News Release

Junior Leaders Course (JLC): Empowering the next generation of enlisted leaders from within the organization’s ranks
October 10, 2024 — The District of Columbia Army National Guard completed its first two inaugural Junior Leaders Courses at Camp Dawson, West Virginia. The first of its kind course is purposed to develop forward leaning junior enlisted members and equip them to be the next generation of home-grown leaders... MORE

Participants in the District of Columbia Army National Guard’s Junior Leaders Course participate in a field training exercise (FTX) at Camp Dawson, West Virginia, on Sept. 25, 2024. This was the DCARNG’s second Junior Leaders Course and was established to grow and empower the DCANG’s next generation of enlisted leaders from within the organization’s ranks.

Celebrating 25 Years of Strategic Partnership: D.C. National Guard and Jamaican Defence Force (JDF) Commemorate Milestone
October 6, 2024 — Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim), D.C. National Guard, welcomed Brigadier Markland Lloyd, Force Executive Officer (FXO), Jamaica Defence Force for a Commanding General’s Reception at the D.C. Armory, Oct. 5, 2024. The reception honored a 25-year State Partnership Program pairing and was attended by current and former State Partnership Program directors, the Embassy of Jamaica, city government and others who contributed to the quarter-century milestone... MORE

Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim), D.C. National Guard, welcomes Brigadier Markland Lloyd, Force Executive Officer (FXO), Jamaica Defence Force; Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Michael Moulton, Force Sergeant Major (FSM), and Brigadier Ricardo Blidgen, Brigade Commander for the Jamaican National Reserve (JNR) during the Commanding General’s Reception at the D.C. Armory, Oct. 5, 2024. The reception honored a 25-year State Partnership Program pairing and was attended by current and former State Partnership Program directors, the Embassy of Jamaica, city government and others who contributed to the quarter-century milestone.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie on Heritage and Heart
October 2, 2024 — A proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie’s journey in the military has been marked by key leadership roles, from commanding battalion and company units to serving as the Deputy Director of the Army National Guard. For Hispanic Heritage Month, he reflects on his heritage, the values that shape his leadership, and the critical role of diversity in the military... MORE

A proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie’s journey in the military has been marked by key leadership roles, from commanding battalion and company units to serving as the Deputy Director of the Army National Guard. For Hispanic Heritage Month, he reflects on his heritage, the values that shape his leadership, and the critical role of diversity in the military.

One Unit’s Journey: Bike Riding as a Path to Wellness and Unit Cohesion
September 24, 2024 — For the past five years, the D.C. National Guard’s Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling have embraced a unique weekly ritual: a 10–25-mile bike ride that fosters a culture of support that extends beyond the workplace... MORE

Members of the District of Columbia National Guard’s Combined Support Maintenance Shop set off on their weekly 10–25-mile bike ride from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Aug. 16, 2024. The rides, which promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and team cohesion, take participants through the D.C. area and help maintain mission readiness.

District of Columbia National Guard Supports the District’s First Public Safety Job Fair
September 21, 2024 — On Friday, Sept. 20, nearly 2,900 people attended the District’s inaugural Public Safety Job Fair at the D.C. Armory, aimed at recruiting for critical roles across the city’s public safety agencies.The event brought together eight District public safety agencies, including the D.C. National Guard (DCNG), all actively recruiting for positions in... MORE

Nearly 2,900 people registered for the District's first-ever Public Safety Job Fair at the D.C. Armory, in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 20, 2024. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah joined eight public safety agencies and the D.C. National Guard to recruit for a variety of critical positions. The event, offering competitive salaries and career growth opportunities, highlighted the Bowser administration's commitment to creating pathways to the middle class for District residents.

D.C. National Guard Commanding General takes to the sky in F-16 during familiarization flight
September 20, 2024 — U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim), District of Columbia National Guard, receives a familiarization flight on a F-16D Fighting Falcon at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 4, 2024. The aircraft was flown by U.S. Air Force Col. Jerome Wonnum, deputy commander, 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... MORE

D.C. National Guard Awards Nancy Foreman with Meritorious Service Medal for 56 Years of Service
September 18, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard hosted a retirement ceremony at the D.C. Armory to honor Ms. Nancy Foreman for her remarkable career which spanned more than five decades of dedication to the Guard and the city of Washington... MORE

Ms. Nancy Foreman, administrative assistant, D.C. Government Operations-DCNG, retires after 56 years of service at the D.C. Armory, Sept. 13, 2024. The ceremony, officiated by Mr. Marcus Hunt, director, D.C. Govt. Ops-DCNG, included the presentation of the D.C. National Guard Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) by Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, commanding general (Interim), D.C. National Guard, amongst other awards to include a retirement letter from Mayor Muriel Bowser for Foreman's support to military operational readiness, security and service to Washingtonians.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: Shaping the Future Together
September 15, 2024 — National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, marks a time to showcase and honor the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the Defense Department and the nation. This year's theme, "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," coincides with important dates in many communities and encompasses independence days for several Latin American countries. Members of the D.C. National Guard describe what the month means to them. Whether serving in the military or contributing through our civilian workforce, their dedication and service are deeply appreciated... MORE

The Confidentiality of DEOCS: Ensuring members' voices are heard safely
September 11, 2024 — The DEOCS is a vital tool for the D.C. National Guard, enabling us to continuously improve and foster a positive work environment. By ensuring the confidentiality of our responses, the DEOCS encourages honest and open participation, which is essential for driving change. As members of the DC National Guard, our voices matter. Let's take part in the survey, knowing that our feedback is both anonymous and impactful. Together, through candid communication and collective effort, we can address concerns, celebrate successes, and build a stronger, more inclusive organization... MORE

The DEOCS is a vital tool for the D.C. National Guard, enabling us to continuously improve and foster a positive work environment. By ensuring the confidentiality of our responses, the DEOCS encourages honest and open participation, which is essential for driving change. As members of the DC National Guard, our voices matter. Let's take part in the survey, knowing that our feedback is both anonymous and impactful. Together, through candid communication and collective effort, we can address concerns, celebrate successes, and build a stronger, more inclusive organization.

This is My Squad: 74th Troop Command uses professional development staff ride to build unit cohesion
September 7, 2024 — In a building that houses America’s national treasures, members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard (DCNG) toured the National Museum of American History as part of a professional development staff ride aimed at enhancing unit cohesion and readiness... MORE

Members of the 74th Troop Command, District of Columbia National Guard, explore exhibitions and collections inside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History during a team-building staff ride in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 11, 2024. The purpose of the visit was to deepen their understanding of the nation’s heritage and strengthen unit cohesion.