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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
New York Guardsmen Earn Danish Military March Ribbon
U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the New York National Guard participated in the Danish Ruck March at Camp Smith Training Site, near Peekskill, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y., Aug. 28, 2026. Thousands of military service members competed across the world in this virtual in-person event and 211 participated in the event at Camp Smith. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn.
Sept. 4, 2026 - CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. — Two hundred and eleven New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen tackled the rugged trails of the Hudson Highlands Aug. 28 to earn the Royal Danish Air Force March...
Kentucky Guard Builds Portable Air Base for Patriot 26
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Lindsey Horton, a personnelist assigned to conduct contingency operations for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group, assists with tent setup during exercise Patriot 2026 at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, Wisconsin, Aug. 20, 2026. Patriot 26, an Air National Guard-hosted exercise, brings together about 1,000 Airmen and Soldiers from National Guard units across 35 states, along with federal, state and local agencies, to enhance domestic response readiness and interagency coordination during large-scale emergencies. Photo by Senior Airman Angelee Barnett.
Sept. 4, 2026 - VOLK FIELD, Wis. – Members of the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group provided key support to exercise Patriot 26, establishing a fully functioning base of operations and preparing for future...
Montana Guard, Sri Lanka Partners Strengthen Disaster Response Capabilities
Montana National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, U.S. Pacific Air Forces personnel and Sri Lankan military members take part in disaster response subject matter expert exchanges during Atlas Angel II in Sri Lanka, September 2026. Participants shared techniques in urban search and rescue, landslide response, casualty evacuation and other emergency response capabilities. The Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program strengthens long-term relationships through shared expertise, mutual learning and continued cooperation between partners. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Devin Doskey.
Sept. 4, 2026 - KATUNAYAKE, Sri Lanka – Montana National Guard Soldiers and Airmen joined Sri Lankan military personnel and civilian professionals during Atlas Angel II, a five-day subject-matter expert exchange centered on disaster response...
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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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Leadership changes hands, but the mission continues. CSM Thomas Delano assumed responsibility as JTF-DC’s senior enlisted leader, taking over from CSM Scott McKennon. The ceremony marked the transition in leadership & recognized McKennon’s commitment and service to the task force https://t.co/tquzY7utpD
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Security. Partnership. Purpose. From responding to incidents to protecting people and resources, JTF-DC duties demand focus and the ability to adapt. Different uniforms. Different specialties. One team. @GeorgiaGuard @USNationalGuard https://t.co/T5fGnopCeq
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With thousands of National Guard members supporting operations across Washington, D.C., these teams are working alongside local and federal partners to help keep everyone safe. #AlwaysReady #AlwaysThere https://t.co/gyqQAbP6Tx
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Over the weekend, as thousands of racing fans converged on Washington for the #Freedom250 Grand Prix, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen assigned to Joint Task Force-DC were on the ground supporting the partners who helped make the event safe and successful. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/8fBSIigQQm
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RT @ArlingtonNatl: Tour the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier...Virtually! A new interactive, 360-degree virtual visitation experience invites y…
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An added layer of support! Partnership adds another layer to public safety. By supporting DEA personnel during patrols, @USNationalGuard members contribute additional presence and capacity while allowing law enforcement partners to focus on their authorities and mission. https://t.co/sYL8UU2Q88
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From the D.C. Militia of 1814 to the Soldiers and Airmen of today, partnership remains our strength, readiness remains our responsibility, and service remains the bond connecting generations: https://t.co/ZS1iR66REi @USNationalGuard https://t.co/w0Wt0DydA5
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WHAT A WEEKEND! Nothing Is routine—it takes training!🇺🇸 Behind every safe intersection, entry/traffic control point and helping hand was a Guardsman who trained to be ready when it matters. #Freedom250 #GrandPrix @USNationalGuard https://t.co/yvTmIorJyW
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🏁Mission Complete The engines have gone quiet, the crowds are home, and an unforgettable weekend in the nation’s capital has come to a close. But behind the speed, excitement and celebration of the #Freedom250 Grand Prix was a mission built on preparation. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/Ky90b8VcgF
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RT @SecretService: Thank you to all the federal, state and local partners who helped secure the Freedom 250 Grand Prix and bring it safely…
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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