News Release

U.S. Army Master Sergeant Armando Leon Sworn In as Assistant Inspector General
March 18, 2025 — U.S. Army Master Sergeant Armando Leon was sworn in as Assistant Inspector General during a ceremony on March 9, following his completion of the U.S. Army Inspector General School. Leon is the first Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) to join the office, reflecting recent force structure reforms and a renewed command focus on readiness and care for Soldiers and Airmen... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard’s Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim), swore in U.S. Army Master Sergeant Armando Leon as Assistant Inspector General during a ceremony on March 9, following his completion of the U.S. Army Inspector General School. Leon is the first Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) to join the office, reflecting recent force structure reforms and a renewed command focus on readiness and care for Soldiers and Airmen.

257th Army Band Members Win Army Bands Reserve Component Soldier and Junior NCO of the Year
March 15, 2025 — U.S. Army Spc. Victor Souza and Sgt. Victoria Golding, members of the 257th Army Band, District of Columbia National Guard, were chosen as the Army Bands Reserve Component Soldier of the Year (Souza), and Reserve Component Junior NCO of the Year (Golding). They were chosen out of all the Reserve and National Guard Soldiers for their contributions to the unit, the organization, and the entire Army Band component for exceptional dedication, leadership, and performance throughout the year... MORE

U.S. Army Spc. Victor Souza and Sgt. Victoria Golding, members of the 257th Army Band, District of Columbia National Guard, were chosen as the Army Bands Reserve Component Soldier of the Year (Souza), and Reserve Component Junior NCO of the Year (Golding) for 2024. They were chosen out of all Reserve and National Guard Soldiers for their contributions to the unit, the organization, and the entire Army Band component for exceptional dedication, leadership, and performance throughout the year.

D.C. National Guard Recruits Take on Confidence-Conditioning Obstacle Course
March 11, 2025 — The District of Columbia National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) mission is to prepare recruits before they leave for Basic Combat Training (BCT). This preparation helps recruits stay focused mentally, physically, emotionally, and administratively while also familiarizing them with the terminology and protocols of Guard service... MORE

Recruits of the District of Columbia National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) participated in a confidence-conditioning obstacle course at Fort Belvoir, Virginia on March 8, 2025. The Resilience Obstacle Course is designed to build soldiers confidence as they challenge themselves physically, mentally and as a team.

Soldier's Path to Strategic Deterrence in the 33rd WMD-CST
March 6, 2025 — U.S. Army Sgt. Dallas Davis, survey team member within the D.C. National Guard’s 33rd Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team (WMD-CST), is part of a prevention and deterrence-focused support unit, safeguarding the District and nation. On March 4, the mission was the 2025 Presidential Address to a Joint Session of Congress. ... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. Dallas Davis, survey team member within the District of Columbia National Guard’s 33rd Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team (WMD-CST), stands for a photograph at a D.C. Fire and Engine Station, on Jan. 19, 2025 . Teams train and are strategically positioned to respond effectively with partners to include D.C. Fire, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, and CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Packages (CERFP) units during missions.

D.C. National Guard RRB Partners with Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy to Support Local Youth
February 25, 2025 — Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith Jr., Command SEL for the D.C. National Guard, joined the Recruiting and Retention Battalion during the acclimation phase at the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy, in Laurel, Md. The engagement supports the core components of the life intervention, dropout reintegration, and General Education Development (GED) preparatory program... MORE

Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith Jr., Command SEL for the D.C. National Guard, and members of the Recruitment and Retention Battalion participate in mentorship activities during the acclimation phase at the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy, in Laurel, Md., on Jan. 13, 2025. The engagement supports the core components of the life intervention, dropout reintegration, and General Education Development (GED) preparatory program.

