National Guard - Top News

Guard Heritage Painting unveiled at Asian-American, Pacific Islander Heritage month celebrations

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

The newest National Guard Heritage painting was unveiled as part of the celebrations of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Army National Guard Readiness Center here...

4,000 Veterans hired through Missouri Guard employment programs

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

As the National Guard transitioned from a strategic to operational reserve since 9/11, the Missouri National Guard evolved with the times, adapting and spearheading a number of state and federal jobs initiatives to ensure the nation's part-time force is fully prepared...

National Guard military technicians, civilians face furloughs

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

Most National Guard military technicians and civilian employees can expect 11 furlough days before the end of the fiscal year, National Guard Bureau officials said Thursday...

Arizona Army National Guard sustainability manager wins Secretary of Defense award

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

With green initiatives taking the United States by storm, it can be difficult to imagine a time when environmental consciousness did not exist...

Several programs offer assistance to Guard members seeking civilian employment

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

With the economy continually changing, and many finding themselves out of work, National Guard members who may find themselves unemployed have a number of resources within the Guard to assist with finding a new job...

DOD furlough days will be 11, Defense Secretary Hagel says

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

After weeks of review, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has concluded budget cuts will require most of the department's civilian employees to be furloughed beginning in July, but that because of other efforts to deal with the shortfall, only half of the 22 days originally envisioned as temporary layoffs will now be necessary...

Defense Secretary Hagel announces 11 furlough days for civilian employees

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

As you are fully aware, the Department of Defense is facing a historic shortfall in our budget for the current fiscal year. This is the result of current law that went into effect March 1. It imposes deep across-the-board cuts on DoD and other federal agencies. Combined with higher than expected wartime operating costs, we are now short more than 30 billion in our operation and maintenance (O and M) accounts - which are the funds that we use to pay most civilian employees, maintain our military readiness, and respond to global contingencies...

D.C. Guard wife named Military Spouse of the Year

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

Alicia Hinds Ward, wife of Tech. Sgt. Edwinston Ward, 113th Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, Md., is the winner of the 2013 Military Spouse of the Year...

Illinois mom returns from deployment in time for Mother's Day

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

The bond between a mother and her children is one of the most foundational, yet significant relationships between human beings. This connection is so profound that not even time and distance can separate a mother's love and devotion for her children...

North Dakota Guard members thankful for less flood-control action

Thu, 9 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

North Dakota National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have gotten pretty good at fighting floods. They should, since they've had plenty of experience in recent years. North Dakota Guard members have helped local, state and federal agencies battle...

Traumatic brain injury researchers looking more at Guard members

Thu, 9 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

They tend to be older, more experienced, and more likely to have families, but deployed members of the National Guard share something in common with their active-duty brothers and sisters - the likelihood of sustaining traumatic brain injuries...

Camarillo Springs Fire hits home for Guard's 146th Airlift Wing

Thu, 9 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

When hot, dry, gusty winds from the east, known as Santa Ana winds, carried the sparks and embers of the Camarillo Springs wildfire dangerously close to homes and neighborhoods...

Rhode Island National Guard medical team meets with Panamanian doctors

Wed, 8 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Rhode Island National Guard Medical Detachment met with Dr. Tristan Pinzon, medical director of Hospital Colon, in support of Beyond the Horizon-Panama 2013 here April 30...

Hagel initiatives take aim against sexual assault

Wed, 8 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is vowing to change the culture that allows sexual assault to be a serious problem for the Defense Department...

Wisconsin Guard helicopter crew chief plays on Army beach volleyball team

Wed, 8 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

A member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard competed among the military's best beach volleyball players at the 2013 Armed Forces Volleyball Championships from May 2-6 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah...

TRICARE eases authorization rules for West Region beneficiaries

Wed, 8 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

TRICARE West Region Prime enrollees referred for specialty care from April 1 up to May 18 do not need authorization before seeking care...

Florida's Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts share know-how with Guyana

Tue, 7 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

Three National Guard members brought their expertise of ordnance and demolitions to Guyana recently, continuing an ongoing partnership between Florida and the South American nation...

Baby boom awaits deployed Wisconsin National Guard Airmen

Tue, 7 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

By the time the 101 airmen of the 128th Air Control Squadron return to the United States in mid-May, the unit could have as many as seven new babies to add to its family...

Maryland Air National Guard member: 'I want to inspire people'

Tue, 7 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

On July 5, 2011 Senior Airman Gideon L. Connelly, repair and reclamation crew chief, 175th Maintenance Squadron, was involved in a motorcycle accident in Baltimore County with serious damage to his left leg...

California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing completes wildfire battle

Tue, 7 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

California National Guard assets that had been fighting raging wildfires in Ventura County have been deactivated, officials said early Tuesday...

Pennsylvania Guard members outpace field in Lincoln National Guard Marathon

Mon, 6 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

Gray skies, light winds and unseasonably cold temperatures greeted nearly 10,000 marathoners Sunday as they descended upon Lincoln for the 36th annual Lincoln National Guard Marathon...

Kentucky National Guard helps secure a cold and rainy Derby

Mon, 6 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Kentucky Derby has been run 139 times, most recently on Saturday, when cold, rainy conditions failed to dampen enthusiasm among the Guard members helping keep the event safe...

California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing battling raging wildfires

Mon, 6 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

Following a request for support from California emergency agencies, Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. directed the adjutant general of the California National Guard, Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, to provide two specialized firefighting C-130J...

North Dakota unit receives long-awaited Meritorious Award

Fri, 3 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

More than six years after its return from a mission to Afghanistan, Company A of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment finally received tangible proof of one of the highest unit awards the Army can bestow for meritorious service...

Wyoming's 84th Civil Support Team among nation's best

Fri, 3 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Wyoming National Guard's 84th Civil Support Team, which responds to calls of potential weapons of mass destruction, was identified as being in the top one percent of the nation's civil support teams...

North Dakota Guard unit dominates Army engineer awards

Thu, 2 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

The North Dakota National Guard's 188th Engineer Company (Vertical), of Wahpeton and Oakes, recently dominated the annual Army Engineer Regiment and Society of American Military Engineers-sponsored awards in the National Guard division by claiming four of the five top military honors...

National Guard members continue to train, respond to natural and other disasters

Thu, 2 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

Members of the National Guard continue to stand ready and prepare for response to possible natural disasters and other events as the summer months, and the potential for hurricanes and tornadoes, approaches...

Army secretary favors 'third-party approach' to engage Congress

Wed, 1 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

Army leaders may not make the best advocates when it comes to convincing Congress and the American people which systems soldiers really need, Army Secretary John M. McHugh said here yesterday...

Kentucky Air Guard's Contingency Response Group earns top honor

Wed, 1 May 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Contingency Response Group has been named the Air National Guard Contingency Response Unit of the Year for 2012...

Whirlwind career transports Kentucky National Guard member to Nepal

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

When Capt. Andrea Hahn enlisted into the Kentucky National Guard, serving outside the Commonwealth was a small thought in her mind...

Alaska National Guardsmen rescue plane crash victims in Patton Bay

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Airmen with the Alaska Air National Guard's 210th, 211th and 212th Rescue Squadrons rescued a pilot and his passenger involved in a plane crash overnight in Patton Bay at Montague Island...

Flood duty remains steady for North Dakota Guard members

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

As the North Dakota National Guard begins its second week supporting flood efforts, the number of Soldiers and Airmen on duty increased briefly today as missions shifted from traffic control to quick-reaction forces for flood emergencies...

Family service members group life insurance benefit changes

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Service members married to other service members are no longer automatically enrolled in the Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance program, Pentagon officials said...

Compatible Use Buffer program proves powerful tool for Army installations

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Fighting raged in Afghanistan in December 2002, and potential operations in Iraq loomed on the horizon, making it doubtful environmental worries about rare butterflies and sumac plants topped the list of concerns many had for Army National Guard installations...

Custom skatepark mural celebrates Kentucky National Guard

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

A skate park may be the last place you would expect to see uniformed members of the military, but the Kentucky National Guard has other ideas...

Air Force Secretary Michael Donley says he will step down

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley announced his plan today to step down June 21 as the Air Force's top civilian after serving for nearly five years...

National Guard Soldiers recall heroic actions at Boston Marathon

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

If you saw news video from the Boston Marathon bombing, you likely witnessed how Massachusetts Army National Guard Soldiers reacted to the attack by running directly toward the scene of the first explosion to help rescue victims...

Alabama National Guard readies for hurricane season

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Alabama National Guard has responded to many hurricanes in its history. In order to respond quickly and effectively, the Alabama Guard still rehearses hurricane response annually...

National Guard chaplains provide spiritual support to Boston Marathon terror responders

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Massachusetts National Guard played a variety of roles in support of local authorities during the running of the Boston Marathon and in the wake of the explosions at the finish line...

Downed aircraft radio communication training translates to life or death

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

What do you do when your helicopter crashes, and armed civilians are rapidly approaching and firing small arms in your direction?..

National Guard troops battling rising waters in Missouri and North Dakota

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

About 100 Missouri National Guardsmen from units in St. Louis, Hannibal and Cape Girardeau joined community volunteers to work in support of flood relief operations in affected areas...

ESGR names semifinalists for 2013 SecDef Employer Support Freedom Award

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense operational committee, announced that 138 employers have been selected as semifinalists for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award...

Vigilant Guard tests Homeland Response Force mission

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

In the world of consequence management, preparing for a disaster is just as crucial as responding. For civilian and military responders, preparedness was the focus of effort as they trained to save lives during Vigilant Guard, April 15-19, at Camp Gruber near Muskogee, Okla...

Missouri National Guard responds to Mississippi flooding in Clarksville

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

About 100 Missouri National Guard members from units in St. Louis and Hannibal joined dozens of volunteers to work in support of flood relief operations in affected areas...

Massachusetts bomb suspect captured; Guard had supported search

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Massachusetts National Guard assisted local and state authorities following the shootout and explosions that occurred early Friday morning...

Georgia-Wisconsin Soldier team a top finisher in 2013 Best Ranger Competition

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Two Army National Guard soldiers, including one from Wisconsin, finished in the top 10 in the 30th Annual David E. Grange, Jr. Best Ranger Competition...

Illinois National Guard participates in regional domestic response exercise

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Illinois National Guard (ILNG) Soldiers and Airmen searched a collapsed building, extracted victims and decontaminated mass casualties during the three-day Prairie North 2013 exercise in Rantoul from April 11 to 13...

Grass: For optimum active duty/Reserve force mix, reconsider historic assumptions

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Traditional assumptions about force structure deserve reconsideration in the current fiscal environment, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said Wednesday...

Requirements to change for transfer of GI Bill benefits

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Beginning Aug. 1, every Soldier who elects to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a family member or dependent will incur an additional four year service obligation, without regard to their time in service...

National Guard's civil support teams respond to crises nationwide

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Texas and Massachusetts National Guard members are continuing to provide support to civil and local authorities in the wake of the West, Texas, and Boston Marathon explosions, and many of those on duty bring with them a specialized skill set...

Massachusetts National Guard combat medic aids Boston train passenger

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Massachusetts National Guard members were on duty Wednesday helping safeguard the city after the Boston Marathon bombings when one of them assisted a woman who fainted at a train station...

Commentary: Keep running for America

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Do you believe that running marathons can help the Air Force defeat terrorism?...

Army Guard Soldiers take advantage of new professional development program

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

For Command Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley, the sergeant major of the Army National Guard, the Army's new noncommissioned officer professional development program speaks to him not only as a Soldier taking care of troops, but also in his capacity as a former high school chemistry and physics teacher...

National Guard Soldiers scaling back support operations in Boston

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Massachusetts National Guard continues to assist local and state authorities following the Boston Marathon bombings that left three dead and more than 140 people injured...

Air Forces Northern commander selects new command chief

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) commander has chosen the command chief master sergeant from the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard to be the next CONR-1 AF (AFNORTH) command chief...

Marathon terror: Massachusetts National Guard supports Boston police

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Massachusetts National Guard continued Tuesday to bolster local and state authorities following the Monday explosions at the Boston Marathon. Three people, including an eight-year-old boy, were killed and more than 140 wounded...

Colorado Guard leaders remember fallen helicopter crew in ceremony at Arlington Cemetery

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Senior members of the Colorado National Guard recently visited Arlington National Cemetery as a way to pay their respects, and remember, two Soldiers with the Colorado Army National Guard who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan as part of one of the deadliest days in the history of Operation Enduring Freedom...

Tuition assistance program reinstated

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

The military tuition assistance program has been reinstated and Army and Air National Guard members who qualify can take advantage of the benefits immediately...

Medal of Honor awarded to Korean War chaplain who died in captivity

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

At a Thursday ceremony at the White House, an Army chaplain, Capt. Emil J. Kapaun, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic and selfless actions during the Korean War...

National Guard Bureau unveils newest heritage painting

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

The painting 'Glorieta Pass - Action at Apache Canyon' is the newest to join the more than 80 official paintings that illustrate key moments or missions of the Army and Air National Guard...

After 30 years, a Vermont mountain infantry Soldier is reluctant to leave

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

His smile widens as he recollects his most fond memory; one that journeys all the way to the top of the Italian Alps. The official destination of his first flight and first time out of the country. The opportunity to travel to Italy and work with the Alpini troops was a fantastic experience and set the tone for 28 more years of dedicated service to his country...

Air Combat Command stands down units due to budget cuts

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Air Force officials Tuesday began standing down active-duty combat units to ensure the remaining units supporting worldwide operations can maintain sufficient readiness through the remainder of the fiscal year...

Kentucky Soldiers make big impact on small Comoros islands

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

The last place Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard ever thought they would be is on the Comoros Islands (officially called Union of the Comoros) off the coast of Eastern Africa...

Nebraska National Guard member's career winds down as son begins his service

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

As one career ends and another begins, a father and son from the Nebraska National Guard are appreciating the opportunity to share a last, and a first with each other...

Alaska National Guardsmen rescue snow researcher after 80-foot fall into crevasse

Mon, 8 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Airmen with the Alaska Air National Guard's 210th, 211th and 212th Rescue Squadrons rescued a snowmobiler who fell 80 feet into a glacier crevasse April 4...

North Carolina civil support team practices hazardous-materials scenarios

Fri, 5 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Civil Support Teams (CSTs) are relatively unknown assets to the residents of our state as they pertain to chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear incidents...

First B-2 stealth bomber surpasses 7,000 flight hours

Fri, 5 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Since the B-2 "Spirit of Florida" first arrived at Whiteman Air Force Base in July 1996, its stealthiness and massive firepower have been used in missions around the world...

Alaska K-9 Trooper gains, gives at Air Force NCO academy

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Tech. Sgt. Brian Zeisel of the Alaska Air National Guard is modest about the recognition he gets from leading his Alaska State Trooper K9, Argo, through some dangerous law enforcement dispatches...

Kentucky National Guard has high hopes for future Soldiers' technical proficiency

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Army National Guard can have way too many acronyms, some too confusing for even the most veteran of Soldiers. Try JNN (Joint Network Node) or WIN-T (Warrior Information Network - Tactical) for examples. There are probably numerous Soldiers who don't know what a network node is, with or without the acronym...

Michigan Airman Charlie Peterson honored for combat leadership

Wed, 3 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

A decade ago, he was a newly minted master sergeant, wondering if he had what it takes to truly be a leader. Today, one of the classrooms where the Air Force teaches Airmen about leadership is named in his honor...

'Brotherly competition' helps quadruplets who enlisted in Virginia Army National Guard

Tue, 2 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

As a high school teacher, Command Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley always valued and advocated for what learning can do for people; so much so that the Army National Guard's senior enlisted advisor recently created a reading and discussion group whose core focus is to grow institutional knowledge...

Command Sgt. Maj. Conley convenes book group to discuss Army National Guard history

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Kentucky National Guard trains for multiple threat emergencies

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

For today's Soldiers and Airmen, the more realistic their training, the better prepared in the event of an actual situation they'll be...

