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Lapse in Appropriations The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EST on September 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status without pay until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status. Read more at War.gov.

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U.S. Army Soldiers with the Multi-agency Augmentee Command (MAC), District of Columbia National Guard, gather litter and debris in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Sept. 20, 2025. The Soldiers are part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, which involves about 2,300 National Guard members providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to ensure the safety of all who live, work and visit the District.

Task Force Beautification Marks 100 Projects, Unveils New Strategy for Safer DC
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) for the D.C. National Guard, and Chief Pamela A. Smith, Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police Department, discuss the DMV Law Enforcement Career Fair at MPD Academy, 4665 Blue Plains Drive SW, Washington, DC, 20032. The multi-agency recruiting event on Sept. 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. is hosted by the Metropolitan Police Department Recruiting Unit and will include over 27 federal and local law enforcement agencies. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

DMV Law Enforcement Career Fair promo
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim), D.C. National Guard, receives his first familiarization flight in a 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard F-16D Fighting Falcon on Joint Base Andrews, Sep. 19, 2025. The aircraft was flown by Maj. Benjamin Saunders, pilot, 113th Wing Operations Group. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the 113th Wing's Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) mission has protected the skies 24/7 above the National Capital Region. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

D.C. National Guard Commanding General receives familiarization flight in an F-16D
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, and members of Task Force Beautification join Ward 8 residents, volunteers, and 8B06 Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) members for a pop-up community clean-up in Washington, D.C., Sept. 13, 2025. The effort, led by ANC Commissioner Marcus “Mick” Hickman, marked the first time D.C. National Guard members worked alongside residents and elected officials in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. Many of the participating Guard members live and work in the District, strengthening their shared commitment to keeping local neighborhoods safe and clean.

Task Force Beautification teams with Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) in the District’s Ward 8
U.S. Army Spc. Josiah Davenport, assigned to the 269th Military Police Company, Tennessee National Guard conducts maintenance on a vehicle at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., Aug. 30, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District.

Tennessee, D.C. National Guard mechanics partner for D.C. Safe and Beautiful
September is Suicide Awareness Month, and the Department of War is committed to decisive and innovative actions and the theme "Joining Your Fight: Connect to Protect." Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) for the D.C. National Guard, discusses the significance of knowing at-risk behaviors, stress reduction measures and available resources to help.

Suicide Prevention Month: Message from the Commanding General
CW5 Bernard L. Aguon, State Command Chief Warrant Officer (CCWO) for the District of Columbia National Guard has been selected as the ninth Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Army National Guard and will serve as the principal military advisor to the Director of the Army National Guard on all matters affecting warrant officer training, utilization, health of the force, and professional development. Currently, CW5 Aguon is the D.C. National Guard's sixth State CCWO and advisor to the D.C. National Guard’s Commanding General, the Adjutant General, and Land Component Commander. He will succeed Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy.

State CCWO Aguon selected as the Army Guard’s Ninth Command Chief Warrant Officer
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, center, director, Army National Guard, brings Guardsmen in for a motivational moment as they prepare to go on shift as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force at the Logistical Support Area on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Aug. 25, 2025. About 2,000 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District.

Guard members from six states, D.C. on duty in Washington in support of local, fed authorities
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, Director of the Army National Guard (left) presents a certificate of retirement to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, outgoing commanding general (interim) for the D.C. National Guard, during a combined change of command and retirement ceremony Aug. 9, 2025, at DAR Constitution Hall. Andonie retired from the Air Force after 35 years of service.

D.C. National Guard Commanding General Retires
The D.C. National Guard honors U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, the Commanding General (Interim), for 35+ years of military service. We also recognize August 9, 2025, as Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie Day in the District of Columbia. Mayor Muriel Bowser honored Maj. Gen. Andonie with a proclamation recognizing his decades of distinguished service to the U.S. Army. His leadership strengthened the bond between the DC National Guard and the District, enhancing public safety, community partnerships, and emergency response. Please watch this tribute video as service members and partners discuss Maj. Gen. Andonie's commitment to build, maintain, and balance readiness objectives over the last two years. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie Tribute Video
The District of Columbia National Guard’s Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim), swore in U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Jennifer Sayers as Inspector General during a ceremony on July 28, 2025, following her completion of the U.S. Army Inspector General School. The relationship between an Inspector General and their commander is rooted in integrity, trust, and confidence. Lt. Col Sayers now fills one of just nine Air Force-designated State/Territory/District Inspector General (IG) positions across the nation.

Air Force Cyber Security Officer Sworn-in as Inspector General of D.C. National Guard
Counterdrug service members engaged congressional leaders and staff during the National Guard Counterdrug Program Open House at the Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C., July 24, 2025. Hosted by the National Guard Association of the United States, the event highlighted 36 years of impact supporting law enforcement and drug prevention efforts. Attendees included Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard and Co-Chair of the General Officer Advisory Council; Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, commanding general of the D.C. National Guard; and Brig. Gen. Richard Cipro, Assistant Adjutant General of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Interactive stations showcased the program’s five mission sets—criminal analysts, drug demand reduction outreach, ground reconnaissance, aviation reconnaissance, and counterdrug schools—offering hands-on insight into the National Guard’s whole-of-government approach.

