Innovation to keep

"Innovation is the fuel that drives readiness. It’s the difference between reacting to a threat and anticipating it. It’s the ability to turn a drone into a force multiplier, to harness artificial intelligence for real-time decision-making, or to transform a young Guardsman’s “back-of-the-napkin” idea into a solution that makes us a more lethal force."
- General Steven S. Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau

174th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard

The AATC, partnering with the 174th ATKW and 556th TES, demonstrated innovation by successfully testing an upgraded SATCOM system for the MQ-9 Reaper, significantly enhancing its global ISR capabilities and operational range. Read more about innovation

141st Air Refueling Wing, Washington Air National Guard

The 141st Air Refueling Wing innovatively achieved a historic first by successfully refueling a Russian-made SU-30MKM, adapting equipment and procedures to overcome the challenges of an unfamiliar aircraft type. Read more about innovation

Exercise Norther Strike

The Kelly Johnson Joint All-Domain Innovation Center develops and tests new technologies, such as drones and advanced communication systems, through realistic exercises to enhance warfighting capabilities for all branches of the military. Read more about innovation

Lines of Effort:

1. NGB Integration into DoD Innovation Ecosystem/Governance. Continuous interaction between key DoD and OSD agencies allows NGB to position and leverage its unique capabilities to enhance DoD Innovation processes and simultaneously posture NGB Innovation to support the warfighter.

2. Enable States and NGB to identify gaps & provide advice to support Innovation efforts. J84I acts as the gateway bringing innovative ideas & solutions up from the states to NGB & convey CNGB’s initiatives for innovation to the states.

3. Partnering and fostering relationships with Academia, Industry and external partners. J84I is positioned to facilitate relationships and information sharing across industry, academia, and other external partners through technology, academic, and venture conferences and summits.

Do you have an Innovation Idea, submit here: Joint Capabilities Assessment and Development Process

Innovation

Mission: The NGB J84 mission is to accelerate the adoption of innovative and emerging technology to improve readiness of personnel across the 54, support the warfighter, enhance Department of Defense relationships, and to foster imagination and critical thinking across the Guard.

National Guard Innovation Competition 2020 Videos

“NG Innovators are confident that their solutions to the warfighter’s problems have full support from concept to implementation.”

NGB Innovation Office Vision Statement

What We Do

Advocate, promote, and support innovation across the National Guard, channeling the talents of the NG force toward positive change for the enterprise while expanding the capacity and capability of the NG to support the Total Force.

How We Do It

Who Helps Us Do It

DoD governance forums
NGB Innovation Ecosystem members
Private industry
Academia
Joint Forces Headquarters
Functional Area Subject Matter Experts

“The cumulative brilliance of our NG Innovators enables us to meet operational challenges at the point of need and improve the organization.”

Mr. Keith E. Buchholz, NGB Comptroller

Innovation Links

Branch Chief: Lt Col Cristi Campbell

Deputy Branch Chief: Maj Francisco Jimenez

Innovation Programmer: Youssef Mabrouk