An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Nov. 20, 2023

Mechanics Help DC National Guard Maintain Readiness

By Master Sgt. Arthur Wright, District of Colulmbia National Guard

WASHINGTON - Pfc. Marques Downing thrives on a good challenge, problem-solving and constant change. He spent most of the past two years working in information technology, studying the latest computer networks and systems courses.

“It can be a lucrative career that offers flexibility, but there’s a lot of certificates and classes,” Downing said. “New technology and software are constantly coming out and you have to learn it.”

Last year, Downing realized he wanted a more hands-on job.

“I’m loving every second of my new job,” he said. “I like getting my hands dirty.”

Downing is one of dozens of wheeled vehicle mechanics who keep tactical vehicles operational at the District of Columbia National Guard’s Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

“We’re like the D.C. National Guard’s own mechanic shop. We’re here to make sure people can get from point A to point B,” Downing said.

On any given morning, there is a line of mission-critical vehicles to test, maintain or repair.

“Our mission is to provide readily, fully mission-capable vehicles to the D.C. National Guard,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Courtney Britton, supervisory surface maintenance specialist, officer in charge for the DCARNG Surface Equipment Maintenance Facilities. “Whatever mission is tasked to the D.C. National Guard, and no matter where it is, we have the vehicle to support it.”

Britton leads the operation of four maintenance shops, while Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Eldridge ensures mechanics are technically sound in maintenance and recovery to fulfill mission requirements.

“Medium Tactical Vehicles, Light Medium Tactical Vehicles, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicles — there’s different types of vehicles for different operations,” Eldridge said. “The vehicles belong to the units ... and we are responsible for the maintenance. So, we’re constantly coordinating with units and honing our skills.”

Eldridge stresses expertise and skill aren’t the only traits that keep the operation thriving; he values people in the organization.

“If I likened it like a vehicle, bad parts create bad output, but good parts create good output,” CW2 Eldridge said. “We’ve got good people working in here.”

Britton says preventative maintenance for the D.C. National Guard motor pool is not reserved for a particular season but lasts throughout the year.

“The maintenance community doesn’t have a slow period,” he said. “While requests for vehicles for annual training peak during the summer months, preventative maintenance checks and services are still done every month by individual units on every vehicle in stock.

One of the mechanics helping to keep vehicles fully mission-capable for the past three months is Downing, one of the newest wheeled vehicle mechanics. He likes the responsibility of knowing he can support mission-ready personnel in training, war or national emergency.

“Every week, there’s something new to learn or get my hands on to figure out,” Downing said.

 

 

Related Articles
Maryland and Pennsylvania National Guard members arrive at the District of Columbia Armory to prepare for the electoral certification mission Jan. 5, 2024. The counting and certification of electoral votes was designated a National Special Security Event.
DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania Guard Support Election Certification
By Master Sgt. Arthur Wright, | Jan. 8, 2025
WASHINGTON - District of Columbia, Maryland and Pennsylvania National Guard members were deputized by U.S. Capitol Police as a reserve force for the 2025 counting and certification of electoral votes Jan. 6. At the request of...

The District of Columbia National Guard celebrated the 222nd anniversary of the first muster of D.C. Militia at the D.C. Armory, Oct. 30 2024. The event underscored the D.C. National Guard’s legacy, from its beginnings in 1802 to present-day missions supporting the capital city and national defense.
District of Columbia National Guard Honors Legacy of Service
By Ayan Sheikh, | Oct. 31, 2024
WASHINGTON - Two hundred twenty-two years ago, the District of Columbia Militia, hailing from every class and occupation, reported for duty near Rawlins Park. At this muster, leaders conducted roll call for each individual in...

Maryland Air National Guard Airman Faith Anderson, emergency management specialist, 175th Civil Engineer Squadron, West Virginia Air National Guard; Master Sgt. Ryan Hodges, emergency management specialist, 167th Civil Engineer Squadron; and District of Columbia Air National Guard Master Sgt. Adam Stanton, emergency management specialist, 113th Civil Engineer Squadron, practice field lab techniques during an exercise at the Blum Military Reservation in Glen Arm, Maryland, Sept. 26, 2024.
Maryland Air Guard Leads Emergency Management Exercise
By Airman 1st Class Sarah Hoover, | Oct. 15, 2024
MIDDLE RIVER, Md. - Airmen from the Maryland Air National Guard hosted a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response exercise with regional partners at two Maryland National Guard training locations.The...