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

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

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

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 Northern 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.

Branch Chief: Lt Col Cristi Campbell

Innovation Analyst: Ms. Chierren Denman

Innovation Resources