DOD Releases Update to Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Policy

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Department of Defense released updated policies and procedures aimed at combating sexual assaults in the military and improving care for victims...

Alaska rescue center, manned by Air National Guard, completes 5,000th mission

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

Searching for overdue aircraft, rescuing injured hunters, locating lost hikers, helping those stranded at sea, it's all part of the mission of the Alaska (11th Air Force) Rescue Coordination Center, and those missions have added up...

National Guard emphasizes alcohol abuse mitigation during April

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard recognizes April as Alcohol Abuse Awareness Month, an opportunity to further increase service member awareness of alcohol abuse and the impact it can have on Guard members and their families...

New York National Guard headquarters tests remote-work capabilities

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

More than 50 critical members of the New York National Guard's military and civilian staff tested their ability to work from remote locations if the New York State Division of Military Affairs headquarters building outside Albany becomes unusable...

Air Force to implement force structure changes

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Air Force released its plan Thursday to implement force structure changes mandated by the fiscal year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act...

Hagel announces fewer furlough days for civilians

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Defense Department has revised from 22 to 14 the number of days hundreds of thousands of civilian employees could be furloughed this year because of the budget sequester, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Thursday....

Badger State officers take talents north of border for joint training

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

A group of Wisconsin Army National Guard officers spent nearly two weeks in late February and early March in Canada participating in a major military exercise...

Website administrators hope third revise is the charm for Guard Knowledge Online

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

After more than a decade of use, the website Guard Knowledge Online is getting a face-lift, one the site administrators hope will create a more collaborative work environment in this third version...

Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard announce 2013 Teen Leadership Summits

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard announced the 2013 AFR/ANG Teen Leadership Summit locations...

With some new flexibility, Defense Department officials reassess spending cuts

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Now that Congress has passed a continuing resolution that will fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year, Defense Department officials are trying to find the best way to make $46 billion in spending cuts, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Tuesday...

Louisiana National Guard members prepare for hurricane season

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

As hurricane season approaches, a recently completed preparedness exercise in Louisiana demonstrated that National Guard units and other first responders there are ready to assist if called upon...

Opportunity is what you make of it, say female Guard members

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Challenges are not the same as limitations, according to three female Wisconsin National Guard members - two officers and one enlisted - who shared the varied experiences of their military careers as part of a Women's History Month observance March 21...

Guardsmen, reservists nominate employers for Freedom Awards

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Members of the National Guard and reserves submitted 2,899 nominations for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, officials with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an operational Defense Department committee, announced Monday...

Lt. Gen. Clarke's priorities: Minimal budget turmoil, optimum force mix, concurrent modernization

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Minimizing budget turmoil and working with the active duty Air Force and the Air Force Reserve to both find the optimum mix of forces and ensure concurrent modernization of the components of the total Air Force are the new director of the Air National Guard's immediate priorities, he told Congress last week...

Lt. Gen. Ingram: Army National Guard accessible, capable, ready, great value to America

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Army National Guard is accessible, capable, ready and a great value to America, its director told Congress this week...

Gen. Grass: At historic peak, National Guard faces challenges, should stay operational

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

At a historic peak of excellence, the National Guard faces significant challenges and should remain an operational force, Army Gen. Frank Grass told U.S. Congress members on Wednesday...

New York Air National Guard crews return from South Pole season

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Several Capital Region aircrew members of the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing returned to Schenectady County Airport here Thursday night after a long trip back from Antarctica...

Air Force Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke assumes helm as Air Guard director

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III assumed the duties and responsibilities of director, Air National Guard in a ceremony here today at the Air National Guard Readiness Center...

New Officer Evaluation Report means fewer boxes, more accountability for raters

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

By December, officers will be rated under a new evaluation system one designed to strengthen rater accountability and reflect current Army leadership doctrine...

Wisconsin National Guard collaborates with Nicaragua on disaster mitigation

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The collaboration between the Wisconsin National Guard's Military Engagement Team (MET) and Nicaragua's Civil Defense continued to progress as the team traveled to Nicaragua over a one-month period Feb. 24 to March 23...

Gen. Grass tours World Trade Center Tribute Center in New York

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Gen. Frank Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau, visited lower Manhattan to learn about a growing partnership between the 9/11 Tribute Center and the National Guard...

Pentagon delays furlough notices to civilian workforce

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Pentagon officials have put off sending furlough notices to civilian employees until they've had a chance to analyze how pending legislation that would fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year will affect the Defense Department...

Army: Budget shortfall leads to unassigning reserve component units for fiscal 2013

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Army will deploy active component units in lieu of four Army National Guard units in Operation Enduring Freedom-Trans Sahara and the Multinational Force Observer Task Force Sinai as a result of an immediate fiscal year 2013 budget shortfall of $18 billion...

Seeing double: Missouri twins join Army National Guard

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

All of their lives, Taylor and Tyler Adair, twin brothers, have made a conscious effort to be different. All of that is beginning to change...

National Guard kicks off "grass roots" solutions program for all service members

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard kicked off a new initiative to support service members, veterans, and their families at the community level...

Air Guard spouse sets bar as national powerlifter

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Competition brings out your best when you are a competitor, and for the spouse of one Air National Guard member it means lifting more weight than most men can grasp...

Gen. Jacoby remembers MAFFS Airmen, praises National Guard contributions, dual-status commanders

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Air National Guard members killed fighting wildfires in 2012 were remembered during U.S. Senate testimony Tuesday as U.S. Northern Command's commander praised the National Guard's contributions in his area of responsibility...

AFA honors Air National Guard members

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Air Force Association's D.W. Steele Sr. Memorial Chapter hosted the 11th Annual AFA Salute to the Air National Guard recognizing personnel assigned to the National Guard Bureau during a recent ceremony in Arlington, Va...

Service members march 18.6 miles to give back to community

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen - active, Guard or Reserve - and several community members woke early Saturday for a grueling 30-kilometer test of physical fortitude - and to give back to the community...

Iraqi translator marks 10th anniversary of war as a Texas National Guard Soldier

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Growing up in the west region of Al Anbar province, young Jacob dreamed of becoming an Iraqi Soldier and providing a good example while protecting his family and fellow Iraqis...

Tennessee Army National Guard helicopters assist in fighting wildfire

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Tennessee Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters equipped with "Bambi Buckets" are assisting firefighters from 25 fire companies in fighting a massive wildfire near Pigeon Forge...

Combatant commanders are 'co-chairs of the State Partnership Program fan club'

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard State Partnership Program is an extraordinarily effective, enduring, low-cost tool to advance the national security objective of building partnership capacity, two veteran combatant commanders told Congress on Friday...

Wisconsin Army National Guard member donates wayward Purple Heart to local VFW

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

A Sun Prairie, Wis., Veterans of Foreign Wars post got a priceless piece of history Feb. 28 thanks to a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard...

Virginia's 203rd RED HORSE memorial service honors 12th anniversary of fatal airplane crash

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Virginia Beach-based 203rd RED HORSE Squadron held a brief ceremony to lay an honor wreath March 3, 2013, at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach to honor the 18 unit members and three Florida Army National Guard aviators who were killed in a military transport crash 12 years ago...

Commentary: The Army National Guard is a natural leader in sustainability

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

We may be coming into a sort of forced period of hunger but sometimes it takes a crisis to change for the better. As we are deploying less and less, there is a shift away from our singular focus on Soldier survivability. We are tightening our belts and turning to efforts at home. We are looking beyond survivability to long-term sustainability...

Personnel record diligence is vital to Soldiers' success

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

As the Army draws down, it's important for Soldiers to keep their records up to date and accurate, personnel officials said...

'Fighting 69th' leads St. Patrick's Day Parade and celebrates century-old traditions

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Two months of staff planning and Soldier preparation comes to fruition Saturday as 750 members of the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry lead New York City's St. Patrick's Day Parade for the 162nd time...

Air Force, citing sequestration, joins other services in suspending tuition-assistance payments

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Air Force suspended military tuition funding Monday in the wake of sequestration that led to the Army stop of such payments on March 8...

Thrift Savings Plan officials warn against unsanctioned app

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

A free iPhone app for the Thrift Savings Plan available at the Apple App Store could pose a security risk, program officials warned...

Army's 'Ready and Resilient Campaign' offers one-stop resources

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Army has made available to Soldiers a new online resource to complement the Ready and Resilient Campaign that launched Tuesday...

New Air National Guard command chief Hotaling presents focus areas to Airmen

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The new Command Chief of the Air National Guard met with ANG Airmen in the National Capital Region for the first time during an enlisted call at the ANG Readiness Center here Feb. 28...

Ohio Airman recognized for helping driver after car wreck

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

In a split second, Staff Sgt. Josh Blankley of the Ohio Air National Guard's 200th RED HORSE Squadron was thrust into a life-saving situation where his ability to quickly react and Air National Guard training helped save a life....

Two Pennsylvania National Guard members cited for their civic contributions

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Two service members with the Pennsylvania National Guard were recognized on February 23 at the Union League in Philadelphia during the second annual Major Octavius V. Catto ceremony for their contributions toward citizenship, volunteerism and commitment to duty...

Funding stops for tuition assistance; other benefit options may exist

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

As of March 8, funding for tuition assistance will cease and Soldiers cannot submit new requests for tuition assistance, according to Lt. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg, deputy chief of staff, G-1...

Workshop helps Guard Soldiers leaving active duty hone job-hunting skills

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Forty-nine New York National Guard Citizen- Soldiers got a leg up on the skills it takes to get a job at a three-day training workshop hosted here by the New York National Guard...

Lt. Gen. William Etter takes over reins of First Air Force

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

In a ceremony filled with traditions older than the Air Force itself, command of Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region-First Air Force (Air Forces Northern) changed Thursday afternoon in front of a formation of Airmen and distinguished guests...

New virtual reality simulator teaches Airmen how to fall

Thu, 7 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

At first glance, the virtual reality parachute simulator looks like a giant baby bouncer made of metal, tethers and wires...

Army releases new Soldier Record Brief for personnel and pay information

Thu, 7 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Army on Thursday released a template of the Soldier Record Brief (SRB), a multi-component report that will serve as a snapshot of each Soldier's personnel data...

Army Criminal Investigation Command warns of email scam, criminals posing as police

Thu, 7 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) is warning both the Army community and the public about a new Internet phishing scam where criminals are attempting to pose as Army CID officials...

Montana Citizen-Airman named senior enlisted advisor to chief, National Guard Bureau

Thu, 7 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell Brush will be the next senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, Army Gen. Frank Grass announced Wednesday...

National Guard members in Delaware, New York and Virginia support snow relief

Thu, 7 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

More than 160 Virginia National Guard Soldiers from the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team mobilized on state active duty Wednesday in the Central Virginia, Northern Virginia and Shenandoah Valley areas of Virginia as a storm swept through the Middle Atlantic region...

Task force established to close gaps between active, Guard, Reserve

Tue, 5 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Air Force senior leaders recently directed a task force to develop the best ways to bring the active, Reserve, and Guard closer together to achieve the most capable force possible. ...

Missouri National Guard member serves as a modern-day cowboy

Tue, 5 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

One weekend a month he's a Citizen-Soldier in Missouri, the rest of the time he's a modern-day cowboy patrolling our nation's borders in Texas. Meet Staff Sgt. Jefferson Bailey, of Sierra Blanca, Texas, who serves as a U.S. Border Patrol agent on horseback...

Missouri National Guard's civil support team trains to respond to chemical, biological warfare

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Missouri National Guard's 7th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team recently spent two weeks training at the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground...

Air National Guard's first female military training instructor named NCO of the year

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The first and only female military training instructor in the Air National Guard is also the first and only Air National Guard member to be named the Air University Noncommissioned Officer of the Year...

Painting honoring Benedict Arnold finds new home in New York Military Museum

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

A historic mural donated to the New York State Military Museum recalls General Benedict Arnold's heroism at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, when he personally led a critical attack that led to victory....

Virginia ceremony to remember Airmen, Soldiers killed in 2001 plane crash

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Virginia Beach-based 203rd RED HORSE Squadron plans to hold a brief ceremony to lay an honor wreath March 3, 2013, at 3 p.m. at Camp Pendleton in Virginia Beach to honor the 18 unit members and three Florida Army National Guard aviators who were killed in a military transport crash 12 years ago...

Texas National Guard members join Mexican comrades for international ceremony

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, unfurled their flags, shouldered arms and marched toward Mexico...

Puerto Rico National Guard members join the fight against drug and weapons trafficking

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Citizen-Soldiers and aviators are often called to serve in missions all over the world, and they do so gallantly, but when they are called to serve in their own backyard there is a bigger sense of pride; a bigger sense of ownership. The Puerto Rico National Guard had answered that call; a call to protect neighbors and communities...

Florida's militia heritage remembered during Civil War battlefield visit

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Nearly 150 years after Union and Confederate soldiers spilled blood during the largest Civil War conflict in Florida, the state adjutant general helped recognize the state's militia heritage during a visit to the historic battlefield...

Chuck Hagel takes office as 24th defense secretary

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Just before his private swearing-in ceremony as the 24th secretary of defense, Chuck Hagel and his wife, Lilibet, arrived Wednesday morning at the Pentagon and were greeted by Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, military assistant to the secretary of defense...

Chiefs to Congress: Fiscal crisis threatens U.S. military edge

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

America's military superiority is founded on training and readiness, and the fiscal crisis facing the country threatens to strip away that edge, members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Congress on Tuesday...

Florida Soldier chosen as National Guard's top Sexual Assault Response Coordinator

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

A Florida National Guard Soldier has been selected as one of the nation's top military experts in the area of sexual assault prevention and response...

California Guard member wins top honors at Small Arms Championship

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

A California National Guard member needed an extra suitcase to haul away the hardware he collected at this year's U.S. Army Small Arms Championship...

National Guard troops ready to assist as blizzard conditions batter Plains states

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Plains states blasted last week by heavy snowfall were again battered Monday and National Guard troops were positioned to help...

Pilot language and cultural course 'brings realism' to National Guard training in North Carolina

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Six soldiers from the North Carolina National Guard's 210th Military Police Company are in the final phase of an intense six-week Dari language and Afghan cultural training course here...

N.C. air rescue training partners civilian and National Guard capabilities

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

More than 100 fire, rescue, emergency management, North Carolina National Guard Soldiers and other first responders gathered Wednesday at the Camp Butner National Guard Training Center for N.C. Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (NCHART) training...

Virginia Army National Guard funeral program performs 10,000th military service

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Virginia Army National Guard Funeral Honors Program performed at its 10,000th military funeral on Feb. 13. The program, started in January 2007, provides funeral details not just to National Guard Soldiers but to veterans of all branches of the military across the state...

Utah Guard Soldiers, mountains help prepare troops for Afghanistan

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

In preparation for an upcoming deployment, Soldiers of Alpha Company, 742nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 704th Military Intelligence Brigade, traveled to Camp Williams for several weeks of training in the mountains of Utah...

National Guard team and individual win Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Arizona and Kentucky Army National Guard took honors for fiscal year 2012 in the Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards...

Defense Department preparing for furloughs, Panetta tells Congress

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has notified Congress that the Defense Department is prepared to implement furloughs for civilian personnel in response to the threat of sequestration...

Guard members find new ways to save money during Military Saves event

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

The annual Military Saves Week kicked off at the Army National Guard Readiness Center here with an event that featured numerous educational opportunities to encourage Guard members to build savings and eliminate personal debt...

North Carolina National Guard promotes anti-bullying campaign

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Joe Pacheco, a mixed martial artist with Bellator Fighting Championships, can grab hold of about any body part you can mention in polite company...

North Carolina state senator joins National Guard

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Dan Soucek is used to the halls of power. He interacts with legislative staff as a North Carolina state senator representing the 45th district and is an expert in international relief with Samaritan's Purse, meetings with business and civic leaders and other constituents and even breakfast with North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory...