National Guard Counterdrug Program Showcases 36 Years of Impact at Congressional Open House
Soldiers from the D.C. National Guard, Barbados Defence Force Reserves, Jamaica Defence Force, and Jamaica National Reserve stand for a photograph at Twickenham Park Range in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on July 17, 2025. As part of the Caribbean Regional Training Camp, activities included zeroing, firing from different positions, march-and-shoot practice, and a march-and-shoot competition. The District of Columbia National Guard's (DCNG) partnership with Jamaica, facilitated by the U.S. National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program (SPP), promotes security cooperation through military engagements and interagency collaboration.

D.C. National Guard, Jamaican, Barbadian Forces Test Skills in Joint Caribbean Exercise
Angulo Gonzalez, a graduate of Woodbridge High School, stands for a photograph with Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, the Adjutant General (TAG) for the D.C. National Guard, during a Minuteman Scholarship ceremony at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., on July 18, 2025. Gonzalez earned a four‑year scholarship to attend Virginia Tech and plans to commission into the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

D.C. National Guard Awards Minuteman Scholarship to High School Grads
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.

A Voice That Makes A Difference: The Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS)
U.S. Army Spc. Massan Signon, wheeled vehicle mechanic (91B) with the D.C. National Guard’s 104th Maintenance Company, stands for a photograph at the Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, in Washington, D.C., on June 21, 2025. Spc. Signon is part of a dedicated team that performs routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and recovery operations, which are vital for keeping the Army's vehicles operational and ready for deployment at a moment's notice. Their work directly impacts the ability to respond to missions.

Why I Serve: D.C. National Guard Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Excels in Operational Relevance
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, the Adjutant General (TAG) for the D.C. National Guard, recognizes members of the 113th Wing D.C. Air National Guard and members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) during Cyber Shield 2025 at the Virginia National Guard's State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, VA, on June 11, 2025. Cyber Shield, the longest and largest Department of Defense cyber exercise sharpens skills, tests tactics, and strengthens collaboration in computer network defense measures and protecting our nation's critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats and cyber incident response.

113th Wing DCANG partners with Jamaica Defence Force at Cyber Shield 2025
Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard take an Awarenessgram at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., on June 5, 2025. The District of Columbia National Guard’s Risk Reduction program has introduced suicide prevention selfies (Awarenessgram) as a tool to encourage those who may be unknowingly or knowingly facing mental health challenges to utilize the appropriate resources.

'Awarenessgram': Suicide Prevention and Resource Awareness Selfies
More than 800 National Guard members were activated in support of the 250th Army Birthday Festival and Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. The Guard members, from the District of Columbia, Mississippi, West Virginia and Pennsylvania assisted various agencies with tasks including crowd management and traffic control, and played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of events. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

Behind the Scenes: National Guard Support to the U.S. Army's 250th Birthday Celebration
More than 800 National Guard members were activated in support of the 250th Army Birthday Festival and Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. The Guard members, from the District of Columbia, Mississippi, West Virginia and Pennsylvania assisted various agencies with tasks including crowd management and traffic control, and played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of events.

National Guard provides crucial support for Army's 250th birthday celebration
Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard participate in the O’Neill Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, on June 6, 2025. The event pushed participants through a multi-level series of challenging military fundamentals—from ruck marches and weapons qualification to medical tasks and vehicle maintenance—designed to unify and strengthen the Warrior Ethos. The competition was a tribute to D-Day (Operation Overlord) and the legacy of LTC John C. O’Neill, a World War II combat engineer and D.C. Guardsman who helped breach enemy defenses on Omaha Beach in 1944. It's part of Annual Training, ensuring all Soldiers are prepared for challenging, relevant, and realistic missions to fight and win. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

D.C. National Guard’s O’Neill Competition Highlights
Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard participate in the O’Neill Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, on June 6, 2025. The event pushed more than 250 participants through a grueling day of military fundamentals—from ruck marches and weapons qualification to medical tasks and vehicle maintenance—designed to unify and strengthen the Warrior Ethos. The competition was a tribute to D-Day (Operation Overlord) and the legacy of LTC John C. O’Neill, a World War II combat engineer and D.C. Guardsman who helped breach enemy defenses on Omaha Beach in 1944.

D.C. National Guard’s O’Neill Competition Commemorates D-Day Heroism and Warrior Ethos
Members of the 113th Force Support Squadron, D.C. Air National Guard, participate in an initiative called 'Run to Recruit' on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C., on March 17, 2025. In an effort to support recruiting mission, members of the 113th FSS use group physical fitness as a method to inspire, engage and recruit future Capital Guardians.

