Moroccan F-16 pilots to complete training with Arizona Air Guard

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Next Month, the Kingdom of Morocco, a strategic partner for U.S. forces in North Africa, will become the 25th country to own and operate F-16 Fighting Falcons. The pilots tapped to fly them are scheduled to finish training here in time to bring them home, July 30...

National Guard works to make water safe for North Dakota hospital

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Water is often called a precious resource, and when floodwaters back up city water and sanitation systems and make the water unsafe to drink, residents can learn just how precious a resource it is...

20 years later: Former Gulf War POW, current Ohio Air National Guard member remembers captivity

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Air Force colonel in the olive drab flight suit picks up a remote control lying on his desk, aims it at the television mounted to his office wall and pushes play...

Obama announces troop reductions, way forward in Afghanistan

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Thanks to the tremendous progress U.S., coalition and Afghan troops have made, the United States will draw down the number of troops in Afghanistan by 10,000 this year and 33,000 by the end of summer 2012, President Barack Obama said here Wednesday...

Guard helps thousands flee floods

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

As of 9:30 a.m. EST today the city of Minot, N.D. has evacuated about 12,000 residents in response to the Souris River overtopping several levees in and around the Minot area, Guard officials said...

Minot residents ordered to evacuate by 7 p.m. EST

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

As of 4:30 p.m. EST civilian law enforcement officials in Minot, N.D. have ordered the emergency evacuation of 11,000 residents, due to the number of levees expected to be overtopped by the Souris River, Guard officials said today...

British soldier works with South Dakota Guard unit during flood operations

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

With the help of a foreign exchange program, the South Dakota National Guard received assistance from British troops during the Missouri River flooding operations taking place in southeastern South Dakota...

Senate confirms Panetta as defense secretary

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

The U.S. Senate voted unanimously Tuesday to confirm Leon E. Panetta as the next Secretary of Defense...

Air Guard, active duty Airmen conduct precision rescue jumpmaster training

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Precision jumpmasters are prepared to quickly respond and treat a casualty in any situation and make the difference between life and death...

Army National Guard promotes resilience training

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Army National Guard's Resilience and Risk Reduction team conducted a Resilience Trainer Assistant course – the ARNG's largest resilience training event to date – as part of the National Guard Bureau's Annual Health Promotion and Prevention Training Workshop here April 25 to 29...

Father and son fly high with Illinois Army National Guard

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Illinois Army National Guard Capt. Peter Kephart of Plainfield is a fourth generation military aviator. His father retired from the Army in 1998 as a chief warrant officer (4)...

Guard participates in project to advance coalition information sharing

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

A sweeping demonstration project at six U.S. and two overseas sites is expected to pay off in advancing technologies to improve information sharing among U.S. and coalition partners in Afghanistan and in future missions...

New York Army National Guard aviators retrieve boat from brink of Niagara Falls

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. James Lentz planned to spend Father's Day morning, June 19, sleeping in before spending the day with his wife JoAnne and four young kids...

National Guard ever present for Midwest flood relief

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

About 2,300 National Guard members from nine states are continuing operations in support of the 2011 Midwest floods, which have ravaged thousands of acres and potentially caused billions of dollars in damage, National Guard officials said today...

Statue honors women vets, National Guard's Maj. Tammy Duckworth

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution unveiled a statue June 18 honoring female veterans here...

New York Army National Guard's last Vietnam War pilot takes final flight

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

The New York Army National Guard's last Vietnam War pilot took his final light Tuesday...

Army celebrates 236th birthday

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Innovation, dynamism and flexibility must remain the hallmarks of the U.S. Army, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today...

Florida Guard member becomes Army's first female Avenger Master Gunner

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

When Army Staff Sgt. Jessica Ray came into the Florida National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery, she followed closely behind the first females to come into the 14S, or Avenger crewmember, Military Occupational Specialty...

ACU changes: Velcro optional, patrol cap default headgear

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

The voice of the Soldier has been heard: the Army announced the patrol cap will replace the black wool beret as the default headgear for the Army combat uniform...

Hurricane season: National Guard always ready, always there

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Within a week of the first official day of hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory for its first tropical storm in the Eastern Pacific region, 345 miles south of Acapulco, Mexico...

SPECIAL: Missouri National Guard assists tornado-devastated Joplin

Thu, 9 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

As night fell upon the tornado devastated areas of Joplin, Soldiers of the 1139th Military Police Battalion¸ Missouri National Guard take to the roads to aid law enforcement officers with traffic control and security...

