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Ten Minutes Can Make a Difference: Participate in the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS)
The District of Columbia National Guard's Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) annual fielding window is approaching. The DEOCS is a key tool for assessing unit morale, identifying risk factors, and guiding prevention efforts. This critical survey allows every member of our organization to provide confidential feedback on our command climate, trust in leadership, cohesion, and unit readiness. Results support the development of evidence-based action plans to improve workplace culture and mission effectiveness. And strong participation provides reliable data to help us address issues before they become barriers to readiness. (U.S. Army National Guard graphic by Ayan Sheikh)
Sept. 3, 2026 - Beginning Sept. 8, 2026, the D.C. National Guard's annual Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) fielding window will open, giving every Capital Guardian an opportunity to speak candidly about the environment in which...
In the Trenches: Chaplain Edward Lartey’s Life of Service Earns Distinguished Honor
U.S. Army Chaplain Edward Lartey with the District of Columbia National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force- District of Columbia, receives the Military Chaplains Association USA Distinguished Service Award at the DC Armory on August 7, 2026. About 4,600 National Guard members are supporting the mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters, and visitors throughout the District.
Aug. 28, 2026 - For more than two decades, Chaplain (Maj.) Edward Lartey has built his ministry around one principle: being present when Soldiers and families face their most difficult moments. From combat in Iraq and civil unrest in...
The Capital’s Defenders: 212 Years After Bladensburg, Honoring the Citizen-Soldiers Who Answered the Call
Mark Hudson, Executive Director of Historic Congressional Cemetery, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, lay a wreath at the grave of U.S. Army Pvt. Andrew Coyle during a Battle of Bladensburg commemoration at Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 2026. The Maryland Society, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard then rendered a ceremonial volley honoring the Citizen-Soldiers who answered the call to defend the nation’s capital in 1814. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)
Aug. 24, 2026 - As America celebrates 250 years of independence, the District of Columbia National Guard and Historic Congressional Cemetery gathered Aug. 23 to look back 212 years—to a moment when ordinary citizens answered an extraordinary...
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National Guard News
113th Wing Recognized for Air Defense, Combat Performance
The 113th Command Post poses for a group photo in their alert control facility at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, March 23, 2026. The team was recognized as the 2025 Continental Northern American Aerospace Defense Command Region Aerospace Control Alert unit of the year. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Craig Clapper.
Sept. 8, 2026 - ARLINGTON, Va. – At first glance, the District of Columbia Air National Guard’s alert facility looks more like a family room than the home of one of the nation’s most critical homeland defense missions. Oversized couches face...
Washington Guard Concludes Extended Wildfire Response
Washington National Guard members conduct wildland fire support operations to Washington Department of Natural Resources at the Little Giant Fire near Leavenworth, Washington, Aug. 10, 2026. Photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Sequeira.
Sept. 8, 2026 - CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – After more than six weeks supporting the Department of Natural Resources, Washington National Guard aviation and hand crews concluded their wildland firefighting support mission Sept. 4, marking the end...
Vermont Guardsmen Return from Overseas Deployment
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing return from an overseas deployment, arriving back to the Vermont Air National Guard, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 6, 2026. These Airmen came home from an overseas deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Davis.
Sept. 8, 2026 - SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – Airmen assigned to the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing returned home Sept. 6 following an overseas deployment.The Airmen initially deployed in support of operations in the U.S. Southern...