Reserve colonel blesses land in Afghanistan where his Army National Guard stepson fell

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

The farm field near Arif Kala, Afghanistan, looks nothing like a memorial...

California Citizen-Soldier aids unconscious patient aboard airline flight

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Every noncommissioned officer in the U.S. armed forces is trained, and many have years of experience, including tours in a combat zone...

Commentary: We need a culture change to boost sustainability

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

I'm an optimist. As we confront a tough fiscal environment and changing natural world, I think now is an exciting time to start tackling sustainability...

Alaska National Guard conducts major search-and-rescue exercise after simulated 737 crash

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

In a remote area northeast of Bethel, the Alaska National Guard conducted a major search-and-rescue exercise Feb. 6-10 to test the recovery operations for a simulated 737 plane crash...

New York National Guard Soldier skis and shoots in biathlon

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

You ski as fast as you can over several kilometers of rough terrain with a .22 caliber rifle strapped on your back; then steady that rifle - controlling your labored breathing and heart rate and shaky legs in mind-numbing cold that freezes your fingers and face. Then you must fire five shots to hit targets the size of 50-cent pieces, 50 meters away...

Guard and Reserve members learn to be 'masters of networking' at Alabama seminar

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Chief Master Sgt. Carl Collins, Air National Guard (ANG) Advisor to the Commander, Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, enjoyed the business networking presentation he received as part of a Transition Assistance Program (TAP)...

Experts advise steps to safeguard online identities

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

The world has changed and it is easier than ever to reach friends online, and many electronic devices offer conveniences, including online shopping, banking, and social networking...

Grass: Sequestration devastating to National Guard, Defense Department

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Sequestration and a yearlong continuing resolution would significantly hinder the National Guard's ability to protect and defend the homeland, Army Gen. Frank Grass told the Senate Armed Services Committee this morning...

Same-sex couples can claim new benefits by October

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Military members and retirees with same-sex partners will qualify for up to 24 new benefits under policy changes Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced today...

Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers assist in delivering baby during snowstorm

Sat, 9 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers pitched in during the blizzard to help bring a baby into the world in Worchester at 3 a.m. Saturday...

National Guard troops in New England respond to massive blizzard

Sat, 9 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Citizen-Soldiers in the Northeast were assisting state authorities Saturday in the aftermath of Nemo, the giant snowstorm that killed at least four people, left 650,000 without power and resulted in the cancellation of about 5,300 flights...

Maryland National Guard Partners in Care program goes nationwide

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

A faith-based program started by a Maryland National Guard chaplain is gaining momentum and expanding nationwide as part of a Defense Department initiative to meet the needs of service members in all branches of the military...

Cultural shift in personnel management means biannual evaluations for Air Guard noncommissioned officers

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

A cultural shift has begun in the Air National Guard when it comes to how Airmen will be evaluated not only in their job performance, but also as an Airman as a whole - on duty and off...

Commentary: What's with these Guard guys!?

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

I appreciate you educating me on how the ANG works and for listening, learning and partnering with the Regular Air Force Active Duty as we built a successful association together. An association that isn't about what is best for the ANG or the Active Duty, but an association that is best for this great country...

New York National Guard shares hurricane-response lessons with Israeli Defense Forces team

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Every day, National Guard and civilian emergency responders across the country are training to better respond when crises of any kind threaten local communities...

Georgia National Guard helps other agencies practice for radiological emergency

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Every day, National Guard and civilian emergency responders across the country are training to better respond when crises of any kind threaten local communities...

Guard-led 'Pitch Fest' held at Air University

Wed, 6 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Business leaders from the community joined Air University staff, faculty and students Jan. 23 to evaluate a series of 60-second "elevator pitches."...

Gen. Frank Grass tells senior leaders to prepare for 'Perfect Storm' budget scenario

Tue, 5 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

Since being sworn in as the 27th chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Frank J. Grass addressed the nation's senior Guard leaders for the first time, calling on them to prepare for the worst...

Missouri National Guard helps state complete public assistance cases from 11 disasters

Tue, 5 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

About 25 Missouri National Guard Soldiers and Airmen helped state officials close public assistance cases dating from 2007-2011...

Selfridge Air Guard Base to serve as test site for Air Force missile counter-measure prototype

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Air National Guard has begun installing a new prototype missile counter-measure device on aircraft at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. If tests on the prototype conclude favorably, as expected, the device could mean safer travels for KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and additional job security for maintenance personnel at the base...

172nd Cav challenges Jay Peak, cold weather to hone mountain warfare skills

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

When some skiers started heading down the mountain to end their day on the slopes, the mountain Soldiers of the Vermont Army National Guard's Troop A, 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment were just getting theirs started. The Soldiers recently tested their resiliency with cold weather and mountaineering training here with temperatures below freezing and steadily falling...

New York Army National Guard learns from Army Community of Excellence Program

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

The New York Army National Guard won a first place honorable mention, and a $30,000 award, for its 2012 submission in the Army Community of Excellence program...

Director of the Air Guard retires after more than 40 years of service

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, Air National Guard director, retired after more than 40 years of military service during a ceremony Tuesday hosted by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin here...

Florida Soldier chosen as National Guard's top Sexual Assault Response Coordinator

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

A Florida Army National Guard Soldier has been selected as one of the nation's top military experts in the area of sexual assault prevention and response...

DOD, VA improve online access to benefits information

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments have released improvements to the functionality of eBenefits, a joint, self-service Web portal that provides registered users with secure online information and access to a variety of benefits resources for service members and veterans...

Air National Guard reaches milestone securing the nation's capital

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

The 113th Wing of the District of Columbia Air National Guard, stationed here as the quick reaction team, responsible for intercepting airborne threats to the nation's capital, has reached a notable milestone, recently responding to their 4,000th alert event in more than 11 years...

Air Force chief provides insight on 188th Fighter Wing's future during visit

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

The 188th Fighter Wing moved one step closer to its future during a Jan. 18 visit by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III...

D.C. Air National Guard detachment responds to 4,000th alert since 9/11

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

The 113th Aerospace Control Alert Detachment of the District of Columbia Air National Guard at Joint Base Andrews passed a major air defense milestone Jan. 9, responding to its 4,000th alert event since Operation Noble Eagle started in September, 2001...

Air National Guard director to retire

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, Air National Guard director, is scheduled to retire after more than 40 years of military service during a ceremony hosted by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin at the 201st Airlift Squadron in Hangar 8, Joint Base Andrews, Md., Jan. 29 at 1 p.m...

New York Army National Guard to begin moving women into positions in combat battalions

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Women will be able to fill officer and noncommissioned officer (sergeant) positions in the New York Army National Guard's four combat battalions under a proposal announced Thursday by the Department of Defense and the Army to change the policy excluding women from ground combat units...

Kentucky honors militia's role in War of 1812 Battle of the River Raisin

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Re-enactors depicting the War of 1812, select Kentucky Guardsmen and Canadian dignitaries met to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of the River Raisin in Monroe, Mich., Jan. 19...

Defense Department expands women's combat role

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Following a unanimous recommendation by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced Thursday the end of the direct ground combat exclusion rule for female service members...

Wisconsin Army National Guard recruiter named nation's best

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Wisconsin's top Army National Guard recruiter is now officially the best in the nation...

Air National Guard safety director inducted into Hall of Fame

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

The director of the Air National Guard, Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, inducted the Air National Guard (ANG) director of safety, Col. John D. Slocum, into the Air Force Safety Hall of Fame on Tuesday...

Kentucky agriculture department offers new programs for veterans

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Serving in the military and farming are said to be two of the hardest jobs one could have. New initiatives launched by Kentucky's Department of Agriculture aim to make both just a bit easier in the Commonwealth...

Gen. Frank Grass visits National Guard Soldiers in Kabul

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

For his first overseas trip since becoming the 27th chief of the National Guard Bureau last September, Gen. Frank J. Grass came here Jan. 15 to visit mobilized National Guard Soldiers from Texas, Georgia, New Jersey and Alabama...

National Guard computer defense teams supported inauguration

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

In support of the 57th Presidential Inauguration, National Guard computer network defense (CND) teams from seven states conducted defensive cyber operations (DCO) in Washington, D.C...

For Guard members assigned to inauguration duty, the key is flexibility

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Flexibility is a key component for National Guard members assigned to the Joint Task Force District of Columbia during the 2013 Presidential Inauguration with many doing non-traditional jobs...

Vice President Biden visits National Guard troops supporting inauguration

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Vice President Joe Biden made an unannounced appearance Saturday at the District of Columbia National Guard Armory after filling care packages for U.S. troops deployed overseas on the National Day of Service...

More than 6,000 National Guard members arriving in D.C. to assist with 57th inauguration Monday

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

A force of more than 6,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen began arriving here Friday in support of the 57th Presidential Inauguration Jan 21. This will make the second largest contingent of Guard personnel to serve in the District for this historic event...

Obama recognizes Salem, Mass., as birthplace of the National Guard

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

President Barack Obama signed into law this week a bill that designates Salem, Mass., as the birthplace of the National Guard. Local officials, politicians and members of the Massachusetts National Guard gathered at the Salem City Hall yesterday to celebrate the signing of the bill...

FEMA Administrator Fugate speaks to National Guard Domestic Operations Class

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Critical thinking is an important step in the planning process, said senior leaders of the Federal Emergency Management Agency while addressing attendees of the National Guard Bureau Director of Military Support Course held at the Army National Guard Readiness Center here...

Missouri National Guard winding up work following 2011 tornado

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

About 20 months after Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon's initial callup, the Missouri National Guard is winding down operations in Joplin following the devastating tornado that hit the town on May 22, 2011. Currently, one Citizen-Soldier remains as part of the state's Workforce Investment Board...

Security forces at Michigan base add Tasers to patrol units

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Security Forces Airmen at Selfridge Air National Guard Base have begun using a new tool to protect the base...

Two Airmen design smart phone application for Inauguration Day

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Apple Inc. released a cellphone application Monday designed by two airmen who are supporting Joint Task Force-National Capital Region Public Affairs...

Maryland Army National Guard unit doesn't play games when it comes to robots

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from the Maryland Army National Guard's 253rd Engineer Company (Sapper) in La Plata, Md., spent their drill weekend training with a Mobile Training Team to become certified robot operators. The Jan. 12-13 drill weekend also included breeching doors, Modern Army Combatives and weapons familiarity...

Inauguration rehearsals underway in capital as Guard Soldiers and Airmen mobilize for event

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from more than 25 states and territories will begin arriving Friday at the District of Columbia National Guard Armory, Joint Base Andrews and Fort Belvoir as part of a force of 6,000 to support the 57th Presidential Inauguration...

Missouri National Guard forming full-time cyber security unit

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

The Missouri National Guard is in the process of establishing a cyber threat response team that will operate out of historic Jefferson Barracks in south St. Louis County...

Combat medic refresher helps 24 South Dakota Soldiers stay sharp

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Twenty-four South Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers completed a combat medic refresher course hosted by the 2nd Battalion, 196th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) here today...

National Guard's 'Magic Table' helps in Hawaii counterdrug operations

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Tech. Sgt. Patrick Kazeze proudly serves as an Air National Guard Technician and as a member of the 132nd Fighter Wing Base Honor Guard...

Iowa Airman learned from harsh childhood experiences in Africa

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Tech. Sgt. Patrick Kazeze proudly serves as an Air National Guard Technician and as a member of the 132nd Fighter Wing Base Honor Guard...

James Hotaling named next Air National Guard command chief

Tue, 8 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Chief Master Sgt. James Hotaling from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region-1st Air Force here was named as the Air National Guard's next command chief today...

Military OneSource, H&R Block team up to provide tax assistance

Tue, 8 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

As tax season nears, Military OneSource and H&R Block have joined forces again to provide a free online tax preparation service for service members...

Jan. 21 deadline approaches to nominate employers for 2013 Freedom Award

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, is encouraging Guardsmen and Reservists to nominate their civilian employers for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award before the January 21 deadline...

Medevac crews in Afghanistan boosting patient outcomes with blood products

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Code-named Vampire, a trial program is enabling some medics to administer blood products to wounded Soldiers while flying to a medical facility...

Vermont Air Guard flight surgeon nets 1,000 F-16 hours

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

When back in August people began telling Col. Donald Majercik, a flight surgeon here at the Vermont Air National Guard, that he was 20 hours short of 1000 flight hours, he didn't think too much about it. ...

Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke confirmed as director, Air National Guard

Thu, 3 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Lt. Gen. Stanley E. 'Sid' Clarke III, commander of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force, has been confirmed by the Senate to be the next director of the Air National Guard...

New York National Guard continues providing post-Sandy help

Wed, 2 Jan 2013 11:52:00 EST

Hurricane Sandy is two months over, but as 2013 opens, the New York Army National Guard is still helping people in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island who were affected by the storm...

Kentucky's Operation Immersion gives health providers an up-close look at National Guard training

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

During Kentucky's Operation Immersion, behavioral health professionals were invited to Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center here from Nov. 14-16 for a behind-the-scenes look at military culture and ways to improve behavioral health care for service members and veterans living in Kentucky...

California captain journeys from Cambodia's killing fields to Guard service

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Thoeuth Duong's life story is a study in contrasts. Parts tragedy and providence, his account is torn from the annals of history and speaks to the veracity of the American Dream...

Retired Minnesota Guard Soldier brings ice hockey to military kids

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Shane Hudella, a retired Minnesota Army National Guard first sergeant and Operation Desert Storm veteran, runs the charitable foundation Defending the Blue Line, which introduces the sport of ice hockey to the children of military members...

Wisconsin Guard Soldier becomes U.S. citizen in Afghanistan

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

A Wisconsin Soldier formally became an American citizen in a ceremony thousands of miles away in Afghanistan...

Christmas Eve road march honors troops

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Nearly 1,000 New York Army National Guard Soldiers, family members, friends and members of the Glens Falls community turned out Christmas Eve for the 9th annual road march to support the troops...

Deployed Airman receives Christmas phone call from President Obama

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

'Hello, President Obama? ... I'm great, how are you?' So began the most memorable phone call of a six-month deployment for Senior Airman Keshia Shutts with the 451st Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron here...

N.Y. Army National Guard Honor Guard expected to conduct 10,200 military funerals in 2012

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

The New York Army National Guard's Honor Guard will perform about 10,200 military funerals by the time 2012 ends at midnight on Dec. 31...

Iowa National Guard Soldiers rescue family from icy peril during storm

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

An Iowa family whose van spun off an icy road during winter storm Draco was safe in a warm hotel room thanks to Iowa National Guard members...

2012: A National Guard year-end review

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

As 2012 comes to a close, the National Guard was kept busy throughout the year with its fair share of natural disasters to contend with including battling raging wildfires, picking up the pieces after multiple tornadoes and evacuating citizens in the wake of two hurricanes...

Eastern Air Defense Sector will help track Santa Claus

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

New York Air National Guardsmen from the Eastern Air Defense Sector will play a key role Monday night as the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracks Santa Claus and his reindeer...

Mobile operations unit enhances response capability of Ky. Air National Guard

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Airmen at the Kentucky Air National Guard have enhanced their ability to work with civilian agencies following a catastrophe, thanks to a new Mobile Emergency Operations Center...

Midwest National Guard troops assisting states in storm's path

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

As the Midwest's first big winter storm forced road closures and shuttered schools, National Guard Soldiers were mobilized to assist in Iowa and Wisconsin...

Alabama Guard Infantry unit continues to set fast pace in Afghanistan

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Less than halfway through their deployment, the Soldiers of the Alabama National Guard's 1st Battalion, 167th Infantry Regiment have completed more than 5,000 missions and covered thousands of miles providing transportation and security to key leaders, military personnel and civilians throughout Afghanistan...

National Guard sergeant receives Silver Star for actions performed as a Marine

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

It's not every day that a National Guard sergeant receives a Silver Star for actions performed as a Marine...

