LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – As families across North America gather to celebrate the winter holidays, exchange gifts, and cherish time with loved ones, military service men and women remain on duty around the clock, overseas and at home, ensuring the safety and security of the homeland.
Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief, National Guard Bureau, and Army Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, SEA to the CNGB, traveled to southwest Texas Dec. 27 to visit several hundred troops on duty.
“First and foremost, thank you for being here, especially through the holidays,” Nordhaus said. “At any given time, around 40,000 Soldiers and Airmen are on mission, engaged in essential support operations around the globe. SEA Raines and I are incredibly proud of the remarkable men and women who make our Guard exceptional.”
In March, the defense secretary approved a request from the Department of Homeland Security to assist with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s southern border security mission through fiscal year 2025. This included mobilizing up to 2,500 service members, including National Guardsmen, in federal Title 10 duty status.
Nordhaus and Raines met with unit leaders and some of the Army National Guard and Reserve Soldiers along the southern border.
“You are stepping into a critical role that significantly contributes to our nation’s security,” Raines said. “Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice as you leave behind loved ones, friends and everyday jobs to undertake this vital commitment to our country.”
Although the mission occurs domestically, the daily tasks and responsibilities simulate a real-world overseas deployment. Service members are assigned for up to a year, working around the clock, living on a military installation and wearing a uniform.
“For first-time deployers, this is an essential milestone in their military careers because they get a glimpse of what deployment looks like,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Marcos Cordero, the command senior enlisted leader of Joint Task Force North.
Cordero said this stateside mission allows seasoned veterans to teach, coach and mentor less experienced team members, preparing them to support a combatant command overseas.
“Those with experience help those who don’t have expertise get through challenging times,” Cordero said. “That’s what leadership is about. That’s what a combat deployment patch is supposed to represent: the senior NCO passing the legacy down to the next generation, taking that Soldier to the next level of their military career.”
While with Soldiers, the National Guard’s top enlisted leader encouraged them to use their time away from home to improve themselves.
“While you’re here, strive to improve daily,” Raines said. “If your goal is to elevate your physical fitness level, focus on that. If you want to enhance your academic knowledge, pursue additional education.
“Aim to become a better Soldier. If you’re part of an organic unit, look for ways to strengthen your team within the context of the Warfight. Make the most of the time you have here on this mission.”
The National Guard constitutes nearly 20% of the Joint Force. Combined with the Reserves, the Reserve component collectively represents over 38% of the nation’s military capability. Cordero emphasized the critical role of collective defense within the Department of Defense.
“At the end of the day, U.S. service members are all professionals in the profession of arms,” Cordero said. “So, having them come here and integrate demonstrates what we call a secret sauce in the United States military: the ability to merge multiple components and act as one, unlike other countries’ defense forces.
“I would also emphasize that I consider the U.S. Army Reserves and the National Guard to be a secret weapon in what we call the ‘military might’ of the United States,” he said. “When you put all our military branch components together and deploy them, that is the power of the United States military.”
Elsewhere across the United States, the National Guard supports U.S. Northern Command missions to defend the and secure the homeland. These include missile and air defense and counter drug operations, among others.
Nordhaus and Raines have served in their roles for nearly 60 days. During their conversations with Guardsmen, they emphasize the importance of their contributions to delivering on the National Guard’s promise to America to be Always Ready, Always There.
“SEA Raines and I look forward to our growth as a command team,” Nordhaus said. “Our priorities are taking care of people. Without that Soldier, Airman or Minuteman, we cannot be successful.
“We are really focused on people and everything we can do to empower you, empower your leadership and help the organization build readiness, partnerships and modernization.”