'Run to Recruit' Strengthens Mind, Body, and Manpower
U.S. Soldiers competing in the Region II Best Warrior Competition test their fitness and essential Soldier skills during various events at Fort Indiantown Gap and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, May 5-9, 2025. These competing Soldiers come from the Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia National Guards. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Maj. Travis Mueller and Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith) Non-copyrighted music: "Bugs" by All Good Folks from Uppbeat Music. https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/bugs. License code: HYRK1IFFRSDFF8RZ.

Region II Best Warrior 2025 highlights
Members of the D.C. Air National Guard’s 113th Wing Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) conduct HVAC diagnostics and repair, LED lighting installation, plumbing fixture placement, and electrical rewiring at the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy (CGYCA), in Laurel, MD, on April 12, 2025. The hands-on April 7-19 project not only offered vital Administrative Building upgrades, but also skills development. Civil engineers maintain the infrastructure for military operations ensuring they’re functional, relevant, efficient, and resilient in various operational environments.

D.C. Air National Guard Civil Engineers Bolster Readiness Through Community Engagement at Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy
On May 3, we celebrate the 223rd Birthday of the District of Columbia National Guard. This drill weekend serves as a reminder of a tradition that links us to D.C. Militia members who wore the uniform before us—heritage rooted in courage, discipline, loyalty, perseverance, respect, trust, and adaptability. Like the early patriots of 1802 who raised their hand to volunteer, we are comprised of 2,400 Soldiers and Airmen who answer a call to Army and Air combat readiness, homeland defense, partnership building, and community response.

D.C. National Guard 223rd Birthday Message
DC National Guard News
Task Force Beautification Marks 100 Projects, Unveils New Strategy for Safer DC
A U.S. Soldier with the District of Columbia Army National Guard rakes mulch during an area beautification mission in Washington, D.C., Sept. 4, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work, and visit the District.
Oct. 3, 2025 - Task Force Beautification, a D.C. National Guard initiative, has completed its 100th project, revitalizing a recreation center in Ward 7, officials said. The initiative aims to improve public safety and empower communities by...
DMV Law Enforcement Career Fair promo
Sept. 24, 2025 - U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, and Chief Pamela A. Smith, Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police Department, discuss the DMV Law Enforcement Career...
D.C. National Guard Commanding General receives familiarization flight in an F-16D
Sept. 20, 2025 - U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, receives his first familiarization flight in a 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard F-16D Fighting Falcon on Joint Base...
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National Guard News
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Sept. 30, 2025 - CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...
25 Years Strong: Hawai‘i Guard and Philippines Celebrate Enduring Partnership
Leaders and attendees from the Hawai‘i National Guard, Guam National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines gather for a group photo during the 25th anniversary celebration of the State Partnership Program between the Hawai‘i National Guard and the AFP at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Sept. 25, 2025. The Hawai‘i Guard and AFP launched the Indo-Pacific’s first State Partnership in 2000, marking 25 years of cooperation in training, disaster response and regional security.
Sept. 30, 2025 - CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cheers, handshakes and shared stories filled the air Sept. 23–25 as the Hawai‘i National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated 25 years of partnership — a bond that has endured...
Thunderbird Trail: Preserving Sacrifice, Strengthening Connection for Oklahoma Guard
Oklahoma National Guard leaders and Italian representatives unveil a plaque at the former headquarters of the 45th Infantry Division during WWII in Venafro, Italy, Sept. 8, 2025. A delegation of Oklahoma National Guard members and veterans toured key locations from the 45th Infantry Division’s campaign in Italy against German forces during World War II, continuing the development of the Thunderbird Trail. The initiative is aimed at preserving the Division's role in World War II through a memorial trail tracing its footsteps through Italy, France and Germany, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)
Sept. 29, 2025 - ITALY – Standing among rows of white marble headstones at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, Soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard bent to place sand from the beaches of Anzio into the carved names of...
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District of Columbia National Guard celebrated #WomensEqualityDay Aug. 26 by com...
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Congratulations to Col. Sandy M. Smith, District of Columbia National Guard Huma...
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#CitizenSoldiers from the District of Columbia National Guard enhanced #readines...
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The 257th Army Band wrapped-up their summer concert series, "Of the People, For ...
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Brigadier General Maren McAvoy is retiring after a distinguished career in the U...
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Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Billingsley of the D.C. National Guard's 33rd Civil Suppo...
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Brig. Gen. Robert K. Ryan, Land Component Command Commanding General, and his le...
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Brig. Gen. Keith G. MacDonald, 113th Wing Commander, exemplifies #leadership: “...
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Congratulations to Brig. Gen. Keith G. MacDonald on his promotion Aug. 3! The 11...
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The 53rd iteration of the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy is in full sw...
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With partners in Jamaica and Burkina Faso, the District of Columiba National Gua...
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Next year the Army Combat Fitness Test is set to be the new standard in Army Phy...
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Staff. Sgt Amanda Rose is the Army Combat Fitness Test Coordinator for the D.C. ...
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Change of Command of the District of Columbia National Guard’s Joint Force Headq...
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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