Monthly premium e-payment deadline looming for TRICARE Reserve Select and Retired Reserve

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

With the New Year quickly approaching, TRICARE beneficiaries covered by TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) or TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) must switch to electronic premium payments by Dec. 31. If they don't make the change, they risk having their coverage suspended...

Mississippi and Romanian Soldiers rescue Afghan honey bees

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

When the Mescal Detachment of Agricultural Development Team 4 from Mississippi arrived in Afghanistan, they didn't know they were inheriting beehives from the outgoing Agricultural Development Team (ADT) but they found out pretty quickly and they were just in time...

Hardship withdrawal rules relaxed to help victims of Hurricane Sandy

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board announced it has made temporary changes to the Thrift Savings Plan hardship withdrawal rules to help victims of Hurricane Sandy pursuant to the guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service on Nov. 16...

NORAD elves ready to track Santa's flight

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

At the North American Aerospace Defense Command, they're gearing up to track Santa's yuletide journey...

Guard members prepare for variety of roles in presidential inauguration

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Approximately 6,000 Army and Air National Guard members from 15 states and territories are preparing to take part in and support the 57th Presidential Inauguration, said officials...

N.Y. National Guard's newest general teams up with old, young Soldiers on 376th birthday

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

The New York National Guard's newest general officer teamed up Thursday with its oldest Soldier and one of its youngest to salute the National Guard's 376th birthday at New York National Guard headquarters here...

Mass. celebrates National Guard's birthday with headquarters grand opening

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Gov. Deval Patrick and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray joined Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Maj. Gen. L. Scott Rice, adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard, to celebrate the 376th birthday...

Slovenian armed forces, Colo. National Guard cultivate innovative range training ideas

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

For more than a week in November, two Slovenian armed forces members visited Colorado National Guard and active duty military ranges to procure styles, ideas and techniques on revamping their ranges in Slovenia.

D.C. National Guard hosts rehearsal for 57th presidential inauguration

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

The D.C. National Guard joined hundreds of active-duty and Reserve military members and D.C. and federal officials during a two-day inauguration rehearsal at the D.C. National Guard Armory.

Revamped program aids separating service members

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Major changes to the Transition Assistance Program will revolutionize the way the military prepares those leaving the services, with mandatory participation in programs throughout their military careers to help set them up for a successful transition.

Lt. Gen. Clarke nominated as Director, Air National Guard

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Lt. Gen. Stanley E. 'Sid' Clarke III, commander of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region-1st Air Force, has been nominated by President Barack Obama to be the next director of the Air National Guard.

Award recognizes civilian employers for critical military support

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, is encouraging all Guard and Reserve members to nominate their supportive employers for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.

Rhode Island Air National Guard to deliver Iraq's first C-130Js

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

A select crew of Rhode Island Air National Guard (RIANG) members will proudly participate in a historic acceptance ceremony of Iraqi Air Force (IAF) C-130J transport aircraft before flying them to Iraq for a delivery ceremony.

Army National Guard launches Facebook page to promote health and fitness

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Army National Guard today launched a Facebook page to promote health, wellness and fitness among Army National Guard Soldiers and their families. The page, which can be found at www.facebook.com/ARNGHealth, will be used to promote dialogue on a variety of important health topics, including sleep, activity, nutrition, injury prevention and emotional health...

New 'Stop the Loss' safety campaign aids Army National Guard readiness

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Army National Guard (ARNG) Combined "Stop the Loss" campaign, designed to promote positive personal behavior patterns that reduce risk and enhance readiness, has been launched...

These two Soldiers know that fuel is more than what's at the pumps

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Most people may not know what all goes into managing bulk fuel while deployed overseas. Back in the United States, fuel is stored in underground and above-ground tanks, and then it is transported to various gas stations for consumers to pump into their cars...

Wounded Warriors return to Afghanistan; believe 'It was all for something'

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

After being medically evacuated out of Afghanistan, embarking on the long road to recovery and learning to live life with less than they had before, eight wounded Soldiers and Marines returned to Afghanistan to get a first-hand look at the war's progress and to help bring a sense of closure for the mental wounds left by their injuries...

New York National Guard's 'Fighting 69th' Returns to Fredericksburg

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

New York Army National Guard Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry visit the historic battlefields of their regiment this weekend as part of the Civil War sesquicentennial commemoration Friday through Sunday at the National Military Park here...

Va. Guard engineers and VDF to support 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard's Bowling Green-based 189th Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion will provide the latest in military mobile bridging technology in support of Civil War re-enactors during the observation of the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg scheduled for Saturday.

DOD clarifies post-secondary education expectations

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Defense Department has issued new policy guidelines intended to provide better protection for members of the military and veterans who seek tuition assistance for post-secondary degrees.

Guard members continue U.S.-Mexico border-security duties

Thu, 6 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

As many as 300 National Guard members will remain deployed along the U.S.-Mexico border for another year as part of a border security partnership between the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, according to a statement released Wednesday by DHS.

50 years later, Florida Guard members share Vietnam stories

Wed, 5 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

The photos are black and white - images of young men in military fatigues and muddy combat boots staring knowingly into a camera. The edges of the glossy prints are starting to curl and yellow.

New York National Guard Soldiers start transition home

Wed, 5 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

"Do not rush!" That's the guidance Col. Geoffrey Slack, the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander, and other leaders are stressing this holiday season to redeploying National Guard Soldiers. The Soldiers deployed earlier this year to various locations throughout the Middle East.

Young New York Guard member accepted to West Point

Wed, 5 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Spc. Erin Colburn of the New York Army National Guard's 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion (BSTB) has been selected for admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Be careful when choosing higher education programs

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers looking to take advantage of their education benefits and pursue higher education are bombarded by marketing from traditional and online schools - and fighting through the noise to find a quality institution can be a tall task.

Mississippi Soldiers foster productive farming patch in Afghanistan

Mon, 3 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

When they arrived at the farm in September, the Mescal detachment of the Mississippi National Guard Agricultural Development Team 4 knew they had their work cut out for them. It appeared that the most abundant crops growing were weeds that nearly choked the modest enclosure located off the main road in Shar-e-safa, Afghanistan.

From New York streets to Afghan skies, FDNY crew saves lives

Mon, 3 Dec 2012 11:52:00 EST

Four New York City firefighters, four airmen, four friends, one team, one HH-60 Pave Hawk, one crew deployed together with the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, and they brought a flavor unique of New York Fire Departments with them.

Officials offer guidance for GI Bill recipients activated for Hurricane Sandy operations

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

After the activation of more than 12,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen along the East Coast in response to Hurricane Sandy, officials want to make Guard members aware of the steps they need to take to ensure they don't lose their education benefits...

Oregon National Guard begins historic partnership with Vietnam

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Oregon National Guard signed a pact with Vietnam as part of the State Partnership Program during a Tuesday ceremony in Hanoi...

As winter darkness approaches, Alaska training sheds light on resilience

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

The 49th Missile Defense Battalion kicked off the beginning of its resiliency training with a two-day spiritual luncheon Nov. 15-16 at the Community Activity Center on Fort Greely...

Army Guard senior leaders impressed by Soldiers' Hurricane Sandy response

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

It's a scene that is perhaps as old as the U.S. military itself -Soldiers gathered around a cot or makeshift table, playing cards during downtime...

Kentucky agribusiness team among first units to use new Web tool overseas

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of Kentucky's fifth agribusiness development team participated in XCapture training and development in November in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan...

N.Y. Guard to help Sandy victims over Thanksgiving holiday

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

As Americans prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, more than 1,100 members of the New York National Guard continue their support of Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts or augment New York City law enforcement at transportation centers for the single largest travel day in the nation...

Guard members on Sandy response get close look at West Point cadet life

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Three New York Army National Guard Soldiers who were part of the state response to Hurricane Sandy's devastation got a first-hand look at the United States Military Academy here as guest of their commander, Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey, on Nov. 17...

Colorado aviators support Canadian brethren in major training exercise

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers with Task Force Eagle endured frigid Canadian temperatures as they participated in high-readiness evaluation exercise, Maple Resolve, by providing heavy lift and medevac assets to the mission...

Alaska Air National Guard duo saves life of critically ill woman

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Jumping from the tail of an HC-130 into the frigid night, two elite pararescuemen of the Alaska Air National Guard felt their parachutes deploy before descending safely to frozen ground 160 miles north of the Arctic Circle...

National Guard chaplains train in spiritual and survival skills

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Instead of weapons, chaplains carry their faith when they deploy. But even a chaplain needs to know how to defend him or herself against a personal attack...

Air National Guard Strategic Planning Systems conference helping bridge to the future

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

The question of where the Air National Guard will be in 2025 was the topic of conversation for 300 senior ANG leaders from across the nation at the Strategic Planning Systems conference here Tuesday. The answer to that question, SPS committee chair Brig. Gen. Joseph G. Balskus assured attendees, was within their grasp...

National Guard essential in storm response

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

National Guard members have played a key role in the large-scale, coordinated, whole-of-government response to the domestic emergencies triggered by Superstorm Sandy and Winter Storm Athena, saving lives, protecting infrastructure and supporting recovery...

Fort Hood training proves helpful for experienced aviators

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

The California Army National Guard's Company B, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, one of the oldest Chinook helicopter units in the Army, is no stranger to Afghanistan...

Guard's Air Mobility experts join Mars Rover team on airdrop problems

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

The phase lead and development manager for the Entry Descent and Landing on the Mars Science Laboratory Project met with Air Mobility experts from across the Air Force here recently...

Coney Island rescue crews knocked on doors to aid stranded residents

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Teamwork between Soldiers, Airmen, first responders and other government agencies helped aid Coney Island residents on Nov. 9...

By the numbers: Hurricane Sandy relief required massive logistics

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Almost 4,000 troops, operating more than 1,300 trucks and Humvees, have delivered 2.5 million emergency meals and 150,000 blankets to storm victims, and fueled more than 13,000 city vehicles, while visiting more than 12,000 homes and apartments to check on residents, since Hurricane Sandy hit the night of Oct. 29...

Vigilant Guard exercise ends as 'successful mission'

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Missouri National Guard's Vigilant Guard training exercise concluded Wednesday, after a five day period that was a response to a simulated earthquake that took place along the New Madrid fault line...

Chaplains provide support to those taking part in Hurricane Sandy relief operations

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

National Guard members have come from throughout the country to assist with relief and recovery operations in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, with many Soldiers and Airmen taking part in evacuation, food and water distribution and debris removal operations. But, also present and providing a different kind of support have been chaplains from both the Air and Army National Guard...

After Winter Storm Athena, 'big and fast' National Guard Sandy response continues full bore

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

As the two states at the epicenter of Superstorm Sandy's damage absorbed a cruel second blow from a nor'easter, the National Guard continued round-the-clock missions to alleviate suffering...

Sandy rescues: 'That is why I joined the National Guard,' Soldier says

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

"When we saw it coming down, we couldn't believe it," said Rose Miller, 85, recalling how Hurricane Sandy battered the Rockaway section of Queens...

Puerto Rico Guard lends a hand to Missouri during earthquake exercise

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Missouri National Guard has been conducting a national-level earthquake exercise, known as Vigilant Guard, under the scenario that a massive quake struck the New Madrid fault line...

Maine emergency operations team supporting disaster relief in New York City

Thu, 8 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

A volunteer multi-disciplinary team of emergency operations specialists left Maine last Friday headed to the Emergency Operations Center in Brooklyn to provide disaster relief assistance in response to Hurricane Sandy...

Kansas Air Guard dentist leaves patients smiling

Thu, 8 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

For the first time in five years, the 184th Intelligence Wing dental office has a traditional Guard dentist, Air Force Maj. Mark Sheils...

These New Jersey Air National Guard electricians help the light shine

Thu, 8 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

New Jersey Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Carl Hilpl is standing with the rest of the electric crew in the parking lot of the Ocean County Medical Center in Brick, N.J...

"They're long days, they're hard days, but it's really rewarding"

Wed, 7 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

When the National Guard members of Alpha Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry came to Rockaway, N.Y., their mission was to distribute food and water to New Yorkers recovering from Hurricane Sandy...

Be persistent and thorough to join military academies

Wed, 7 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

A bit of knowledge and some persistence from Guard members can go a long way toward securing what many might consider an incredible career opportunity...

Army National Guard gets new command chief warrant officer

Wed, 7 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gary Ensminger began his new duties Oct. 29 as the Army National Guard's new command chief warrant officer...

First night missions of Vigilant Guard take place

Tue, 6 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Vigilant Guard training exercise, which simulates an earthquake on the New Madrid Seismic Zone, is well underway...

Connecticut Guard troops mop up Sandy's damage

Tue, 6 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

About 850 members of the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard have been helping in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy...

More National Guard members helping in N.Y. under emergency-management request

Tue, 6 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 700 additional Army National Guard Soldiers from throughout the East Coast and Midwest are arriving in New York City to assist with relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Sandy...

Florida's C-23 Sherpa Soldiers assist with Sandy relief

Tue, 6 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Florida Army National Guard aviators are assisting with the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in the Northeast, joining the more than 9,100 Guard members who are supporting the recovery...

Air National Guard C-27J aircraft help bring power to New York

Mon, 5 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

A C-27J Spartan aircraft crew from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, here flew power generators and other equipment to New York in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts Saturday...

New York Guard Soldiers working to ensure voting in storm-battered areas

Mon, 5 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

New Yorkers who are still without power in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island in the wake of Hurricane Sandy will get some help in casting their votes on Election Day from the New York Army National Guard...

From fuel to food: the New York National Guard provides a helping hand to neighbors in need

Sun, 4 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the New York National Guard worked to distribute critically needed fuel throughout the New York City area as residents and local authorities continue with clean up and recovery efforts after Hurricane Sandy slammed the East Coast...

National Guard relieves suffering after Hurricane Sandy

Sat, 3 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

About 7,000 Guard members are helping people who are living without power - the temperature low, water-ruined possessions piled at the curb, transportation infrastructure crippled, simply pumping gas a day-long chore - in communities worst-hit by Hurricane Sandy...

New Jersey National Guard raced to save lives after Sandy struck

Sat, 3 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

The full fury of Hurricane Sandy was bearing down on the New Jersey National Guard armory in Teaneck just after 4 a.m. Tuesday when the call came in...

W.Va. National Guard members rescue a Rosie the Riveter after Sandy

Sat, 3 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Despite more than a foot of blinding snow outside, Maggie Selman and her dog Ginger were plunged into darkness in her home as Hurricane Sandy swept into West Virginia with a fury...

Military airlifts, aid flowing to New York, New Jersey

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Another airlift, this time from Phoenix, will bring more power restoration trucks and equipment to New York and New Jersey, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters today...

FEMA uses West Virginia Air Guard Base for storm relief

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is using the West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Airlift Wing base here as a staging area to push out much-needed storm relief supplies to Mountain State residents hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy...

Silver Star awarded to vet's family after 44 years

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

On the ink-black night of June 13, 1968, the highlands around Dak Pek in western Vietnam erupted in artillery and rocket fire...

Airlift ferries utility experts and equipment to darkened New York

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Utility crews and equipment from California are at work today in storm-darkened areas of New York to restore power, the result of a Defense Department airlift...

Freedom Award nomination period opens

Thu, 1 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, is now accepting nominations for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award...

Hurricane Sandy: National Guard saves lives, protects communities, supports recovery

Thu, 1 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

As more than 9,100 Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen had boots on the ground across 12 states in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, dual status commanders were appointed to oversee and coordinate military response operations in affected...

Virginia Guard winding down most hurricane recovery operations

Thu, 1 Nov 2012 11:52:00 EST

Most Virginia National Guard personnel in support of Hurricane Sandy support operations have moved into the recovery phase as of late Wednesday afternoon, and the only personnel still actively engaged...

N.C. aviators to lead Northeast task force

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

North Carolina National Guard aviators will lead a helicopter task force launching from the Guard's base in Morrisville today to support response and recovery efforts in the Northeast in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

More than 2,300 New York Guard members helping in Sandy's wake

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo mobilized more than 2,300 Soldiers and Airmen Tuesday to assist communities and first responders for the forecasted storm surge and floods associated with Subtropical Storm Sandy's landfall Monday.