Panetta vows to put national security, troops first

Thu, 9 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

TLeon E. Panetta told the Senate Armed Services Committee today that if he's confirmed as the next defense secretary, his first and foremost mission will be to protect the United States and ensure it has the "best-trained, the best-equipped and the strongest military in the world" to provide that defense...

Minor injuries to pilot from Tuesday's F-16 accident

Wed, 8 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

The pilot of a single-seat F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard was evaluated and released with minor injuries after safely ejecting from his aircraft Tuesday...

Joint Chiefs nominee shares vision with Guard senior leaders

Wed, 8 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

If the National Guard is to remain a fully operational force they must continue to develop programs within the joint structure, the 37th chief of staff of the Army said here Tuesday....

SPECIAL: 18,479 workdays and counting in extended North Dakota flood fight

Wed, 8 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

From May 24 to June 7, North Dakota National Guard members had contributed 18,479 workdays fighting the 2011 floods...

End of en era: Lesher one of last Vietnam vets serving on Guard active-duty

Wed, 8 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

As one of the last remaining active-duty Guard members with service experience in Vietnam, Army Master Sgt. Leland Lesher said the most rewarding thing about his career is the view from the top while at the Army Guard headquarters...

Arizona Guard fights massive wildfire

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Arizona National Guard has been supporting fire crews at the Wallow Fire with three 2500 gallon fuel tankers and their associated crews since Monday...

Air National Guard pilot safe following aircraft accident

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

A pilot from the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard is safe after ejecting from an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet over Adams County at approximately 1:20 p.m. today during a routine training flight...

SPECIAL: South Dakota National Guard fights floods

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

About 1,300 Soldiers and Airmen from the South Dakota National Guard are performing various flood support duties throughout the state...

Female combat troops to link Afghan women, New York Guard's 27th Brigade

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

In what will be a first for the National Guard, a group of female National Guard Soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan attached to combat units as cultural mediators...

Gates says Guard, Reserve roles need examining

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Defense Department is taking a look at the roles of the National Guard and Reserve components, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here Monday...

Officials suggest new role for operational Guard, Reserve

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Capabilities gained from a decade of combat have transformed military Reserve components into a full-spectrum operational force that should be integrated into the active fighting force, a defense official said Friday...

National Guard fights floods in multiple states

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Guard members are performing domestic operations for flood relief support in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Vermont and Wyoming...

National Guard's tornado, flood response jumps to 5,000 over past week

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

In the aftermath of severe storms that have brought devastating tornadoes to areas of Missouri and Massachusetts and major flooding across the Midwest and other parts of the U.S., the number of Citizen-Soldiers who are answering the call for help has risen to about 5,000...

Returning Guard members face challenging labor market, general tells Congress

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

Alongside representatives from several National Veteran and Workforce Associations, Army Maj. Gen. James Tyre, the Florida National Guard's assistant adjutant general (Army), testified Wednesday before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs about the urgency of putting America's Veterans back to work...

Retiring N.D. Vietnam veteran among last in Air Force

Thu, 2 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

When a North Dakota Air National Guardsman retires this weekend, it will end an era in the Air Force...

Massachusetts Guard continues tornado relief

Thu, 2 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Massachusetts Army and Air National Guard has been activated since Wednesday, providing relief to areas affected by the tornado that left more than 30 miles of western Massachusetts in ruin, leaving four dead, displacing many families and destroying multiple homes...

By the numbers: 4,300 Guard members responding to U.S. floods

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

The number of National Guard members responding to severe spring flooding rose to about 4,300 over the weekend as parts of the Missouri River began to swell in states such as Nebraska and North and South Dakota...

Illinois National Guard members still fight their own battles after war

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST

For most of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the battle ended a year and a half ago when they returned home from Afghanistan in the fall of 2009. For some, the battle is still going today...

In the aftermath: National Guard a beacon of hope in Joplin

Tue, 31 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon announced today that the federal government will pay for 90 percent of the cost of expedited debris removal in parts of the Joplin area that received catastrophic or extensive damage from the devastating tornado that hit on May 22...

President taps Dempsey, Winnefeld as chairman, vice chairman

Tue, 31 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

President Barack Obama announced his choices as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a Rose Garden ceremony on Memorial Day...

President Obama meets with Illinois Guard SPP troops

Tue, 31 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

President Barack Obama and twelve Illinois National Guard Soldiers laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier here Friday...

Memorial Day

Fri, 27 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Monday is Memorial Day, commemorating the men and women who have died in military service to the United States. Here are messages from the secretary of defense, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Air Force leaders – and other stories, including a first-person account of a recent encounter at Ramstein Air Force Base that sheds light on the day's real meaning...

