Innovation

“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

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

163d innovators nominated for top Air Force honors
September 10, 2020 — MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. – The Hap Arnold Innovation Center (HAIC) of the California Air... MORE

The Air Force nomination of the 163d Attack Wing's Hap Arnold Innovation Center (HAIC) recognizes, among other criteria, "replication of the innovation across the Air Force enterprise." Here, left to right, Alion program manager Doug Witherspoon, HAIC director Maj. Jason Flowers, and senior adviser to the director Lt. Col. Michael Baird share best practices with Lt. Col. Kevin Dacy and Col. Ryan Ayers, part of an MQ-9 Reaper team from the 119th Wing in Fargo, North Dakota, that visited the center in December 2019.

156th Comm. Flight Airmen create innovative software
August 25, 2020 — CAROLINA, Puerto Rico – Two Puerto Rico Air National Guard Airmen used a college capstone project to... MORE

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Luis Vega and Senior Airman Carlos Lopez, cybersecurity managers with the 156th Communications Flight, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, run software programs from a workstation at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, July 7, 2020.

Texas Guard launches innovation unit
July 21, 2020 — AUSTIN, Texas – After over a year of preparation, the Texas Guard is officially launching the Texas... MORE

Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, along with Maj. Gen. Tracy R. Norris, the adjutant general of Texas, visit Texas National Guard service members serving at the Tarrant Area Food Bank in Fort Worth, Texas, April 29, 2020.

Joint innovation a hallmark of Michigan Guard's response
May 19, 2020 — LANSING, Mich. – Nearly sixty days after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated the Michigan National Guard... MORE

U.S. Air Force Capt. Brynt Ellis, medical readiness officer of the 127th Medical Group, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan,tests a prototype protective gown while working with Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Palmatier, garrison command sergeant major of Camp Grayling, to procure products for clinicians combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wisconsin aviator’s training innovation gaining attention
May 8, 2020 — MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Army National Guard 1st Lt. Nick Sinopoli, a pilot with the 1st Battalion,... MORE

1st Lt. Nick Sinopoli, a pilot with the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment, wearing a visor he created that can shift from clear to obscured to help pilots learn to transition from visual to instrumental flying when visibility outside the aircraft is suddenly limited.

Michigan Soldier invents Black Hawk door-gunnery simulator
May 7, 2020 — AUGUSTA, Mich. – Even as COVID-19 creates additional challenges for training and readiness, a Black... MORE

Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation Regiment, conduct M240 machine gun familiarization fire, using a Black Hawk crew chief door-gunnery simulator, Fort Custer Training Center, Augusta, Michigan, May 1, 2020.

Innovation Resources

Announcements

Events

Branch Chief: Lt Col Cristi Campbell

Team Lead: Ms. Chierren Denman

Innovation Analyst: Ms. Katie Hudak