Virginia Guard Soldiers rescue seven adults and one child after Sandy

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Virginia National Guard Soldiers trudged through high water and cut trees to clear a path for two rescue missions that transported seven adults and one child to safety at two locations Tuesday on Cattail Road in the Mears, Va., area.

Massachusetts National Guard downsizing relief efforts

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Massachusetts National Guard continues to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts by responding to a request for assistance with search and rescue efforts in New Jersey.

N.C. Guard readies to help western N.C. and the Northeast

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Airmen and Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard have begun drawing down the number of Guard members brought on storm duty in the eastern part of North Carolina over the past few days and started preparations for possibly assisting survivors of Hurricane Sandy in the northeastern USA.

Virginia and D.C. National Guard units hustling after Sandy slams region

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Virginia National Guard personnel began assisting Virginia State Police and emergency response organizations late Tuesday at numerous locations across the commonwealth.

Wisconsin National Guard ready to assist with hurricane relief

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Wisconsin National Guard ready to assist with hurricane relief The Wisconsin National Guard stands ready to assist civilian authorities supporting Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in the impacted regions, Gov. Scott Walker said Tuesday.

More than 7,400 National Guard members responding to Hurricane Sandy

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

About 12,000 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen were on duty in 11 states tonight in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

National Guard assists states as Sandy makes landfall in N.J.

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

National Guard members are at work in 11 states as megastorm Sandy begins to pummel the East Coast.

National Guard responds to Hurricane Sandy, monitors tsunami

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

As more governors declared states of emergency in advance of Hurricane Sandy, the National Guard stood ready to respond to the aftermath of the storm.

Virginia Guard personnel gather for Hurricane Sandy recovery operations

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 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 Sandy.

61,000 National Guard troops prep for Hurricane Sandy

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

National Guard members and residents along the East Coast prepared today for Hurricane Sandy, which gained strength as it churned toward the eastern seaboard.

Virginia Guard personnel preparing for possible Hurricane Sandy damage

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring up to 300 personnelon state active duty for possible severe-weather recovery operations from Hurricane Sandy.

National Guard prepares for Hurricane Sandy; 'perfect storm'

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 61,000 National Guard personnel along the eastern seaboard are available for duty if and when Hurricane Sandy makes landfall sometime next week, Guard officials said today.

Iowa, Minnesota Guard members win Emmy awards

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

An Iowa Air National Guardsman has won an Emmy for videography in Afghanistan and members of the Minnesota National Guard received their third Emmy at the Upper Midwest Emmy Gala.

Gen. Odierno honors Massachusetts National Guard at AUSA

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Massachusetts National Guard members were recognized Tuesday by the chief of staff of the Army during a ceremony at the Association of the United States Army Eisenhower Luncheon at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center here.

National Guard will bolster inauguration with more than 6,000 Airmen and Soldiers

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The District of Columbia National Guard is well underway in the planning for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration. More than 6,000 National Guard airmen and soldiers from at least 11 states and two territories are expected to provide critical support to include crowd management, traffic control, communications, emergency services and ceremonial duties.

Thousands of National Guard members run the 28th Army Ten-Miler, focus on building resilience

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Several thousand members of the National Guard were among the approximately 30,000 registered military and civilian participants for the 28th running of the Army Ten-Miler here Sunday.

AUSA: Gen. David Rodriguez foresees 'stronger partnership' at aligning forces

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard and Reserve, along with First Army will "form an even stronger partnership" at regionally aligning their forces and participating in an integrated training environment, the leader of U.S. Forces Command said Monday.

Officials improve process for transitioning to civilian life

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Officials from the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments participated in a panel discussion here Oct. 19 on efforts to prepare service members for the transition to civilian life.

Gen. Craig McKinley retires after historic National Guard career

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Gen. Craig R. McKinley spent the past 14 years serving in the nation's capital, but returned home to northeast Florida Oct. 19 to celebrate his nearly 40-year military career with the people he served with the longest.

Disability Employment Awareness Month underway at Army National Guard locations

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Army National Guard (ARNG) is observing National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October to embrace the skills that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace and to reflect upon diversity within the ARNG.

Sexual assault hotline message sent to Airmen from past 10 years

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Airmen, separated and still serving, who graduated from basic military training and technical training during the past 10 years were sent an email message about an activated sexual assault hotline Oct. 15.

Army Guard set to receive upgraded tactical ambulances

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

As part of a program to update the Army's tactical ambulance fleet, medics throughout the Army National Guard will soon work from the Army's newest ambulances.

Army Guard's 'Best Warriors' tackle Army competition

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Army National Guard's Soldier and noncommissioned officer of the year competed this week against the best-of-the-best from each major Army command in the 2012 Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition here.

Illinois Air Guard officers join counterparts from seven nations in Germany

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

For one intense week in September, more than 40 junior officers from seven countries participated in the International Junior Officer Leadership Development Course (IJOLD) 2012 at the German Air Force Officer School to enhance and refine their leadership skills, cultural understanding and military officership.

Face of defense: Cuba native takes pride in Guard service

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Command Sgt. Maj. Rafael Conde, the top enlisted soldier with the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, was 5 years old when his parents fled communist Cuba on one of the last "Freedom Flights" in April 1968.

Alaska National Guard conducts three search-and-rescues in three days

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The 11th Air Force Rescue Coordination Center is working around the clock to lead search-and-rescue efforts, calling in multiple agencies, including the Alaska Air National Guard, to assist in three separate missions since Oct. 14.

South Dakota Guard explores partnership opportunities with tribes

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Leaders from the South Dakota National Guard met Thursday with representatives from several Native American to discuss partnership opportunities for community service projects on their reservations.

New York Air National Guard kicks off Antarctic science support Tuesday

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard Bureau's Joint Diversity Executive Council was recognized as one of the top 25 diversity councils in the country by the Association of Diversity Councils here last week.

National Guard diversity council recognized among nation's best

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing kicks off its annual support for the National Science Foundation in Antarctica as ski-equipped LC-130s head for Antarctica on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Motorcycle Mentorship Program encourages safe enjoyment in the saddle

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

As temperatures drop sharply here around this time of year, many of the 'Coyotes' of Division West's 5th Armored Brigade are considering putting their motorcycles into winter hibernation. Even so, the bikers of the brigade's 2nd Battalion, 361st Combat Support Regiment augmented their recent battle assembly weekend by completed their motorcycle safety ride for the quarter as part of the unit's Motorcycle Mentorship Program.

Colorado National Guard member ends mountain rescue in a cast

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers, civilians and county sheriff's personnel worked in tandem to rescue injured climbers in the Indian Peaks mountain range Sept. 7.

Monique Muncy honored with second-highest private citizen award

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Three decades of selfless service to Airmen and their families recently earned Monique L. Muncy the prestigious Chief of Staff of the Air Force Award for Exceptional Public Service at a luncheon at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Witham nominated as Deputy Director Air National Guard

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Brig. Gen. James C. "JC" Witham has been named the next Deputy Director of the Air National Guard. Witham had served as the Chief of Staff of the California National Guard and the commander of that state's Air National Guard.

Capital Shield Exercise preps D.C. National Guard for Inauguration

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The District of Columbia National Guard participated in the 2012 Capital Shield Exercise, a training event which emphasizes unity of effort for district and federal agencies operating in the District of Columbia in preparation for events such as the upcoming inauguration.

Idaho Air National Guard firefighters help douse blaze in Boise

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Interagency training proves valuable.

Wis. National Guard's Challenge Academy directs troubled teens

Tue, 9 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The superintendent of the state Department of Public Instruction got a good look at the life of cadets taking part in a successful remediation program for at-risk teens.

Vote now for your choice of best Army PT uniform

Tue, 9 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Back in February, the Army gave Soldiers a chance to weigh in on the Improved Physical Fitness Uniform. The Army took those Soldier suggestions and developed a possible replacement uniform.

Odierno, Jill Biden announce education milestone for military kids

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 100 colleges and universities have signed on to a White House initiative to prepare educators for the unique needs of their military-connected students, Jill Biden said Thursday.

MAFFS units set records this wildfire season, full of highs and low

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Crews who fly the Air National Guard's Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules returned to their homestation due to favorable wildfire conditions this month, closing out what Air Guard officials said...

Troops at risk to predatory schools, businesses, spending

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

For-profit colleges, pay-day loans, and spending temptations may turn into significant debt and worthless college degrees for military members, said Holly Petraeus, of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau...

Florida Soldiers hit the waves for Key West exercise

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

In a state with thousands of miles of coastline, rivers and waterways, most Floridians are never far from the water. The same water that provides recreation and nourishes a tourism industry can also flood and threaten citizens when tropical storms or hurricanes strike...

Presidential Inaugural joint task force is now in business

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Joint Task Force - National Capital Region 57th Presidential Inaugural Staff began preparations in support of the Presidential Inauguration. The task force is charged with coordinating all military ceremonial support for the inaugural period. As a joint component, it includes members from all branches of the armed forces of the United States, including Reserve and National Guard components...

Mobile devices would enable more nimble operations, official says

Wed, 3 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Mobile devices are becoming the way we communicate, and the Defense Department views that change as an opportunity, the department's deputy chief information officer for command, control, communications and computers and information infrastructure said Sept. 28...

Multi-force Operation Deep Freeze underway in Antarctica

Wed, 3 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

The U.S. military recently kicked off the 2012-2013 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation...

E-payments required for TRICARE Reserve Select and Retired Reserve monthly premiums

Wed, 3 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

To avoid losing coverage, beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) or TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) who pay monthly premiums by check need to switch to an electronic form of payment before Jan. 1, 2013...

Guard observes National Hispanic Heritage Month

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 11:52:00 EST

Amid a busy morning at Arlington Hall Station, the Army National Guard Bureau paused Sept. 27 to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month...

Beat flu season with balanced diet, exercise and the flu shot

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

As fall and winter approach, so does cold and flu season. However, there are a number of ways that service members can ensure they stay healthy throughout the season...

Conley takes reins as 10th command sergeant major of the Army National Guard

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Army National Guard welcomed a new Soldier into the top enlisted position within the Army Guard...

More airports offer streamlined security screening

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Active duty service members and other eligible travelers now have more opportunity to take advantage of streamlined security check-in, as Transportation Security Administration officials have added two more airports to the program...

Suicide awareness month concluding with prevention, education efforts

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

National Guard and Defense Department leaders are using September, which is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, to reinforce to service members ways they can prevent suicide and actions to take if someone reaches out for help...

Dempsey: Leadership, trust essential to battling suicide

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Military leaders have changed the way they approach suicide prevention, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during a recent interview with American Forces Press Service...

Guard enlisted leader stresses support available

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

National Guard members should know that they are never alone, even when they are away from their units, the National Guard Bureau's senior enlisted leader said...

Air National Guard command chief Muncy retires

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

The command chief to the director of the Air National Guard retired during a Sept. 20 ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling...

Okla. Air National Guard crew helps fighter jet's pilot

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

When crew members of the 137th Air Refueling Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard, stepped into their KC-135R Stratotanker for a recent mission and departed the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, they believed they had begun another typical day over Afghanistan...

Civilians can help prevent military suicides, official says

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Defense Department civilians need to understand and recognize the warning signs for suicide just as their military counterparts are being trained to do, the acting director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office said Friday...

Illinois Guard Soldier helps rescue unconscious equestrian

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Immediate actions taken by an Illinois Soldier ensured the safety of an unconscious woman who had fallen from a horse in a state park...

Air National Guard director discusses the way forward

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the Air National Guard, spoke about mission readiness and other challenges facing the ANG in future years to attendees of the Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technical Exposition here Tuesday...

New York Guard Soldiers, Airmen train for a really rainy day in hurricane drill

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Outside it was a sunny, beautiful day, but inside the Glenmore Road Armory, New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen wrestled with the challenges resulting from a hurricane hitting the Albany area...

Free DoD Safe Helpline mobile app is now available

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

With a new iPhone and Android app announced by the Department of Defense, service members transitioning to civilian life will have access to critical resources for managing the short and long-term effects of sexual assault...

Body armor designed for female Soldiers getting rave reviews

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Female Soldiers at Fort Campbell, Ky., preparing for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan are getting a chance to weigh in on the latest innovation in personal protective equipment: body armor designed for them...

Welsh: 'The only way to move forward is together'

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

The active-duty Air Force, its Reserve and the Air National Guard must work together to move forward, the chief of staff of the Air Force said here last week...

Vermont ANG duo are first Americans to graduate Spanish mountain-warfare school

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Two Vermont Army National Guard Soldiers recently became the first Americans to attend and graduate the Spanish Mountain Warfare School in Jaca, Spain...

Employers honored this week for supporting Guard and reserve troops

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Employers of Guard members and reservists were cited for their support of Soldiers in a presidential proclamation issued Friday...

Maryland Guard member helping commemorate Battle of Antietam

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Staff Sgt. Mark Pheabus puts on his uniform every month to train with the Maryland National Guard's 29th Military Police Company in Westminster, Md...

N.Y. Engineer company reaches new heights refurbishing historic fire tower

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Trekking up the 1600 feet of rugged, unforgiving terrain of Mount Beacon, Citizen-Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 1156th Engineer Company spent two weeks sharpening their skills, as well as learning new ones refurbishing the fire observation tower located at its summit...

Suicide prevention: Reaching out a sign of strength

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Service members facing behavioral health challenges should feel comfortable asking for help, Defense Department leaders said here this week...

Grass: National Guard provides solution to problems in fiscally constrained times

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard is part of the solution to the challenges of a fiscally constrained environment, Army Gen. Frank Grass said here Tuesday...

President Obama declares Patriot Day a Day of Remembrance

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

President Barack Obama proclaimed today's 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States as Patriot Day and National Day of Remembrance...

Ham: National Guard essential to Africa Command

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard is essential to Africa Command, the combatant commander said here Monday...

Odierno: National Guard contributions since 9/11 'critical'

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Gen. Frank Grass became the 27th chief of the National Guard Bureau in a Pentagon ceremony Friday...

DOD: Families, friends need to recognize signs of potential suicide

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

September, National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, is a reminder to everyone in the military community to watch out for each other, a senior defense official said...

La. Guard Airmen find challenge and reward helping Hurricane Isaac victims

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Gen. Frank Grass became the 27th chief of the National Guard Bureau in a Pentagon ceremony Friday...

Pentagon officials: Guard members serving 'admirably' during Hurricane Isaac response

Fri, 7 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division of the Iowa Army National Guard was awarded the Citizen Patriot Award for its exemplary service while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom...

Iowa "Red Bulls" recognized for deployment success, sacrifice

Fri, 7 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

N.Y. Army National Guard signal Soldiers hone infantry skills in desert

Fri, 7 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Their mission is to link far-flung units together with state-of-the-art communications technology, but the men and women of the New York Army National Guard's 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion are learning to cope...

Pacific Command exercise program integrates disaster-response drills

Thu, 6 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

As they reach out to long-time allies and new partners to increase regional engagement through Pacific Command's exercise program, officials are finding that one of the biggest enticements is a common threat: Mother Nature...

Florida National Guard extends suicide intervention training into the community

Thu, 6 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

It's a situation few people want to be in. What do you do when a friend, family member, co-worker or a complete stranger says they are thinking about committing suicide?...

Panetta welcomes Grass as 27th National Guard chief

Thu, 6 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta hosted a change of responsibility ceremony here this morning, swearing in Army Gen. Frank Grass as the new National Guard Bureau chief and paying tribute to outgoing chief Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley's nearly 40 years of service...

Colorado Army Guard engineers help prevent flooding in western Colorado

Wed, 5 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers of the Colorado Army National Guard's 947th Engineer Company (Horizontal) will be busy through mid-September helping prevent a possible flooding on Colorado's Western Slope...