Wicked weather: The National Guard responds

Fri, 27 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

More than 3,400 men and women of the National Guard are on the ground in seven states helping communities damaged by deadly tornadoes and floods, Army Maj. Gen. David L. Harris said Thursday...

North Dakota National Guard responds in force to combat rising waters

Fri, 27 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Nearly 250 North Dakota Guard members reported for duty here Wednesday to respond to flood emergencies generated by the high water levels on the Missouri River...

D.C. Air Guard refueling trucks provide "Green Gas" to Thunderbirds

Thu, 26 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Refueling trucks from the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, provided an alternative, eco-friendly jet fuel to the Air Force Thunderbirds during the aerial team's recent appearance here in the annual air show...

Air Guard Executive Safety Summit focuses on core values

Thu, 26 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Safety is critical to the Air National Guard, the director said here earlier this month...

Air Guard critical care transport mission brings father, son together

Tue, 24 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

For military service members, long duty days and being far away from home can be tough. A chance to speak with or see a loved one can often offer a relief from the stresses of deployment. Ask almost any Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine deployed overseas and they will tell you that family and friends are always on their mind...

Missouri Guard activates after weekend storms; several states see damage

Mon, 23 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

About 140 Missouri National Guard troops are working under the orders of Gov. Jay Nixon to assist local authorities after a tornado ripped through the city of Joplin, Mo., on Sunday...

National Guard completes largest-ever exercise

Mon, 23 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

About 40,000 National Guard members working with active duty service members and federal and state emergency personnel completed National Level Exercise 11 on Friday, signaling the successful execution of the largest interagency exercise ever, Guard officials said...

Dr. Biden: Nation appreciates Guard members' courage, strength

Mon, 23 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Dr. Jill Biden visited with Delaware National Guard Soldiers who are about to deploy to Afghanistan here Saturday...

Flying with an Air Guard master

Fri, 20 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Growing up, I dreamed at air shows about what it must feel like to be a master pilot, performing the impossible; Thursday, I experienced it firsthand...

Indiana Guard task force unites first-response capabilities

Thu, 19 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

A new Indiana National Guard emergency response task force combining areas of expertise from units across the state, including Army and Air Guard service members trained on new equipment and with new tactics here...

National Guard supports final Endeavour flight

Thu, 19 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Air National Guard members from Illinois, New York and Virginia were on hand for the final launch of NASA's space shuttle Endeavour here May 16, to provide front-line medical and emergency rescue support in the event of an incident, said Air Force Col. Joe Maslar...

Adjutant General: 'Always Ready, Always There' doesn't just happen

Wed, 18 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

This week the Wisconsin National Guard and dozens of other federal, state, local and volunteer agencies are taking part in a major exercise on disaster response in various communities across the state...

Guardsmen in Louisiana continue battle along state's waterways

Wed, 18 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Louisiana National Guard is out in force to assist in building levees, providing security and searching for "sand boils" that threaten levee integrity, as flooding along the state's waterways threaten property and lives there...

National Level Exercise showcases Guard's interagency operability

Tue, 17 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

As of noon EST, about 9,000 National Guard members were activated in support of National Level Exercise 11, the National Guard Bureau's director of domestic operations and force development said here today...

Guard, federal agencies kick off nation's largest interagency training exercise

Mon, 16 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard, in cooperation with several federal agencies, including U.S. Northern Command, kicked off exercise ARDENT SENTRY 2011 today as part of the National Level Exercise 2011...

Guard's new Lakota helicopter welcomed at Crazy Horse

Mon, 16 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers of the South Dakota Army National Guard as well as members of the Lakota Nation gathered to welcome one of their very own...

NATO Secretary General visits, praises Georgia National Guard

Mon, 16 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Georgia National Guard played host to NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who took time to honor Georgia Army and Air Guard members for their service with NATO forces in the Global War on Terror, as well as for their work with the nation of Georgia since 1995 through the State Partnership Program, May 9...

Louisiana Guard members build flood protection, provide security

Mon, 16 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Louisiana National Guard members continued to assist state and parish officials by building levees and providing traffic security as the Morganza Spillway was opened to relieve pressure from the swollen Mississippi River in southeast Louisiana, May 14...

National Guard cost-effective solution in fiscally constrained times

Fri, 13 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

As part of the Total Force, the National Guard has successfully transformed into an operational force – a transformation impossible without the investments made in the Guard and Reserve, the top National Guard leader said here today...

Alaska Guard wraps up free medical clinic in rural Alabama

Wed, 11 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Seventy service members – including 35 members of the Alaska Air National Guard – who deployed to this tiny, rural town to host a free medical clinic wrapped up their mission Tuesday and began preparing to head home...

