Innovation - Page 2

“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

National Guard Innovation Success

Army National Guard Fast-Tracks Resilient Microgrids with $14.7M APFIT Award

The National Guard Bureau (NGB) has secured a $14.72 million award to field the Forward Operations Resilient Grid & Energy Environment (FORGE) system led by NGB’s Innovation Branch in partnership with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) and Resilient Energy & Infrastructure (REI) serving as the primary industry performer. Read more about microgrids

AATC Delivers Rapid KC-135 Modernization During Indo-Pacific Exercise

The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center, or AATC, demonstrated how warfighter-driven innovation rapidly transforms proven platforms into next-generation weapons systems during recent testing of advanced data systems aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker during Resolute Force Pacific 25 in the Indo-Pacific region, delivering critical Agile Combat Employment operations in contested environments. Read more about innovation

104th Fighter Wing Embraces Innovation With 3D Printing Capabilities

The 104th Fighter Wing is boosting efficiency and saving money by utilizing 3D printing to create custom tools and parts – like ammo containers and targeting pod cradles – that improve operations, enhance safety, and solve existing problems. Learn more

NGB Chief: Guard Seeks Reform, Innovation, Increased Lethality

In this era of complexity and uncertainty, innovation is not just an option for the National Guard — it's a necessity, Air Force Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, the National Guard Bureau chief, told the McAleese Defense Programs Conference last week in Washington, D.C. Read more about innovation

207th Aviation Troop Commmand, AKNG

Alaska Army National Guard Maj. Titus Rund spearheaded innovation by designing the Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) Ecosystem, a revolutionary casualty care system that creates a "bubble of warmth" to improve survival rates in extreme cold environments. Learn more

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

Training at Northern Strike Continues Pursuit of Innovation Excellence

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

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

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.

Latest Innovation News

California Guard Innovation Center Hosts Drone Training
April 21, 2026 — MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. – The California National Guard’s Hap Arnold Innovation Center...

Indiana Guard Innovation Accelerates Timeline for Combat Attack System
April 3, 2026 — INDIANAPOLIS – In an unprecedented demonstration of rapid innovation, the Indiana National Guard...

Air National Guard Integrates New Communication Technology to Aid Rescue Missions
March 17, 2026 — ARLINGTON, Va. – The Air National Guard recently secured $22 million in federal funding to field a...

Massachusetts Guardsman Invents Portable Cyber Training, Development Platform
February 26, 2026 — OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. – Senior Master Sgt. Taylor Gow saw a gap in cyber readiness and...

Oregon Guardsman Innovates to Maintain Jets
February 24, 2026 — PORTLAND, Ore. – Staff Sgt. Kenneth Fritz, an avionics integrated systems technician at the 142nd...

Pennsylvania Guard Team Wins Innovation Category at Army Drone Competition
February 23, 2026 — FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – A team of Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers from the 28th Infantry...

Pennsylvania Guard Shapes Army’s Unmanned Aircraft Capabilities
January 30, 2026 — FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Two Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers supported an unmanned aircraft...

Oregon Guard Innovation Becomes Army-Wide Standard for Medevac Operations
January 22, 2026 — SALEM, Ore. – An innovation born from operational necessity on the flight line in Salem has become...

Connecticut National Guard Teams Drive Innovation
January 12, 2026 — HARTFORD, Conn. – Three teams of Connecticut National Guard service members presented ideas on how...

New Hampshire Air Guard to Spearhead KC-46A Modernization with New Test Force
September 8, 2025 — PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. – The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center,...

Innovation Resources

Announcements

Events

26 AUG: 1st Annual Best Drone Competition, Alabama
27 AUG: OUSW T-REX 26-3
10 SEPT: NDIA Emerging Technology Conference
14-16 SEPT: Game of Drones, Hap Arnold Innovation Center
22 SEPT: Pentagon Technology Expo
10-14 OCT: AUSA
05-13 NOV: DARPA TRIAGE Challenge

Branch Chief: Lt Col Cristi Campbell

Team Lead: Ms. Chierren Denman

Innovation Analyst – Strategic Engagements (Academic and Industry): Ms. Katie Hudak

Innovation Analyst – Information Management (Power BI): Mr. Yusuf Alkhal