California Air National Guard, Coast Guard team up for rescue mission

Wed, 5 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing this weekend launched a joint rescue mission with the U.S. Coast Guard in response to two distressed fishermen aboard a fishing vessel about 1,400 miles off the coast of Acapulco, Mexico...

Iraqi Air Force F-16 training takes off with help from Arizona Air National Guard

Tue, 4 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

While the Republic of Iraq anticipates an initial delivery of F-16 Fighting Falcons in September 2014, the pilots who will fly them have been learning the ropes of the aircraft with the Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Fighter Wing...

Idaho Guard calls up more troops for Idaho wildfire duty, California Guard continues with wildfire mission throughout the Golden State

Tue, 4 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Additional Soldiers with the Idaho Army National Guard were called out to support wildfire suppression efforts in the Mustang Complex wildfire. More than 180 Soldiers and Airmen of the Idaho Army and Air National Guard have now been called out to support firefighting efforts at the Mustang fire and Trinity Ridge fire...

Vigilant Guard North Carolina prepares Guard members for disaster situations

Tue, 4 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army and Air National Guard units from across the southeastern United States gathered throughout North Carolina to participate in Vigilant Guard North Carolina, a training exercise that brought together civilian and Guard first responders to train side-by-side in a variety of scenarios based around a large scale disaster event...

Pentagon officials: Guard members serving 'Admirably' during Hurricane Isaac response

Tue, 4 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

As remnants of Hurricane Isaac bound northward into the Mississippi River valley, National Guard members continue to provide critical support to local emergency officials and citizens throughout the Gulf states, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a briefing...

Mississippi Army Guard engineers work to repair levee damaged by Hurricane Isaac

Tue, 4 Sep 2012 11:52:00 EST

Only hours after the passage of Hurricane Isaac, Mississippi Army National Guard engineers responded to a request from Pike County officials to assist in flood control and repairs of the Percy Quinn Lake levee, which was in danger of being breached by floodwaters from the storm...

South Carolina Army Guard unit looks beyond combat skills for Kosovo peacekeeping mission

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

As the next rotation to serve in the NATO Kosovo Force completes its final training, its members are looking beyond the warfighter skills they've refined during combat deployments to focus on the distinctly different challenges of peacekeeping...

Mississippi Army Guard Special Forces boat teams rescue residents post-Hurricane Isaac

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Special Forces Soldiers with the Mississippi Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) responded to Hurricane Isaac making landfall on the Mississippi gulf coast beginning Wednesday morning, Aug. 29, by patrolling the flooded areas of Hancock County in their Zodiac inflatable boats...

Louisiana National Guard assisting in flooded areas following Hurricane Isaac

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Louisiana Army National Guard were a welcome sight to residents of St. John the Baptist Parish, which was flooded after Hurricane Isaac made landfall Aug. 28...

Mississippi National Guard distributes food, assists with high-water rescues in Isaac's aftermath

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The storm surge and rising flood waters of a lingering Hurricane Isaac have had a telling effect on those along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and more than 1500 Mississippi National Guard members have assisting local and state agencies presence patrols, search, food and water distribution and search and rescue operations...

Mississippi National Guard responds to Hurricane Isaac

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Approximately 1,500 members of the Mississippi Army National Guard have responded to worsening weather conditions along the state's coast as Hurricane Isaac slowly crawls northward...

MAFFS firefighting mission drops 2 millionth gallon of fire retardant for the year

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Aircrews flying the C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System dropped the 2 millionth gallon of retardant for the season...

Louisiana Guard members respond, support community as Hurricane Isaac makes landfall

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Louisiana National Guard has pre-staged approximately 680 troops and assets across the New Orleans metropolitan area in order to better protect the community and its citizens as Hurricane Isaac churns toward the Gulf coast...

Thousands of Army and Air Guard members ready and prepared for Isaac

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 33,500 National Guard personnel and nearly 100 aircraft are available to the governors of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, as Tropical Storm Isaac threatens states along the Gulf of Mexico, Defense Department officials said...

Thousands of National Guard Members Available to Governors in Isaac's Path

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The best of the National Guard honored at banquet, awards ceremony

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The top Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard were honored at the 2012 Outstanding Soldier and Airmen of the Year banquet here Friday...

National Guard units in Southeast on alert for Isaac's impact

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army and Air National Guard elements throughout the southeastern United States are preparing for Tropical Storm Isaac, which is making its way past the Florida Keys and into the Gulf of Mexico...

National Guard Prepares For Tropical Storm Isaac

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

National Guard Coordination Center officials are stepping up efforts to prepare for the possibility that Tropical Storm Isaac, now in the Caribbean, could strengthen and affect the U.S mainland...

Puerto Rico National Guard On Watch, Prepared, and Ready to Serve

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Citizen-soldiers from the 190th Engineer Battalion, Puerto Rico National Guard, were activated and were ready to respond as tropical storm Isaac made its way through the Caribbean, Aug. 23...

Architect of the Army Guard's Best Warrior Competition reflects on the evolution of the competition

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

In June 2005, the selection process for the Soldier and noncommissioned officer of the year for the Army National Guard was a very different process...

Florida National Guard preparing for Tropical Storm Isaac

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Twenty years after Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida, the Florida National Guard is monitoring another storm that could potentially threaten the southern United States...

Being a Wingman: Simple tap of an app could save a life

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Smartphone applications, or apps, have no shortage of uses and can include nearly everything from sharing an exercise route with a friend to finding nearby restaurants...

North Dakota National Guard, local civilian first responders react during no-notice training exercise

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The call came in to the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department. A civilian cargo transport plane had crashed, spewing its contents before bursting into flames...

Virginia Air National Guard Airmen join with Civil Air Patrol in severe weather training exercise

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Airmen with the Virginia Air National Guard's 192nd Intelligence Squadron based in Langley Air Force Base worked with the Civil Air Patrol at Newport News--Williamsburg International Airport during Commonwealth Guardian, a training exercise that used geospatial information technology to provide incident awareness and assessment during a simulated severe weather event...

Idaho National Guard moves out to support wildfire suppression efforts

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 100 Soldiers and Airmen of the Idaho National Guard departed here today to assume their roles in support of firefighting efforts to suppress the Trinity Wildfire...

Hawaii Army National Guard Environmental Office works to eliminate invasive plants on Keaukaha Military Reservation

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Hawaii Army National Guard Environmental Office has teamed up with the University of Hawaii in one of the largest efforts to date to eliminate the invasive miconia plant on Keaukaha Military Reservation near Hilo...

Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers prepare for mission training Jordanian soldiers

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The 181st Field Artillery Battalion, a Tennessee National Guard unit, recently mobilized, trained and deployed to the country of Jordan, to provide infantry and border security trainer mentor assistance to the Jordanian Army...

Guarding New York: Soldiers and Airmen of JTF Empire Shield help protect the Big Apple

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Amid the bustle of commuters and tourists at New York City's Grand Central Terminal, Airman 1st Class Peter Grajewski's camouflage uniform stands out...

California Army, Air Guard aviators engaged in state-wide wildfire fight

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

With more than 210,000 acres of the state devastated from wildfires, California National Guard personnel continue to assist other local, state and federal agencies such as the California Emergency Management Agency and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, in efforts to extinguish the fires...

Colorado Army National Guard Soldiers assist local law enforcement in one of largest marijuana busts in Colorado

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Using a UH-60 helicopter equipped with a hoist and nets, Colorado Army National Guard Soldiers helped the Pueblo County Sheriffa??s Office move an estimated 7,000 to 9,000 marijuana plants -- nearly $15 million in street value -- from two remote areas near Rye, Colo...

Arizona Army National Guard aviators assist with wildfire suppression

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from the Arizona Army National Guarda??s Company A, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment have been assisting the U.S. Forest Service in suppressing the Charley Fire and the Mistake Peak Fire here...

First Army National Guard units selected as security advisor teams begin training, prepare for Afghanistan deployment

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The first Army National Guard units tapped to provide Security Force Assistance Advisor Team support in Afghanistan recently began training at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Miss., in preparation for the deployment...

New USNORTHCOM deputy commander promoted

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Dubie, former adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, and incoming deputy commander of United States Northern Command and vice commander of U.S. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command, was promoted to lieutenant general during a Pentagon ceremony Aug. 14...

ABCA Armies' Program allows U.S., member nation reserve forces to share best practices

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Representatives from the Army National Guard, the Army Reserve, and the armies of Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, recently came together August 6 for the 2012 American, British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand Armiesa?? Program Reserve Information Team Conference...

Virginia Army National Guard engineers bridge the gap with Improved Ribbon Bridge

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from the Virginia Army National Guarda??s 189th Multi-role Bridge Company bridged Whitea??s Lake outside here recently as part of the culminating exercise of two weeks of training. The Soldiers constructed an approximately 120-meter long bridge, called an Improved Ribbon Bridge, consisting of 13 interior bays and two ramp bays during their three-day field training exercise...

California Air National Guard helicopter crews join in California wildfire fight

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Helicopter aircrews from the California Air National Guarda??s 129th Rescue Wing, currently based out of Tehachapi Municipal Airport, Calif., have joined the fight against the Jawbone Complex Fire using two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters to drop almost 60,000 gallons of water on the Kern County fire over the past three days...

Kentucky Army National Guard's 202nd Army Band takes on band duties with TRADOC, Fort Eustis

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The mission of Army bands is to provide music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and to promote our national interests at home and abroad...

Colorado Army National Guard engineers help preserve town, southern Colorado mining history

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Colorado Army National Guarda??s 947th Engineer Company (Horizontal) has been hard at work helping improve the quality of life in the tiny town of Cokedale, Colo., since Aug. 4...

Louisiana Air National Guard Airmen react quickly, save the lives of three boaters

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

It was supposed to be a relaxing day for members of the Louisiana Air National Guarda??s 159th Security Forces Squadron. During down time while taking part in training exercises at Volk Field, Wis., several members of the squadron rented a boat to spend time out on nearby Castle Rock Lake...

Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers fast rope into training

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Artillery simulators, grenades, convoy attacks, casualty evacuations and fast roping from UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were all part of the training that Soldiers of the Kentucky Army National Guarda??s 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment experienced at the Harold L. Disney Training Center outside Barbourville, Ky...

Michigan Air National Guard Airmen refine search and recovery skills

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

With a steady summer rain shower adding to the mood, Airmen from the Michigan Air National Guarda??s 127th Wing here conducted a search and recovery exercise as part of a week-long series of training scenarios to ensure that the 127th Force Support Squadron is prepared to respond to any duty they are called upon to perform...

DC Army National Guard captain brings home gold in international military skills competition

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Capt. Leala McCollum, a pilot with the 121st Medical Company (Air Ambulance), District of Columbia Army National Guard, was a member of a team that won the gold medal in the international category at the NATO Inter-allied Confederation of Reserve Officers' Military Skills Competition, held here...

Alabama Army National Guard medics' evacuation skills honed during Vibrant Response 13

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers with the Alabama Army National Guarda??s129th Area Support Medical Company recently conducted evacuation and ambulance training here as part of Vibrant Response 13, a major field training exercise conducted by U.S. Northern Command and led by U.S. Army North...

U.S. Forest Service requests increase in MAFFS operations

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Increased fire activity in the Western United States has prompted the U.S. Forest Service to call in two additional C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System to resume operations by Tuesday.A Those aircraft will come from the Wyoming Air National Guarda??s 153rd Airlift Wing, in Cheyenne, Wyo...

North Carolina Air National Guard returns to MAFFS mission

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The North Carolina Air National Guarda??s 145th Airlift Wing will return to flying Modular Airborne Fire fighting System Aug. 14, six weeks after four of the unita??s Airmen were killed in a C-130 crash during a fire fighting mission in South Dakota...

Army National Guard announces Best Warrior Competition winners

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Competing amongst themselves and against unfavorable environmental elements here, seven Soldiers and seven noncommissioned officers recently came head-to-head during the Army National Guarda??s Best Warrior Competition, July 30, to contest who was the best of the best...

Florida Air Guard member becomes first Guard F-35 instructor pilot

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

At Eglina??s multi-service, multi-national F-35 Integrated Training Center the integrated concept became even more evident when an Air National Guard member became the Guarda??s first F-35 Lightning II instructor pilot...

Panetta: National Guard, Reserve key to defense strategy

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told the Airmen and Soldiers based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station today their service is critical to the defense strategy...

Alabama Guard member chosen to entertain troops in international "Soldiera??s Show"

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

As a child in Staten Island, N.Y., Army Lt. Daniel Monplaisir, for the Alabama National Guarda??s S-1 for the 731st Combat Service Support Battalion, performed in church plays put on by his parents...

Louisiana Guard welcomes back youth science program

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Louisiana National Guard officially welcomed back the youth science program STARBASE during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Jackson Barracks here, Wednesday...

Internet scam targets Illinois National Guard spouses

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Illinois National Guard has become the target of a recent e-mail scam intended to reach spouses of deployed Guard members and defraud them out of more than $1,000, Illinois Guard officials said Wednesday...

Air Force CSA travel card transitions to GTC

Wed, 8 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The terms and conditions for the Air Forcea??s travel charge card are changing, but Airmen can hang on to their blue cards...

Williams assumes leadership of the Air National Guard Readiness Center

Wed, 8 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air National Guard Readiness Center personnel welcomed a new leader Tuesday at the ANGRC here, as Air Force Brig. Gen. R. Scott Williams assumed command of the ANGRC from Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the director of the ANG...

National Guard expands Midwest, Southwest wildfire support

Tue, 7 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

With an already busy wildfire season under its belt, the National Guard has expanded firefighting efforts in several states throughout the Midwest and Southwest, where they have activated more than 100 personnel and multiple aircraft...

Joint National Guard, Air Force Reserve team takes Gold Medal in NATO competition

Tue, 7 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

A few more Gold medals are coming home to the U.S., but they wona??t all be from the Olympics in London...

Kansas National Guard members demonstrate CBRN skills during Vibrant Response 13 training exercise

Tue, 7 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Kansas Army and Air National Guard members assigned to the 73rd Civil Support Team - Weapons of Mass Destruction - conducted a decontamination training exercise as part of Vibrant Response 13 here, Monday...

North Carolina National Guard medical officer earns top medical leadership award

Tue, 7 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

U.S. Army Medical Command selected Capt. Jacqueline Brinson, a member of North Carolina National Guarda??s 113th Sustainment Brigade, as this yeara??s Army National Guard recipient of the Capt. John R. Teal Leadership Award...

New substance abuse program seeks better outcomes for 'nation's heroes'

Tue, 7 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Though an average civilian substance abuser requires six to seven admissions to a treatment facility before achieving sustained sobriety, a new military addictions program at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital aims to expedite that process and yield better, more long-lasting results...

Illinois National Guard Soldiers help first responders at Megabus crash

Tue, 7 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Fire fighters and police officers throughout the central Illinois town of Litchfield came to aid the victims after a Megabus crash on Aug. 2 that killed one and injured three dozen - among those assisting the first-responders were two Illinois National Guard Soldiers...

Missouri Guard shares homeland response process with Chilean officers

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Senior officers from the Chilean Army recently met with members of the Missouri National Guard for a briefing on homeland response and how to work with nongovernment organizations in times of crisis...

Kentucky Air Guard member earns National Guard Bureau top flight-safety award

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard Bureau has selected a Kentucky Air Guard. Lt. Col. Todd Lally, chief of the 123rd Airlift Wing Safety Office, for the 2011 recipient of the Air National Guard Outstanding Individual for Flight Safety Award, Guard officials said today...

Pennsylvania National Guard and civilian emergency responders train together

Wed, 1 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Pennsylvania Army and Air Guard members of the Chemical Burn Enhanced Response Force Package participated in a weeklong training event at Millersville University and the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center, July 21 to 27...

Ohio Guard members, Marines work jointly to clear rubble, evacuate survivors during Vibrant Response 13

Wed, 1 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

Search and Extraction team members cleared away rubble, pulled survivors to safety and stabilized a building to breach and extract those trapped inside July 27 as part of a major incident exercise...