Louisiana Guard rushes to protect city from flood waters

Wed, 11 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard's 769th Engineer Battalion are constructing sand-filled basket barriers in Morgan City as a precautionary measure against the rising Mississippi River...

First-time marathoners take top Guard honors

Tue, 10 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

According to the saying, the third time is a charm. For two National Guard runners the first time turned out to be their charm...

First Lady invites Guard, Reserve kids to fitness event

Tue, 10 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Alongside about 80 children of National Guard members and Reservists, First Lady Michelle Obama showed off her dance moves and football-handling prowess Monday during a "Let's Move" fitness and nutrition event for military families on the White House's South Lawn...

National Guard aviators train with Dutch infantry

Tue, 10 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

When a brigade of Dutch air assault soldiers needed help getting off the ground during training here, a North Carolina Army National Guard aviation company was happy to swoop in and assist...

Joint exercise enhances capabilities, partnerships

Tue, 10 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Airmen and Democratic Republic of the Congo service members finished a joint medical exercise here May 5...

Alabama Guard continues state's largest-ever domestic response

Tue, 10 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Nearly two weeks after tornadoes that devastated much of the state April 27, the Alabama National Guard remains engaged in responding to the disaster...

Aftermath: Alabama Guard still heavily engaged in tornado response

Fri, 6 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

One week after the April 27 tornadoes that ripped across much of the central and northern parts of Alabama, the National Guard is still heavily engaged in assisting the residents of the affected areas with more than 2,700 Soldiers and Airmen called to duty...

Aeromedical evacuation saves lives in Afghanistan

Fri, 6 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

An aeromedical evacuation capacity unrivaled anywhere in the world is saving the lives of wounded warriors in Afghanistan, said the officer here who oversees the effort at the combat theater's busiest aeromedical evacuation point...

Marine helicopter pilots train at Nevada National Guard base

Thu, 5 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

In pursuit of sand and desert terrain, two CH-53E Super Stallions carrying the first batch of Marines from the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 landed at the Nevada Army National Guard base here May 3...

Guard, active Soldiers help boy get wish and become honorary Soldier

Thu, 5 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard worked with the 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment, from Fort Sill, Okla., to make the wishes come true for a little boy in Wyoming April 28...

Dale Jr. optimistic going into weekend, rest of season as he represents National Guard

Wed, 4 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

In the words of NASCAR racing great Darrell Waltrip, Boogity, boogity, boogity…let's go racing boys!...

Missouri National Guard Citizen-Soldiers rescue woman in dramatic flood video

Wed, 4 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Two Missouri National Guard Citizen-Soldiers earned the title Citizen-Heroes after being caught on videotape while completing a daring rescue of a 93-year-old woman on the swollen Black River Tuesday...

Alaska Guard unit plays major role in rescue of 'fallen angel'

Wed, 4 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Airmen from Bagram Airfield's 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron performed a daring mountainside rescue here, April 23, after an Army helicopter crashed in a hostile Afghan valley...

Air Guard Critical-Care Air Transport Team brings wounded closer to home

Wed, 4 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Minutes after takeoff here, Air Force Col. (Dr.) Charles Chappuis jumped to his feet aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to check on Spc. Adam Castagna, one of three critical patients under his care being transported to the United States for advanced medical care...

Arkansas Guard rescues boy scouts stranded by flood waters

Wed, 4 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Arkansas Army National Guard deployed a UH-72a Lakota light utility helicopter just after midnight, May 2, in an effort to assist in the search and rescue of six Boy Scouts and two adults stranded in the vicinity of Albert Pike as a result of recent flooding in the area...

Guard operates in several states as relief efforts continue

Wed, 4 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

Several states along the Mississippi River and in the South continued relief and recovery efforts over the weekend after storms ripped across the U.S. over the last two weeks, leaving major flooding and damage behind...

U.S. service members, FARDC make final push to exercise finale

Tue, 3 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

After a week of classroom training, members of the Democratic Republic of the Congo armed forces (FARDC) quick response force (UMIR) and U.S. service members participating in MEDLITE 11 began training on a Georgia Air National Guard C-130 Hercules here, May 2...

'Business as usual' not so usual for Missouri National Guard

Mon, 2 May 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Missouri National Guard task force played a role in rescuing 64 cattle and three horses surrounded by flood waters near Charleston, Mo. earlier this week after a Civil Air Patrol aircraft flying surveillance missions in support of flood relief efforts spotted them, said Capt. Dan Schepers, a joint collection manager for the Missouri Air National Guard...