D.C. National Guardsman Credits Military Training for Saving Teen in Fiery Crash
February 20, 2025 — U.S. Army Spc. Ruth Arias, a military police officer with the 273rd Military Police Company, utilized her Army Combat Lifesaver Course training during a vehicle accident near Annapolis, Md. Together with a bystander, she removed an injured teen from a vehicle, whose injuries included severe bleeding and chest pain, and provided critical aid until emergency responders arrived... MORE

U.S. Army Spc. Ruth Arias, a military police officer with the 273rd Military Police Company, D.C. National Guard, was recognized by SEA John T. Raines III, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief, National Guard Bureau, for utilizing Army Combat Lifesaver Course training during a vehicle accident near Annapolis, Md, on Jan. 27, 2025. Together with a bystander, she removed an injured teen from a vehicle, whose injuries included severe bleeding and chest pain, and provided critical aid until emergency responders arrived.

D.C. Army National Guard Soldiers Return from Yearlong Southwest Border Mission
February 14, 2025 — Approximately two dozen District of Columbia Army National Guard Aviation Command members returned from a 12-month deployment supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection as part of the federal Southwest Border Mission. Members of Detachment 1, A Company 1/224th Security and Support Battalion responded to a request for assistance by the Department of Homeland Security through the Department of Defense... MORE

Soldiers assigned to the District of Columbia Army National Guard's Det 1 A Co 1/224th S&S hold a deployment ceremony attended by senior leaders, family and friends at Davison Army Airfield, Va., on Oct. 10, 2023. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and Joint Task Force North, Guardsmen were assigned to work closely with Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations officers.

Fostering Joint Force Integration: D.C. National Guard Soldier Completes AF Senior NCO Academy
February 11, 2025 — The National Guard continues to build on Joint Force integration for strategic readiness to ensure personnel are deployable, sustainable, interoperable, and ready. U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Richard Hughes, Senior Enlisted Leader for the D.C. Army National Guard's (DCARNG) Medical Detachment, recently completed U.S. Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy (SNCOA) at Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex in Montgomery Alabama. The first D.C. Army National Guard member to do so... MORE

U.S. Army SFC Richard Hughes, Senior Enlisted Leader for the D.C. Army National Guard's (DCARNG) Medical Detachment, recently completed U.S. Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy (SNCOA) at Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex in Montgomery Alabama.

Former Virgin Islands National Guardsman Brings Experience and Commitment to Support the Mission
February 6, 2025 — As the Contract Officer Representative (COR), U.S. Army Master Sgt. Fraiden Braithwaite is responsible for making sure National Guardsmen have everything needed to support the mission. From lodging to showers, he works tirelessly to meet logistical needs and ensure the success of the 60th Presidential Inauguration mission... MORE

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Fraiden Braithwaite, Joint Force Headquarters J4/G4, District of Columbia National Guard, poses for a photo during the 60th Presidential Inauguration mission. Approximately 8,000 National Guard service members from nearly 40 states and territories make up Joint Task Force-DC (JTF-DC), continuing a legacy that dates back to 1789 when their predecessors escorted George Washington to his first inauguration. At the request of civil authorities, these National Guard service members provide critical support in areas such as crowd management, traffic control, CBRN response, civil disturbance management, and sustainment operations. Their expertise and collaboration with interagency partners play a key role in ensuring a safe and peaceful transition of power during this historic event.

D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Attends SAMHSA Conference to Explore the Successes of Prevention and Inspiring Action
February 5, 2025 — Members of the District of Columbia National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force, attended the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 21st Prevention Day. The event brought together over 4,000 prevention practitioners, advocates, scientists, leaders, and consumers from across the nation for a pivotal day focused on advancing substance use prevention. This year’s theme, "Telling the Prevention Story," highlighted the vital importance of empowering youth voices in the conversation around substance use prevention... MORE

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Belita Lynum, a civil operator with the Drug Demand Reduction Outreach (DDRO) team, speaks with a Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) representative during the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 21st Prevention Day, Feb. 3, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Md. This year’s theme, "Telling the Prevention Story," highlighted the vital importance of empowering youth voices in the conversation around substance use prevention. The event highlighted how engaging youth in policy discussions and initiatives can strengthen prevention efforts.