Air National Guard, Reserve MAFFS-equipped C-130s integral part of wildfire suppression

Wed, 1 Aug 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Air National Guard has been increasingly working alongside the U.S. Forest Service and other emergency responders this summer, in what officials call one of the worst wildfire seasons in the U.S...

DOD, VA release mobile app targeting post-traumatic Stress

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments have released a free Apple and Android smartphone mobile application for use with post-traumatic stress disorder treatment...

Missouri Air Guard Wing 'primed' to host 47th annual Air National Guard softball tournament

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The ball fields are set and citizen-Airmen are primed to arrive here as the final two weeks build up to the Air National Guard's largest team sporting event...

Vibrant Response 13 blasts off with decontamination training

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Senior leaders from the National Guard will host the 2012 Outstanding Soldiers and Airmen of the Year banquet, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. August 24 at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel...

National Guard senior leaders to host Outstanding Soldiers and Airmen of the Year banquet

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Senior leaders from the National Guard will host the 2012 Outstanding Soldiers and Airmen of the Year banquet, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. August 24 at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel...

National Guard's 188th Army Band to Celebrate 125th Anniversary through free concert series

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The North Dakota National Guarda??s 188th Army Band will play a series of free concerts around the state next week to celebrate the banda??s 125th anniversary and will incorporate a piece commissioned specifically for the band...

Louisiana National Guard pins first female general officer

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Louisiana National Guard welcomed its first female general officer during a promotion ceremony at the Jackson Barracks Museum here, July 27...

Guard members attend opening ceremony for NATO Military Reserve Officers' Skills Pentathlon

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

As the 2012 Olympics grand opening ceremony took place Friday night before millions across the world, several Guard members were part lesser known but eagerly awaited, opening ceremony that took place not too far away to a slightly smaller crowd...

New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force provides tools to law enforcement

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The New York National Guard's Counterdrug Task Force provides specialized tools to law enforcement combating drug trafficking, including the Rapiscan system - a truck mounted x-ray - which enables law enforcement agencies to search for hidden drug compartments in seized vehicles...

Ohio, Tennessee National Guard Civil Support Teams kick off Vibrant Response 13

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

After a simulated 10-kiloton nuclear detonation in a major Midwestern city, specialized teams of Guard members from Tennessee and Ohio began clearing routes and monitoring radiation, July 26, in advance of federal response forces...

Chief, vice chief of National Guard Bureau confirmed

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

This evening, the U.S. Senate confirmed Army Lt. Gen. Frank Grass as the next chief of the National Guard Bureau and Air Force Maj. Gen. Joseph Lengyel as vice chief...

Colorado Air National Guard's 140th Medical Group kicks off Operation CoCare

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Colorado Air National Guard's 140th Medical Group kicked off a five-day health fair, better known as Operation CoCare, with an opening ceremony at the Ute Mountain Recreation Center in southwest Colorado July 24...

South Carolina National Guard, Colombia become newest SPP partners

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Colombian Vice-minister of Defense Jorge Enrique Bedoya signed a partnership proclamation Monday formally establishing a bilateral relationship between South Carolina and the Republic of Colombia as part of the National Guard Bureaua??s State Partnership Program...

Washington Air National Guard opens doors to STARBASE

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Washington Air National Guard officially opened the Evergreen Starbase program at a ribbon-cutting ceremony here July 20 on McChord Field. The Washington Air National Guard was chosen to host a STARBASE program and named their chapter, "Evergreen Starbase."..

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve announces 2012 Freedom Award recipients

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency within the Defense Department, announced the 15 public and private-sector employers who will receive the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award...

California Army National Guard unit teams up with civilian counterparts for EOD training

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

With a temperature steadily rising above 100 degrees, members of the 217th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company scurried for cover behind a Humvee, anticipating the fiery explosion and thunderous a??booma?? as their faces dripped with sweat...

Air National Guard takes part in working group analyzing electronic warfare measures

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Approximately 50 combat operations experts met at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base here recently for a working group on air mobility tactics to analyze and report on current air and air defense operations across the globe...

Indiana National Guard trains on medical operations, advanced life support during exercise Patriot 2012

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Indiana National Guarda??s 19th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package conducted hands-on, life-saving medical training recently at Fort McCoy, Wis., during the fourth annual Patriot training exercise...

South Dakota Army National Guard works to suppress Myrtle wildfire

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The South Dakota Army National Guard, along with approximately 300 local firefighter personnel, have been working to contain and suppress the 7,000-acre Myrtle fire, located approximately one mile east of Pringle, S.D.while protecting life, property, and natural resources...

Illinois Army National Guard truck drivers keep supplies, personnel moving

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

With approximately 3,400 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers training at Camp Ripley Minn. this month, keeping supplies and equipment moving is not only part of the training, but it is a critical element to sustaining that training...

More than 130 Air National Guard staff and technical sergeants gather for workshop on how to be great senior leaders

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Like a linchpin, the little fastener used to prevent a wheel from sliding off the axle, staff and technical sergeants may not be well-known, but they are indispensable. They are the middle ranks of the Air Forcea??s enlisted rank structure, essential building blocks of the enlisted force and are often the technical experts...

Kentucky National Guard boasts first net-zero site, produces more energy than used

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Nestled in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, an array of blue, glass-like panel-covered buildings sparkle in the afternoon sun, and the more the sun shines down on them, the greater the benefit because these panels harness the power of the sun and produce electricity for the Kentucky National Guarda??s Harold L. Disney Training Center...

New York Air Guard unit to be renamed to reflect current mission

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The New York Air National Guard's 174th Fighter Wing will become the 174th Attack Wing, Sept. 9, 2012...

Lt. Gen. Frank Grass: National Guard serves as vital defense partner

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Senate Armed Services Committee today heard testimony from Army Lt. Gen. Frank J. Grass, whoa??s been nominated by the president for promotion to full general and to become the new chief of the National Guard Bureau...

California Air Guard members participate in largest Rim of the Pacific exercise

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcons from the California Air National Guarda??s 144th Fighter Wing, have begun to rip across the blue Hawaiian skies as more than 25,000 U.S. and foreign military service members participate in the 2012 Rim of the Pacific exercise...

South Dakota National Guard's 82nd Civil Support Team awarded Superior Unit Award

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The South Dakota Army National Guarda??s 82nd Civil Support Team at Ellsworth Air Force Base recently became the first civil support team in the nation to receive the National Guard Bureaua??s Superior Unit Award...

Guard's State Partnership Program praised by principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Building partnership capacity is one of the least understood facets of the new defense strategy, and one in which the National Guard has taken the lead, a senior Defense Department official said here July 17...

Missouri Army Guard unit prepped for deployment by Division West aviation brigade

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Before the Missouri Army National Guarda??s 35th Combat Aviation Brigade deploys to Kuwait this month, they will complete a 10-day final training program coordinated by Division Westa??s 166th Aviation Brigade at the aviation simulation center here...

Texas Army Guard retires Army's last A-model AH-64 Apache helicopter

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

It was a proud, historic and emotional moment for the Soldiers of the Texas Army National Guarda??s 1st Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment (Attack/Reconnaissance) as the last AH-64A Apache helicopter, aircraft 451, was a??retireda?? from the Army and handed over to the Project Office for Apache Helicopters during a ceremony on Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, July 15. The event was hosted by the battalion as it was the unit that had the last A-model Apache in its fleet...

After six decades final respects rendered for namesake of Volk Field Air National Guard Base

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 60 years after Air Force 1st Lt. Jerome Volk's F-80 Shooting Star fighter jet went down over the skies of North Korea, service members at the Wisconsin Air National Guard base bearing his name held a formal memorial ceremony for his family and guests...

South Carolina Army Guard aviation unit delivers a piece of history to military museum

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from the South Carolina Army National Guarda??s B Company, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment took part in unique training in preparation for an upcoming deployment while at the same time giving an old bird one more chance to soar...

California National Guard assists with battle against Robbers wildfire

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The California Army National Guard has been working with local and state first responders to suppress wildfires in the Placer County area...

Remembering MAFFS 7: Memorial service held for crew killed in C-130 crash while fighting South Dakota wildfire

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Airmen gathered here Tuesday, joined by Air Force Gen. Raymond Johns, USAF Air Mobility commander, who led support by military leaders and Family, friends service members and community leaders and supporters gathered here to remember four airmen of the North Carolina Air National Guarda??s 145th Airlift Wing who died when a modular airborne firefighting system equipped C-130 crashed July 1 while fighting a woodland fire in southwestern South Dakota...

Ohio Army Guard engineers wire buildings at Camp Ravenna

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from the Ohio Army National Guarda??s 1194th Engineer Company are taking advantage of a need and turning it into a training opportunity by installing electrical fixtures in five buildings here. When the mission is complete, these buildings will have a variety of uses to include classrooms and offices at the training site...

Air Force initiates voluntary loadmaster recall

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard loadmasters may be eligible to apply for a limited period recall to extended active duty, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced...

Army National Guard Soldiers take part in Operation Golden Cargo, move ammunition thousands of miles

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from the Army National Guard took to the road recently with other troops from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps Reserves as part of Operation Golden Cargo, a logistics operation designed to move ammunition to military installations throughout the United States...

Wisconsin Army National Guard unit hones skills with rocket artillery system

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers with the Wisconsin Army National Guarda??s 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery Regiment recently fired several fire missions here while training on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, honing their skills as elements of the battalion prepare for an upcoming deployment...

Logistics award honors legacy of former Kentucky Air National Guard command chief

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The inaugural presentation of the Chief Master Sergeant Tommy Downs Award for Excellence was presented to Senior Airman Nathan Rogers of the Wisconsin Air National Guard as the top graduate of the 2012 Logistics Readiness University during a ceremony in Savannah, Ga...

Kentucky Army National Guard maintenance unit transitions to new role, takes on broader mission set

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers with the Kentucky Army National Guarda??s 307th Component Repair Company recently trained at the National Maintenance Training Center here as they transition from a component repair mission to a sustainment maintenance level mission, overseeing and performing a broader array of maintenance tasks...

Ohio National Guard engineer unit learns the ropes to of urban search and rescue, trains for Homeland Response Force mission

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 50 members of the Camp Sherman, Ohio, based 1194th Engineer Company, which includes Soldiers who are carpenters, plumbers and electricians, have been training to take on the role of the Search and Extraction Team as part of the Ohio National Guarda??s Homeland Response Force...

Arizona Air Guard, Japanese airmen team up for post-tsunami fighter training

Mon, 9 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Arizona Army National Guard members got a taste of traditional tribal life in a ceremonial Gourd Dance performed by dozens of Native American Indian dancers at the parade field here, recently...

Arizona Army National Guard hosts, takes part in Native American Gourd Ceremony

Mon, 9 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Arizona Army National Guard members got a taste of traditional tribal life in a ceremonial Gourd Dance performed by dozens of Native American Indian dancers at the parade field here, recently...

Panther Strike exercise evolves, challenges MI Soldiers taking part

Mon, 9 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Panther Strike, a military intelligence training exercise that began more than a decade ago as a battalion-sized exercise, has evolved since then into a an event with close to 700 military intelligence soldiers, trainers and professionals participating from 14 states, Guam, Canada, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand, making it one of the largest exercise of its kind in the U.S...

West Virginia National Guard continues storm relief operations

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Approximately 560 members of the West Virginia National Guard are working exclusively on efforts related to helping the residents of West Virginia recover from severe storms that impacted the state last week. That number is expected to exceed 600 by tomorrow morning...

Colorado National Guard augments local law enforcement in areas affected by wildfires

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers and Airmen from the Colorado Army and Air National Guard have been working with local law enforcement officials in areas that have been affected by wildfires that in some areas of the state continue to burn...

Commander of Air Force Special Operations presents Purple Heart, Bronze Stars to Kentucky Air Guardsmen

Thu, 5 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Afghan countryside is an unforgiving place for American troops, with the kinds of unknown threats and hidden dangers that can turn a routine patrol into a bloody fight for survival...

National Guard mourns loss of four Airmen

Tue, 3 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The 145th Airlift Wing of the North Carolina Air National Guard is mourning the loss of four Air National Guard Airmen, and the serious injury of two others, after their C-130 Hercules crashed in southwestern South Dakota approximately 6:30 p.m. Mountain time July 1...

Wyoming Army Guard helicopter rescue crews create very real training environment

Tue, 3 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Flying a mission of mercy is what Army Chief Warrant Officer Michael Reisig said he loves about his job as a medical evacuation helicopter pilot for the Wyoming Army National Guard...

UPDATE: C-130 Crews Resume Firefighting Operations

Mon, 2 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

The military's C-130 Modular Airborne Fire-Fighting System fleet will resume operations today to support the National Interagency Fire Center and its firefighters battling wildfires in several states, U.S. Northern Command officials said...

National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen respond to severe weather damage, flooding and wildfires across the U.S.

Mon, 2 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen of the Army and Air National Guard are currently responding to damage left behind by severe weather and continual wildfires in several states across the U.S. today...

New York Air National Guard wins two operational excellence awards

Mon, 2 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Eastern Air Defense Sector personnel have won two prestigious Air National Guard operational excellence awards...

Air National Guard firefighting C-130s shifted from Colorado to Wyoming, battle wildfires in South Dakota, Wyoming

Mon, 2 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air crews flying the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules military aircraft presently operating out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to combat wildfires in Colorado and other western states will begin operating out of the Wyoming Air National Guard's base in Cheyenne...

124th Air Support Operations Squadron trains in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest

Mon, 2 Jul 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Idaho Air National Guard's 124th Air Support Operations Squadron participated in Mountain Fury II, an intense, rugged outdoor training exercise held throughout the Sawtooth National Forest, to prepare for potential future deployments...

Two Missouri Air National Guard pilots surpass 1000 flying hours in B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, join group of 31 pilots to do so

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Maj. Geoffrey Billingsley took off on an ordinary B-2 training mission June 13. Exactly two weeks later, Lt. Col. Dave Thompson took off on another B-2 training mission. Both assigned to the Missouri Air National Guarda??s 131st Bomb Wing, their normal missions turned extraordinary when on these flights they each surpassed 1000 flying hours in the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber...

Colorado Army National Guard aircrew assists in suppressing Waldo Canyon wildfire

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers with the Colorado Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment have joined firefighting efforts at the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs, Colo...

Colorado Army National Guard aircrew assists in Waldo Canyon fire relief efforts

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

A heavy smell of smoke and a thick haze greeted members of the 731st Expeditionary Air Squadron as they arrived on the flightline during the early morning June 27 here to prepare the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130s for another day of aerial fire-fighting. The day before saw significant MAFFS activity as the four C-130s, two from the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing and two from the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing dropped 65,000 gallons of Phos-Chek fire retardant in the Rocky Mountain region...

Securing the perimeter: Colorado National Guard Soldiers, Airmen secure the area around the High Park wildfire

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

While civilian and military firefighters and aviation crews fight the High Park fire from land and air, nearly a hundred Colorado Army National Guard military police and Air National Guard security forces are manning checkpoints around the perimeter of the affected area...

West Virginia Army National Guard Special Forces unit hones its skills in training

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from the West Virginia Army National Guarda??s 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, recently wrapped up training at Camp Atterbury where they conducted specialized training around the installation including airborne operations, convoy operations, and reacting to improvised explosive devices...

Illinois National Guard hosts First Lady as Illinois governor signs bill allowing military families to expedite transfer of professional licenses

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois National Guard hosted First Lady Michelle Obama at an historic bill-signing at the Calumet armory in Chicago on June 26. The governor a?? flanked by the first lady and Army Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti, acting adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard a?? signed into Illinois law the "Military Family Licensing Act"...

Kentucky Army National Guard engineers join forces for new construction at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers with the Kentucky Army National Guarda??s 206th and 201st Engineer Battalions, joined forces to build living quarters, an access road and started preliminary work on a landing strip at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, Ky...