ROUND-UP: Significant week in Defense Department news

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Agriculture involves trial-and-error that later blossoms, as does building relationships; a Texas National Guard Agribusiness Development Team learned much about both in Afghanistan – and today they demonstrated both skills at the National Arboretum...

Texas Guard's Afghan ties growing roots

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

UPDATE: About 3,000 Guard members respond to domestic weather-related disasters

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

About 3,000 National Guard members were responding to weather-related domestic disasters in 11 states on Friday, the majority in tornado-ravaged Alabama, while hundreds still tackled rising waters in North Dakota, epicenter of flooding challenging seven states...

Congolese teach service members tropical disease prevention

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

For a change of pace at the MEDLITE 11 medical exercise training, members of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's military medical group took the podium Thursday and trained U.S. service members about the dangers of tropical diseases at the auditorium of the Centre Superior Militaire Academy here...

Tornado damage to Lambert Air National Guard base tops $10 million

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Good Friday tornado that cut a 22-mile swath of destruction across the St. Louis area caused more than $10 million in damage to the Missouri Air National Guard base at Lambert Airport, according to preliminary damage assessments...

New York National Guard to host US/Canada senior military leader conference

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

General officers from the military forces of Canada and the United States will meet here April 29-30 to improve interoperability and joint training opportunities between the two countries...

Department of Defense Issues Purple Heart Standards for Brain Injury

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

U.S. service members have long been eligible to receive the Purple Heart Medal for the signature wounds of the current wars--mild traumatic brain injuries and concussions--but now there is more clarity on how medical criteria for the award are applied, Defense Department officials said yesterday...

While Guard aircraft relocate, MAFFS maintain firefighting capabilities

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Two Modular Airborne Firefighting System C-130 Hercules aircraft from Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., deployed to Texas Tuesday to provide additional aerial support to contain wildland fires that have plagued Texas for several weeks...

Exchanging aeromedical evacuation training across the continents

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

With outside temperatures reaching above 95 degrees and temperatures inside the classroom feeling much warmer than that, the Total Force instructors of the Air Force active duty, National Guard and Reserve have started their course instruction portion of MEDLITE 11 to the more than 70 Congolese military personnel at the Centre Superior Militaire Academy here...

MEDLITE 11 benefits from the unique experiences of National Guard members

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard is bringing a critical depth of experience and demonstrating its ability to be a seamless player as part of Total Force during the MEDLITE 11 exercise here, the director of operations for MEDLITE 11 said Tuesday...

Iraq Withdrawal Agreement Still Stands, Mullen Says

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

All American troops will be out of Iraq at the end of the year in accordance with the security agreement signed in 2008, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here April 22...

West Virginia Army Guard wins national competition

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

West Virginia's Army National Guard was recently selected as the best in the nation during the 2010 Army Chief of Staff Communities of Excellence competition ceremonies April 18 in San Antonio, Texas...

Air Guard senior enlisted leader: Are you telling your story?

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Air National Guard's highest ranking enlisted leader emphasized the contributions of National Guard Airmen in shaping the foundation of the United States during a visit to the District of Columbia Air National Guard here, April 17...

National Guard responds to multiple domestic disasters

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Heavy rains and flooding here prompted Gov. Jay Nixon to activate the Missouri National Guard...

Ohio National Guard unit prepares for largest overseas deployment since World War II

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Heavy rains and flooding here prompted Gov. Jay Nixon to activate the Missouri National Guard...

Gov. Nixon activates Missouri National Guard to help with flood response, threats to levees

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Heavy rains and flooding here prompted Gov. Jay Nixon to activate the Missouri National Guard...

National Guard celebrates Earth Day every day

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard has a twofold mission: to serve the United States at home and overseas and, for Guard members, taking care of their communities is part of that local mission...

National Guard celebrates Earth Day today, every day

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard has a twofold mission: to serve the United States at home and overseas and, for Guard members, taking care of their communities is part of that local mission...

MAFFS plays key role in National Guard response to Texas wildfires

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

National Guard members from four states are continuing efforts to thwart the Texas wildfires that have scorched 1.6 million acres of land and destroyed 244 homes, Guard officials said here...

C-130s drop retardant over Texas wildfires

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

As the nation's second most populous state and second largest in square miles, Texas continues to battle wildfires in all its 254 counties, many of the fires considered major...

UPDATE: National Guard responds to Texas wildfires

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

National Guard members from four states are continuing efforts to thwart Texas wildfires that have scorched 1.6 million acres and destroyed 244 homes, Guard officials said here today...

