US National Guard

Sep- 2026 -

15 September

Land

Giving guidance on correcting his aim, Staff Sgt. Tyler Hunter shouts directions to Spc. Timothy Martin as he fires the M240 machine gun. Sgt. Randy Torrecer provides support for Martin. The last week of training begins on a cold rain swept day trip to the Orchard Combat Training Center. The scout trainees will take turns driving a Bradley Fighting Vehicle. On the range the trainees will fire the Mark 19 machine grenade launcher, the 50 Cal. Machine gun and the 240B machine gun. During the remainder of the week, they learn how to boresight the 25mm gun; the fundamentals of reconnaissance and security; how to establish an observation post; and how to handle and detonate explosives. U.S. Army Cavalry Scouts act as the eyes and ears on the field, gathering information about enemy positions, vehicles, weapons, and activity. The scouts often operate in small groups gathering intelligence. With the information they gather, commanders can make informed decisions about how to move troops and where and when to attack. Their scouting duties include conducting mounted and dismounted navigation, collecting data about tunnels and bridges, and serving as members of observation and listening posts. In addition to basic soldiering skills, cavalry scouts learn to secure and prepare ammunition on scout vehicles, load, clear and fire individual and crew-served weapons.

First In-State Heavy Weapons Range for Oregon National Guard Starts Construction

The US has broken ground on a $12-million Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range at the Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility in Boardman.

10 September

Land

U.S. Oregon Air National Guard paratroopers with 125th Special Tactics Squadron, 142nd Wing, conduct air drop training U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, during exercise Evergreen 26 Aug. 10, 2026, over Oregon. Exercise Evergreen 26 provided VMGR-152 the opportunity to enhance combat readiness and aircrew proficiency through joint training with U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force units. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cecilia Campbell)

Rojoef Manuel

Conti Federal to Build $55M Special Tactics Facility in Oregon

The US Army has awarded Conti Federal Services a $55.4-million contract to build a new Special Tactics Complex in Portland, Oregon.

Jul- 2026 -

6 July

Drones - Latest News, Features & Expert Opinion

Tennessee Army National Guard Warrant Officer 1 Cedrick Pierson, a 948B Electronic Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer assigned to the 777th Maintenance Company, pilots a Skydio RQ-28A drone during a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) Master Trainer Course in Tullahoma, Tennessee, June 23, 2026. Pierson attended the course to better understand how unmanned aircraft systems can support future sustainment operations and maintenance formations. Among the first courses of its kind in the Army National Guard, the SUAS Master Trainer Course prepares Soldiers to employ drone capabilities in support of reconnaissance, terrain analysis, and mission planning. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Bailey Breving)

Rojoef Manuel

Tennessee Army National Guard Trains First Wave of Military Drone Master Instructors

The Tennessee Army National Guard has graduated its first 12 soldiers from the Small Unmanned Aircraft System Master Trainer Course, expanding the US Army’s cadre of drone specialists.

Mar- 2026 -

10 March

Americas

U.S. Soldiers with the 223rd Engineer Battalion, Joint Task Force Magnolia, Mississippi National Guard, walk to a promotion ceremony at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18, 2025. Approximately 2,700 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department and community partners to enhance safety and quality of life throughout the District. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Christian Brown)

Rojoef Manuel

DC National Guard Activates Dedicated Unit for Capital Security

The DC National Guard has inaugurated a new unit to protect civil authorities and infrastructure in the nation's capital.

5 March

Technology

Ethan M. Encarnacion

US Guardsman Builds Backpackable Cyber Range for Training Anywhere

A Massachusetts National Guardsman just packed an entire cyber training lab into a backpack, giving troops the power to practice cyber missions anywhere, anytime.

Dec- 2025 -

4 December

Americas

U.S. service members line the streets of Washington, D.C., during an honor escort—also known as a fallen soldier procession—for U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia National Guard, Nov. 27, 2025. The tradition honors fallen soldiers with silent, unified respect as they are escorted to their final resting place. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Angelina Tran)

Staff Writer With AFP

Taliban Govt Says US National Guard Shooting ‘Does Not Concern’ Afghanistan

The Taliban government said Wednesday that the shooting of two National Guard members, one fatally, by an Afghan suspect in Washington last month had nothing to do with Afghanistan.

3 December

Americas

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Scott McKennon, senior enlisted leader of Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, left, and Col. Larry Doane, the task force’s commander, right, walk down a Soldier-lined street as they prepare to honor U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia National Guard in Washington, D.C., Nov. 27, 2025. A fallen soldier procession was held to pay tribute to Beckstrom’s life and service. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Clay Smith)

Staff Writer With AFP

Afghan Man Pleads Not Guilty in US National Guard Shooting

An Afghan man accused of shooting two members of the National Guard near the White House, killing one, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to murder charges.

Oct- 2025 -

17 October

Americas

Guardsmen patrolling the streets. Photo: Tennessee National Guard

Staff Writer With AFP

National Guard in Memphis on Trump’s Orders

National Guard forces have been deployed on US President Donald Trump's orders to aid law enforcement personnel in Memphis, Tennessee, the state's military department said.

8 October

Americas

Members of the 8th Infantry Regiment Illinois National Guard Association ride in Illinois National Guard vehicles during the Chicago Memorial Day Parade on May 27, 2023. The association was started by Illinois Army National Guard Veterans dedicated to keeping the history of the Illinois National Guard's all-Black 8th Infantry Regiment alive. The association gives thousands of dollars worth of scholarships to deserving local high school seniors each year. Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Assistant Adjutant General - Army of the Illinois National Guard and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, served as the Grand Marshal of the Chicago Memorial Day Parade on May 27, 2023. Boyd grew up on the South Side of Chicago and is the highest-ranking officer of color in the history of the Illinois National Guard.

Staff Writer With AFP

On Trump’s Orders, 200 Troops From Texas Arrive in Illinois

Two hundred Texas National Guard troops have arrived in Illinois, a Pentagon official said Tuesday, ahead of a planned deployment in Chicago that is strongly opposed by local Democratic officials.

1 October

Technology