Army National Guard aviators from four states work to battle Colorado wildfires from the air

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Maneuvering through the woods of Fort A.P. Hill, Va. and Camp Dawson, W.V. during their recent two-week annual training, the Maryland Army National Guard embedded a handful of members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina in an effort to further enhance their ability to work together...

Outflanking the flames: Soldiers, first responders continue integrated fight against High Park fire

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from the Colorado Army National Guard's 1157th Engineer Firefighter Company have been engaging in the attack against the High Park Fire near here, the first time the unit has been called to support a domestic emergency...

The importance of maintaining trust: Civil-Military Relations and the Profession of Arms

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

I talk about the importance of a??trusta?? at every opportunity. Trust is the cornerstone of our profession. It binds us with those we serve-the American people and the elected officials who represent them. This trust relationship cannot be taken for granted. We must continually earn and re-earn it every day...

STARBASE Wisconsin seeks to build on early success

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Two months after the first class of Milwaukee fifth-grade students entered the newly formed STARBASE Wisconsina??a Department of Defense funded hands-on education initiative that focuses on science, technology, engineering and matha??officials from the program said the results are exceeding their expectations...

Wyoming Air National Guard aerial firefighting unit activated to assist in Rocky Mountain area

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Wyoming Air National Guarda??s 153rd Airlift Wing has been called in by the U.S. Forest Service to assist with the response to the High Park wildfire near Colorado Springs, Colo...

Commander-in-chief of Canada honors retired Army Gen. Raymond Carpenter with Canadian Meritorious Service Medal

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Retired Army Maj. Gen. Raymond Carpenter, the former acting director of the Army National Guard, was invited by the governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada to an award ceremony at Rideau Hall June 22 in Ottawa, Ont., where Carpenter was awarded the Canadian Meritorious Service Medal...

Study presented at suicide prevention conference offers glimpse into suicide motives

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Why? What makes people attempt suicide? Ita??s a vital question, as the answer could help mental health professionals and even friends and family better recognize when they need to step in to help to save a life...

South Dakota Guard member saves child's life, awarded Medal of Valor

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Army Maj. Jason Kettwig, a Soldier with the South Dakota National Guard, was awarded the South Dakota Medal of Valor June 15 for the act of heroism he displayed while saving a young childa??s life...

Soldier returns home to deliver humanitarian aid as part of exercise Golden Coyote

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

When Sgt. Marcus Martin joined the South Dakota Army National Guard, he knew he was signing up to support his state and nation. What he didna??t know at the time, was that he would one day provide support to his hometown community of Wanblee...

Louisville area youth learn about military aviation from the Kentucky Air National Guard

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 50 Louisville-area youth spent June 15 visiting the 123rd Airlift Wing to learn about career opportunities in military aviation and the Kentucky National Guard...

Air Force Maj. Gen. Joseph Lengyel nominated as vice chief, National Guard Bureau

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

President Obama has nominated the senior U.S. defense official in Egypt as vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced Monday...

Arizona National Guard members teach power of choice to local middle schoolers

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Arizona National Guard's Civil Operations Team conducted a camp for 45 students from Marc T. Atkinson Middle School from the Phoenix School District, here recently...

Kentucky Army National Guard artillery unit recognized as the best Army Guard artillery unit second year in a row

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

For the second consecutive year the Kentucky Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery Regiment has been awarded the Alexander Hamilton Award, which recognizes and highlights excellence in Army National Guard artillery units and marks the battalion as the best of the best...

Army National Guard Soldiers train with Denmark soldiers at exercise Golden Coyote

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from Arizona Army National Guard recently teamed up with Danish army soldiers from the Danish Home Guard to refine first-aid skills as part of the South Dakota National Guard's Golden Coyote training exercise in the Black Hills of South Dakota...

Indiana National Guard takes part Bold Quest 12-1, tests digital communication technologies to reduce fratricide incidents and enhance combat effectiveness

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Indiana Army and Air National Guard members have been taking part in Bold Quest 12-1, a two-week air combat assessment exercise that focuses on testing digitally aided close air support technologies to reduce friendly fire incidents, enhance combat effectiveness, and increase situational awareness on the battlefield...

Colorado National Guard provides security during High Park wildfire as response to the blaze continues

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

When the wild blaze of Colorado's High Park fire began to exhaust local resources, units from the Colorado National Guard stepped in at the request of local and state officials to supplement firefighting and support elements on the ground battling the blaze, allowing civilian responders a greater focus of efforts, said Colorado Guard officials...

Alaska Army National Guard aviation unit trains on wildfire response

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Alaska Army National Guard aviators conducted wildfire response training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Arctic Valley in Anchorage June 9-10...

Arizona Army National Guard military police, Navy medical teams train together at exercise Golden Coyote

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers with the Arizona Army National Guard's 856th Military Police Company and Sailors from the Navy Reserve's Expeditionary Medical Facility Dallas-One teamed up in the Black Hills region of South Dakota June 12 to train on convoy operations and reacting to roadside bombs as part of training exercise Golden Coyote...

South Carolina Air National Guard pilot realizes childhood dream to fly fighter jets

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Becoming a fighter pilot was Air Force 1st Lt. Andrew a??Snappera?? Lehmana??s childhood dream. He started flying at the age of 17 and has worked hard ever since to make that dream count...

New York Army National Guard engineers transform section of Erie Canal into park and trail area

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

A quarter mile of the 19th century Erie Canal in this old textile city north of Albany is being turned into a town park and walking path thanks to members of the New York Army National Guard's 204th Engineer Battalion...

South Dakota National Guard kicks off international exercise Golden Coyote

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

The South Dakota National Guard's 28th annual Golden Coyote training exercise is underway in Rapid City and the southern Black Hills, with more than 2,200 service members participating from across the country and the world...

Exercise Makani Pahili tests Hawaii's hurricane preparedness

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

A Category 4 hurricane with winds exceeding 135 miles per hour and a storm surge of 15 feet swept through the Hawaiian Islands last week causing millions of dollars worth of damage and displaced thousands of residents across the state. Fortunately, this was only a scenario that emergency responders in Hawaii hope will never happen, but officials want to be as prepared as possible...

Panetta Calls for Leadership on Suicide Prevention

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, in an internal memo written last month, addressed the issue of military suicides, calling it one of the most complex and urgent problems facing the department, a Pentagon spokesman said June 8...

Wildfires: Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming National Guards battling wildfires

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

National Guard units are currently battling wildfires in parts of Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, deploying approximately 180 Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen on State Active Duty to assist local civilian first responders...

South Dakota Army National Guard assists in hiker rescue in Badlands National Park

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers with the South Dakota Army National Guard assisted the National Park Service in the rescue of an injured hiker in Badlands National Park, near Interior, S.D., Thursday, June 7...

Arizona Army National Guard aviators prepare for fire season

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

The thumping drone of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters is heard long before the helicopters are seen. A versatile aircraft, it routinely carries troops, cargo or in another role, firefighting equipment. With huge buckets dangling below the helicopter, the aviators come in, one-by-one, dropping hundreds of gallons of water on areas of flame...

Exercise Kontra I Piligru tests Guam National Guard's maritime response

Thu, 7 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Members of the Guam National Guard recently participated in a two-day Kontra I Piligru, a two-day training exercise that tested the abilities of local first responders and the Guam Guard...

North Dakota Army National Guard engineers restore critical footbridge in N.D. town

Thu, 7 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

For the past two years, visitors to this tiny southeastern North Dakota town have asked about the walking bridge theya??ve heard so much about...

Humanitarian aid bound for Haiti, delivered by Kentucky Air National Guard

Thu, 7 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

When members of the Kentucky Air National Guarda??s 123rd Airlift Wing deployed to the Dominican Republic in 2010 following the earthquake that struck neighboring Haiti, they established a critical airlift hub that delivered more than 600 tons of food and medical supplies to Haitian citizens...

Army Guard unit among first Army-wide to receive updated battle tanks

Wed, 6 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers from the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Teama??made up of units from the Oregon, Idaho and Montana Army National Guarda?? are the first Army Guard unit, and among the first Army-wide, to receive some of the Armya??s most up-to-date fighting vehicles...

Two Missouri Air National Guard members save lives in two separate incidents

Wed, 6 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Two Missouri Air National Guard members recently saved the lives of fellow citizens in two separate incidents throughout the state - one involving a motor vehicle accident, the other preventing an apparent suicide attempt...

Army National Guard duo set to test limits of human potential

Wed, 6 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

You may die. These three words give potential competitors a first impression of what they can expect from what many consider to be the toughest obstacle and endurance race on the planet a?? the Spartan Death Race...

National Guard Bureau Homeland Security Institute hosts executive seminar at Harvard University

Tue, 5 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

The National Guard Bureau Homeland Security Institute, in cooperation with Harvard University's JFK School of Government, recently hosted the second annual General and Flag Officer Homeland Security Executive Seminar, here...

Vermont National Guard members help wounded bicyclist on way home from serving as Honor Guard

Tue, 5 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Vermont Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Darren Adams and Airman 1st Class Megan Robitaille were on their way back from Honor Guard detail in Bennington May 7, when Robitaille, who was familiar with the area, suggested they use a slightly off-beat road to save time on the trip home...

South Dakota Air Guard receives national Excellence in Diversity Award

Tue, 5 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

The South Dakota Air National Guard was announced here, May 24, as the recipient of the 2011 National Guard Bureau Excellence in Diversity Award - which is given to one Air National Guard wing each year by NGB to recognize a unit's outstanding promotion of programs that support a diverse workforce...

Vermont Air National Guard tests flight line equipment to make a greener Air Force

Mon, 4 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Some jobs are louder and dirtier than others, but ita??s the new technology being tested here at the 158th Maintenance Group that will improve job efficiency, learning, and health...

New York Air National Guard Wing trains MQ-9 pilots and sensor operators for entire Air Force

Mon, 4 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

The MQ-9 Reaper flight training school at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base has graduated its first series of active duty Air Force MQ-9 operators since the program was established in November 2011...

Leaders: Make diversity part of National Guarda??s DNA

Mon, 4 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Two officers who met each other eight years ago at the U.S. Army Engineer Officer Basic Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. have finally crossed paths once again, this time in Honduras...

Two officers reunite eight years after meeting at Officer Basic Course

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

Two officers who met each other eight years ago at the U.S. Army Engineer Officer Basic Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. have finally crossed paths once again, this time in Honduras...

Site gives National Guard, Reserve Soldiers easier access to legal assistance

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

National Guard and Reserve Soldiers have deployed almost as often as the active duty Soldiers since theater operations began in Iraq and Afghanistan over 10 years ago. As Citizen-Soldiers and Reservists continue to engage in all corners of the globe, readiness remains a critical concern...

Air Force personnel services website renamed to myPers

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 11:52:00 EST

The Air Force Personnel Services website is now known as myPers and has a new address...

California Air Guard Airmen break language barrier during rescue mission

Thu, 31 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Air Force Senior Airman Yaohui Chen serves in the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing as a military pay technician, which means his job is usually in a seat at a desk. But when he received a call one morning from his supervisor, he never expected where it would lead him next...

Kentucky National Guard's CERFP shatters records during evaluation

Thu, 31 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Soldiers and Airmen assigned to the Kentucky National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package can call themselves among the nation's best after an evaluation May 24 at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, Ind...

Afghanistan: New Mexico Army National Guard MEDEVAC crew puts service before self to rescue wounded Marine

Wed, 30 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

In the midst of combat, acts of valor and bravery are sometimes performed so often they can sometimes be overlooked. This was almost the case with the story of the Soldiers from the New Mexico Army National Guarda??s C Company, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment who rescued Marine Lance Cpl. Winder Perez...

Seven Army National Guard Soldiers honored with MacArthur Leadership Award

Tue, 29 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Seven Soldiers from the Army National Guard were among the 27 recipients of the 2011 General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during a ceremony at the Pentagon Auditorium May 24...

Wisconsin Guard medics train as they fight

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

The group of six combat medics entered the village shortly after a reconnaissance team, looking for suitable locations to establish a clinic for humanitarian operations - their security briefing warned that, even though the village was reported to be secure, roadside bombs and snipers remained a threat...

Illinois Guard Soldier receives award from Polish President

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Illinois Army National Guard Lt. Col. Drew Dukett, commander of the 108th Sustainment Brigade, was awarded Poland's Officer Cross of the Order of Merit by Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski during an award ceremony May 20 at the Marseilles Training Center here...

McKinley: National Guard serves bravely at home, abroad

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Six hundred ninety-three: Thata??s how many brave, selfless National Guardsmen and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11 to ensure others a chance to enjoy freedom. Memorial Day is once again upon us, and it is important to reflect upon and honor those who have served in defense of our nation...

Air Guard's first F-35 Lightning II pilots ready to take flight, make history

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

When military aviators of the future look back at the beginnings of the F-35 Lightning II program, they may see the names of two Florida National Guard pilots listed among the first to fly the Air Force's fifth-generation fighter jet...

Illinois Guard members awarded Silver Star from Dempsey, others also recognized

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn joined Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, May 19, and Army Maj. General William Enyart, the adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard, to honor Illinois National Guard members Army Sgt. First Class Ryan Ahern and Army Capt. Tom Bozzay with Silver Stars for valor...

Georgia Guard members embark on humanitarian mission as part of Joint Enabling Capabilities Command

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

Seven members of the Joint Communications Support Element, a subordinate command of the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, embarked May 1 on the USNS Mercy to begin a four-and-a-half month deployment supporting Operation Pacific Partnership 2012...

Wyoming Air National Guard participates in first-of-its-kind state exercise

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:52:00 EST

In a first for the state of Wyoming, Air National Guard members of the 153rd Airlift Wing participated in a Strategic National Stockpile exercise named Prairie Eagle May 14, 2012, delivering simulated vaccines via a C-130 Hercules in conjunction with the Wyoming Department of Health...

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 servicea??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 a?? soldiers of the Canadian Land Force Command a?? 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 pilota??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 Guarda??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 a??Chiefa??s 50a?? 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 Guarda??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

a??Ready? Take a step and as fast as you can explode! Go! a??Howa??s that?a?? Great job.a??..

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 cafA(C) 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 Guarda??s Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center...

Montana Air Guard unita??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 Guarda??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 a?? 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 Pentagona??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 a?? 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 a?? 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 Guarda??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 Guarda??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 nationa??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 Guarda??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 a??Stop Lossa?? 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 wasna??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 summera??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. Patricka??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 a??Tapsa??

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

The rendering of a??Tapsa?? 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 a??shine a spotlighta?? 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 Armya??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 boysa?? voices are heard in unison yelling the word a??challengea?? 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 Guarda??s 188th Army Band were honored as among the Armya??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?? 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, a??To err is human.a?? For young people, errors can have a detrimental impact on the rest of their life. However, Pope also said, a??To forgive is divine.a?? Here in Hawaii, first time juvenile status offenders are given a chance at redemption through the Hawaii National Guard Counterdrug Programa??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 a?? 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 a?? 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 a?| I've ever seen"

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 11:52:00 EST

More than 700 National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and a??Airmen were supporting civilian authorities in four states recovering from tornadoes and floods this morning a??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 a?? 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

Inhalea?|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 A?a??" more than 10,500 A?a??" 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 a?? 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 a?? 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 a?? 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 a?? 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?? a Department of Defense initiative to help Afghanistan and Iraq stand up their own ministries a?? 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 a?? 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 a?? 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 a?? 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 a?? and for only the second time in history a?? 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 a?? or who knew only someone that was directly affected a?? 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 a?? 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 a??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 a?? 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 a?? bringing smiles to their faces a?? 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 a?? 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 a?? like the challenge of exploration itself a?? 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 a?? 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 a?? 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 a?? the ARNG's largest resilience training event to date a?? 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 BattalionA? 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 a?? 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?? 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 a?? including 35 members of the Alaska Air National Guard a?? 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...