Prisoner of War Medal presented to family of Kentucky Air Guard pilot

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The family of a late Kentucky Air National Guard pilot was presented with his Prisoner of War Medal in a ceremony here April 16...

National Guard Soldiers, Ugandans participate in Atlas Drop 11

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Utah National Guard's 197th Special Troops Company along with Army parachute riggers are currently in Soroti, Uganda, training with Soldiers from the Ugandan People's Defense Forces in support of ATLAS DROP 11...

Missouri Air Guard members showcase training mission for Reserve director

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Air Force Reserve Command's top leader visited Airmen at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, here April 18 to gain a better understanding of an important Air Force training mission...

North Dakota Guard continues flood fight

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The number of closed roads and detours weaving throughout towns surrounded by floodwater poses navigational challenges for North Dakota Guard members conducting various operations throughout the flooded areas this month...

National Guard responds to Texas wildfires

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Four National Guard states are today supporting civil authorities battling more than 30 wildfires threatening lives and property in Texas...

Guard members train to win at All Army Championships

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

A Soldier who was a member of Task Force Ranger in Somalia in 1993 made famous in the movie Black Hawk Down, whose combat patch is a Combat Infantrymans Badge (second award) and who is a graduate of the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape school, said it best during the 2011 All Army Small Arms Championship awards ceremony March 27 here...

Defense Department launches sexual assault helpline

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Department of Defense today launched its newest initiative to support victims of sexual assault...

SMA visits Guard Soldiers at BCTC-Leavenworth

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The newly-appointed 14th Sergeant Major of the Army, Raymond F. Chandler III, visited here Thursday to meet with Army National Guard Soldiers...

Guard's Quick Response Force protects veteran's home from river

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

A National Guard quick response force team responded here this afternoon to protect a home from rising water of the nearby Sheyenne River...

First Lady, Dr. Biden urge military family support

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Joined by a few famous friends, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, stopped by a packed auditorium here Thursday to thank local troops and their families for their service and to encourage community members to join forces in support of military families...

National Guard biathletes on target with Wounded Warriors assist

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Skiing in gale force winds at an elevation of 9,000 feet, 15 National Guard biathletes displayed their mettle during the 4th annual Mammoth (Calif.) Winter Biathlon at the Tamarack Cross Country Center here March 26 to 27...

Guard's Quick Reaction Force holds back Maple River's move toward farm

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

When the Bartholomay family left for work and school Tuesday, their rural Enderlin home was fine and County Road 7 was passable. By the time Sandy received a call just a few hours later, the situation was quickly deteriorating...

White House urges Americans to support military families

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, launched a national initiative Tuesday that calls on all sectors of society to join forces to support and honor service members and their families...

Mississippi National Guard Airmen gain new mission with AFNORTH

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Mississippi Air National Guard activated the 286th Air Operations Group of the 186th Air Refueling Wing to support the homeland defense and domestic disaster-response missions of the Continental US NORAD Region and 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) here April 8...

Army National Guard leaders visit Soldiers in Iraq

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Army Maj. Gen. Raymond Carpenter, acting director, Army National Guard, and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Burch, command sergeant major, Army National Guard, visited here to check up on National Guard Soldiers and to listen to their comments and concerns...

North Dakota Guard state partner visits during flood

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates wanted an Army chief of staff willing to challenge the status quo, and he believes he has one in Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey...

Dempsey lays out themes for tenure as Army chief

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates wanted an Army chief of staff willing to challenge the status quo, and he believes he has one in Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey...

Combined efforts evacuate World War II veteran from flooded home

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

In a vivid demonstration of how agencies work together to help others during a flood, a handful of county, state and federal assets combined forces Saturday to evacuate a World War II veteran from his rural home between Argusville and Harwood, N.D...

North Dakota Guard steps up technology in 2011 flood fight

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Upon stepping into the North Dakota National Guard's Joint Task Force-East, the headquarters for flood operations across eastern North Dakota, a visitor sees a wall of screens filled with every key piece of information leaders need to make timely and sound decisions regarding troop response...

Saving the farm: Guard QRF averts repeat flood disaster

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Lindsey Larsen saw her parent's farmstead lost to flood waters in 1997. She saw it threatened again back-to-back in the springs of 2009 and 2010...

More than 60 years of Florida Air Guard history finds home

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

When future generations of Airmen look back at the history of the Florida Air National Guard, they will definitely know the name "Kozdras"...

Guard members to receive full mid-month pay on April 15

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

All service members will receive their full mid-month pay they have earned in their April 15 paychecks, Pentagon officials said today...