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“I have a helicopter, I have a crew and a full bag of gas. What can I do to help?” As smoke rose from the Pentagon and our nation struggled to comprehend the attacks of 9/11, members of the District of Columbia National Guard answered the call: https://t.co/H4JCD2la7L https://t.co/206gtQGrjM
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Meaningful engagement with the community reinforces trust, strengthens partnerships, and advances our shared commitment to public safety. By showing up, listening, and working together, we build more than connections—we build confidence in one another and in the mission we share. https://t.co/rS0nzr3CTb
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RT @SecretService: Tonight is your last chance to sign up for tomorrow's virtual recruiting session! Join Secret Service Special Agents, P…
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This #LaborDay, remember: Every day is progress. 🇺🇸 @GeorgiaGuard Sgt. Tyler Crosby, a combat medic assigned to Joint Task Force-DC, reflects on his experience supporting #DCSafe—and the purpose behind the work. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/U9u7uAnCQS
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🤼‍♂️Coed wrestlers ages 14–21 from across the DMV took to the mat, testing their skill, discipline, and competitive spirit at the 2026 DCNG Summer Slam. More than a wrestling tournament, the event highlights the Guard's support to the next generation of athletes! @DCNationalGuard https://t.co/Xm3WP1LCOZ
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Different agencies. One shared commitment to the nation’s capital. Built on fidelity, bravery and integrity — and united by a shared commitment to be here, ready to help when it matters most. @USNationalGuard @GeorgiaGuard https://t.co/V5Nt55yM7b
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20 kilometers. 25 pounds. One challenge. Members of the District of Columbia National Guard and Joint Task Force-District of Columbia put their endurance to the test during the Danish Flyver Ruck March, joining thousands of participants around the world. @DCNationalGuard https://t.co/Wxq9OkDmbL
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Presence, partnership and public safety! @nationalguardMS https://t.co/DiL8ckROct
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RT @SecretService: Only a few days left to sign up for our September 8 virtual recruiting session! Join Secret Service Special Agents, Pol…
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RT @SecretService: Ride along with the Secret Service Police Patrol Unit Division as they patrol and protect the foreign embassies and dipl…
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Move it. Maintain it. Keep the mission moving. Behind every mission is a logistics team making sure the right people, equipment and resources get to the right place at the right time. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/P1Ak4oMkgZ
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🚨DEOCS is more than a survey. Your feedback gives leaders a clearer picture of what's happening across our force — from trust in leadership and morale to fairness, respect and cohesion! ⏱️ It takes about 10 minutes: https://t.co/OUB9kJk7qR https://t.co/sFyQuZ3255
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Our Army Aviation Battalion teamed up with U.S. Green Berets from 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) for raid training at Fort Bragg. Exercises like these build readiness by putting soldiers in realistic, high-pressure situations before they face them in an actual mission. https://t.co/WiSATE0ZYR
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From the Nation’s Capital to Arkansas, thank you for answering the call @arkansasguard!! More than 70 soldiers with the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade are back in Arkansas after supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. #AlwaysReady #AlwaysThere https://t.co/JVU1ivcdpr
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From marking one year of National Guard support to the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission and supporting the #Freedom250 Grand Prix — August showcased the many ways Guardsmen continue to serve. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/uD6hXdAGN5
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The D.C. National Guard’s 547th Transportation Company Maritime Operations is building a new capability to extend readiness beyond the shoreline, training service members to operate safely and effectively across the District’s waterways. #DCSafe @USNationalGuard https://t.co/X3AaWgPYHw
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Training matters when seconds matter! During a recent incident near Wisconsin Ave. and M St. NW, a @GeorgiaGuard presence patrol team relied on training to gain control of a volatile situation, protect nearby pedestrians and safely secure the scene: https://t.co/by1alx1LWT https://t.co/rlOld3z2LG
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Ready on land. Ready on water. From the streets of the nation’s capital to its waterways, #readiness requires more than showing up—it requires training for every environment. #DCSafe @GeorgiaGuard https://t.co/FCFw35hFDj
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U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Murry Holt, Assistant Adjutant General of the @guard_west visited soldiers assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia. This gave them the chance to hear directly from their senior leader, talk about the mission & share what they’re seeing on the ground https://t.co/16Aoeb0ysR
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Vigilance matters. Results matter. Readiness never stops. 250 years after America declared its independence, the National Guard remains ready to serve—protecting the capital and defending the nation. @nationalguardMS https://t.co/eUR9Idofye
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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