Deal Averts Shutdown, Normal Government Operations to Continue

Sat, 9 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Government agencies are continuing normal operations after the administration, the Senate and the House of Representatives agreed to a fiscal 2011 budget...

DFAS releases pay information for National Guard members during shutdown

Fri, 8 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service has released guidance and answers to some frequently asked questions for National Guard members in the event the Continuing Resolution Authority expires at tonight at midnight E.S.T. and the federal government is shutdown...

D.C., Florida Guard members unfurl super-flag on opening day

Fri, 8 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

About 150 Soldiers and Airmen from the District of Columbia and Florida National Guards teamed together to unfurl a 100-foot-by-300-foot American super flag on opening day of the Washington Nationals 2011 baseball season March 31, here...

Deputy Defense Secretary releases shutdown guidance

Fri, 8 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 101st Signal Battalion are now ready to provide Army leaders with the latest in high-tech communications technology...

New York National Guard prepares for Afghanistan deployment with state-of-the-art communication equipment

Thu, 7 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 101st Signal Battalion are now ready to provide Army leaders with the latest in high-tech communications technology...

National Guard Soldiers not just "brothers" during Civil War

Thu, 7 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The first shots of the Civil War were fired 150 years ago on April 12, 1861. While the Civil War may bring thoughts of brothers-in-arms fighting side by side, it is now thought that many of those "brothers" may have actually been sisters...

Guard leaders to House Subcommittee: National Guard should remain Operational Reserve

Thu, 7 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

As part of the Total Force, the National Guard has successfully transformed to an operational Reserve and must not be put back on the shelf as a strategic Reserve, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said last week...

National Guard news has an app for that

Wed, 6 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard Bureau has unveiled a new application which enables iPhone and iPad users to stay in touch with National Guard news anytime via their mobile devices...

North Dakota Guard members begin flood duty

Wed, 6 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

North Dakota National Guard members began 2011 flood duty here, April 5 as they operated six traffic control points and one resource control point in the southern part of the city...

New York Army Guard members learn survival skills from Canadian Army

Tue, 5 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Hundreds of miles from civilization, New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Wiwczar stood on a frozen lake gazing at the hole cut into the two-foot thick ice...

West Virginia Air Guard members establish customs program

Tue, 5 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Eighteen Airmen with the West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing are now certified Military Customs Inspectors...

Army unveils new, mobile marksmanship simulator

Tue, 5 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

After successful initial fielding of the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000, a mobile "proof-of-principle" effort, specifically designed for the Army National Guard, Reserve and Reserve Officers Training Corps, is being unveiled for real world battle simulation...

Some servicemembers qualify for extended tax filing deadline

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers not in shape may need to schedule some extra gym time before attending one of the National Guard's Warrior Training Center courses at Fort Benning, or they might not make the cut...

Warrior training center produces tough Guard Soldiers

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers not in shape may need to schedule some extra gym time before attending one of the National Guard's Warrior Training Center courses at Fort Benning, or they might not make the cut...

Florida Army National Guard saves money, gains training

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

For the Florida Army National Guard's last unit with tracked vehicles, going to annual training isn't as simple as jumping into a Humvee and driving to the nearest military training facility...

New York National Guard exercise tests civilian and military disaster response

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

Hundreds of New York National Guard members, along with members of the New York State Police, an urban search and rescue team and local emergency service members will conduct a disaster drill here, today...

Department of Defense urges employers to complete survey measuring Guard and Reserve impact on workforce

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Department of Defense's national survey of America's employers of National Guard and Reserve members has reached its half-way point and the Department is urging more participants to make their voices heard...

Indiana Guard training center facilitates real-world rescue training

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Fire and Rescue unit, from Fort Knox, Ky., could see two victims trapped in their vehicles under the collapsed floor of a parking garage, and they would need to use a jack hammer to breach through concrete to reach them...

Wisconsin National Guard members selected for all-female Special Forces team

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

Four Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers have been selected for the Female Engagement Team, an all female supporting Army Special Combat forces by interacting with local women in combat zones...

Alabama National Guard assists with Japan relief efforts stateside

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers of the 167th Theater Sustainment Command of the Alabama National Guard made a quick switch from participating in a routine training exercise at Camp Atterbury, Ind., to being a part of a real-world event in various locations throughout the U.S...

Alaska Guardmembers complete first UTA on JBER

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

The Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing completed their first unit training assembly March 19-20 at their new home on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson...

Guard part of Total-Force team supporting Operation Tomodachi

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

While supporting combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, a total integrated force of active, Guard and Reserve Airmen are supporting humanitarian relief efforts in Japan following the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that ravaged parts of Japan March 11...

Colorado Guardmembers, Reservists rescue civilians from wrecked, burning car

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

Seven men and women reporting for their monthly training on a cloudy Sunday in March, unaware of an impending test requiring a grade of no less than exceptional...

Air Guard diminishing the 'human factor' one Airman at a time

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

The concerted efforts of Air Force safety officials and aircraft maintainers to remove the human element from preventable mishaps are deeply rooted in a humanitarian ethos – the idea that every Airman deserves to go home safe at night...

Study: Suicide prevention programs work

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

There's no more wiggle room for Soldiers who want to use marijuana substitutes like "Spice" or K2...

Cannabis substitute 'Spice' now illegal

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

There's no more wiggle room for Soldiers who want to use marijuana substitutes like "Spice" or K2...

Guardmember remembered as strong family man, great Soldier

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

An Oregon National Guard Soldier serving on a Title 10 active duty tour at the National Guard Bureau was killed in a Monday afternoon car crash near Fort Belvoir, Va., while driving home for a family dinner...

McKinley: State Partnership Program National Guard crown jewel

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard's State Partnership Program is the crown jewel of the Guard's international engagement, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said Wednesday at the 2011 National Lieutenant Governors Association federal-state relations meeting...

Now it's 63: National Guard State Partnership Program pairs Iowa, Kosovo

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad; Air Force Brig. Gen. Greg Schwab, assistant adjutant general, Iowa Air National Guard; and the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the United States, Avni Spahiu, announced a newly-established partnership between the State of Iowa and the Republic of Kosovo...

Nation's busiest air sovereignty alert unit, D.C. Guard's 113th Wing, earns award

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

The District of Columbia National Guard's 113th Wing was recently awarded the First Air Force/Continental U.S. NORAD Region Meritorious Service Award for outstanding mission accomplishment...

National Guard recognizes Border Patrol chief

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

Since Aug. 1, 2010, the National Guard has had up to 1,200 Guardmembers deployed to the nation's Southwest border in support of ongoing operations by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security...

Air National Guard supports coalition operations over Libya

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard is contributing to Operation Odyssey Dawn with 11 air refueling wings supporting the international coalition enforcement of a United Nations authorized no-fly zone, National Guard officials said here today...

National Guard unit makes quick switch from exercise to real world relief

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

Col. Alan Cranford, 167th Theater Sustainment Command, forward officer in charge, receives an email at 8 p.m. He immediately takes action moving the forward team of the 167th TSC from exercise status to real world event. All plans are halted; soldiers are put on alert pending additional information...

Guard posture statement focuses on maintaining operational force, quality of life

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

An investment in the National Guard is a great value for America, and we must sustain America's Guard as a ready, reliable and accessible operational force...

National Guard increases Japan relief operations

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard is increasing its personnel and equipment in support of Operation Tomodachi, the joint relief response after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami struck Japan, March 11, Guard officials said here today...

New York National Guard enlists second Olympic bobsledder

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

A second Olympic bobsledder has joined the New York Army National Guard...

Minnesota dominates National Guard Combatives Tournament

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

Minnesota Guardmembers were a dominating presence at the fourth annual Army National Guard Combatives Tournament, March 19 to 20, where they took four first-place titles in addition to walking away with the overall team award...

Last American World War I veteran served briefly in National Guard

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

Frank Buckles, the last American World War I veteran who died at age 110 and was buried Tuesday in Arlington National Cemetery, spent a year serving in the New York National Guard in the 1920s...

National Guard takes several honors in U.S. Army public affairs competition

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

Several National Guardmembers and units from across the states are walking away with individual and unit awards from the 2010 Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Public Affairs Competition. ...

When the New York Guard's 69th leads the parade, their dogs come along

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

On 5th Avenue St. Patrick's Day, military tradition trotted on four legs...

Senator, congressman recognized for contribution to National Guard

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

Two elected officials were recognized for reshaping the Post 9/11 GI Bill – enabling thousands more National Guardmembers to receive education benefits – here Monday...

National Guard supports Japan earthquake relief

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

After a devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami struck Japan, military support in response to relief efforts to the region have begun, and the National Guard is playing a supporting role...

New York's Historic 69th Infantry to Lead St. Patrick's Day Parade

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment will commemorate leading the world's largest St. Patrick's Day parade for the past 160 years with fellow Soldiers from the Irish Defense Forces...

McKinley: Keep the focus on diversity

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:52:00 EST

The 2011 National Guard Diversity Conference kicked off a week-long reminder about the importance of diversity in the work place here today...