News Release

COMMEX ensures contingent communication centers are in sync
July 21, 2024 — Just as technological advancements remain constant, the District of Columbia National Guard’s G-6 training schedule remains equally constant for both scale and scenarios. Be it the Presidential Inauguration, the State of the Union, a natural disaster or any other high-visibility operation, communication is essential no matter the location... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard’s G-6 conduct a debrief following a large-scale communications exercise (COMMEX) at the D.C. Armory, April 6, 2024. If skillsets are not tested continually, confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data could be compromised by adversaries.

All-hazards approach: Full-scale weapons of mass destruction exercise tests interoperability when disaster strikes
July 17, 2024 — Weapons of mass destruction exercise bolsters interoperability with emergency response agencies, the Hawaii National Guard, and a half dozen other integrated CST teams and CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Packages (CERFP)... MORE

Members from the 33rd Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) attend a pre-brief during a weapons of mass destruction exercise with civilian agencies, the Hawaii National Guard, and a half dozen other integrated CST teams and CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Packages (CERFP). The exercise poised military and civilian response partners to better integrate capabilities when disaster strikes.

National Guard supports traffic control during NATO 75th Anniversary Summit
July 12, 2024 — Seventy-five years ago, a dozen countries from North America and Europe signed the North Atlantic Treaty to counter the threat to European security posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. On July 9-11, a NATO alliance of 32 nations reconvened in the nation’s capital, commencing their 75th anniversary and discussing collective defense,... MORE

Members of the District of Columbia National Guard and Maryland National Guard block and direct traffic at designated traffic control points in support of the Metropolitan Police Department during the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., July 11, 2024. Interoperability and coordination with federal and local partners support the success of high visibility National Special Security Events (NSSE).

Enhancing unit cohesion through DEOCS: Strategies for long-term sustainability
July 10, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard is utilizing the Defense Equal Opportunity Climate Survey (DEOCS) to enhance unit awareness and sustainability. This initiative, primarily designed to assess organizational climate and equal opportunity, now serves as a critical tool for driving positive change within military ranks... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard is utilizing the Defense Equal Opportunity Climate Survey (DEOCS) to enhance unit awareness and sustainability. This initiative, primarily designed to assess organizational climate and equal opportunity, now serves as a critical tool for driving positive change within military ranks.

D.C. National Guard supports Independence Day 2024
July 4, 2024 — Members of the District of Columbia National Guard support the Washington Metropolitan Police Department with crowd management at designated Metro stations during Independence Day activities on the National Mall, July 4, 2024. Service members also provided directions, answered questions, or simply acknowledged appreciation from celebration attendees... MORE

CGYCA hosts Battle of the Beltway
June 21, 2024 — Cadets embraced the importance of teamwork and competition during Battle of the Beltway, June 18, at the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy (CGYCA) in Laurel, Md. Teams representing the Maryland Freestate ChalleNGe Academy and the CGYCA competed in five activities for a title and bragging rights... MORE

Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy (CGYCA) and Maryland Freestate ChalleNGe Academy cadets compete in Battle of the Beltway, in Laurel, Md., June 18, 2024. Cadets competed against each other in five categories to include an obstacle course, drill and ceremony, basketball, kickball, and physical fitness. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

Citizenship through service: 1946th Financial Management Detachment sergeant on personal milestones and collective victories
June 17, 2024 — National Immigrant Heritage Month recognizes the contributions of immigrants to the nation. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Sahib-Jot Singh, detachment sergeant, 1946th Financial Management Support Detachment, epitomizes being a Citizen Soldier as a National Guard member and a civilian budget analyst within the Pentagon... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Sahib-Jot Singh, detachment sergeant, 1946th Financial Management Support Detachment, entered entered the U.S. Army with a Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services Alien Registration Card (INS Form I-151/551, also known as a Green Card). He enlisted as a financial management technician where he was stationed at Fort Bliss and later Baumholder, Germany. The Citizen Soldier currently serves as detachment sergeant within the D.C. National Guard's 1946th Financial Management Support Detachment, and as a civilian budget analyst within the Pentagon.

Dishing ‘unity and inclusion’: D.C. Air National Guard flight attendant reflects on Pride
June 14, 2024 — When he isn’t flying, Tech. Sgt. Lang Xiao, flight attendant within the D.C. Air National Guard, has found other jobs to tackle—fostering unity, inclusivity, and a more just society... MORE

Tech. Sgt. Lang Xiao, flight attendant, D.C. Air National Guard, stands for a photograph in front of a C-40 B/C used to transport members of the Executive Branch, Congress, and Department of Defense at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 19, 2024. The former communication designer embraces the challenge each new mission brings as a D.C. Air National Guard flight attendant to include a strong a desire for international travel.

Model Citizen Soldier: D.C. National Guard swears-in new State Deputy Inspector General
June 13, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard’s Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, commanding general (interim), swore in Lt. Col. Nushat Thomas as deputy Inspector General in a ceremony June 8, after completing U.S. Army Inspector General School. Her experience as a traditional National Guard soldier, and equally successful careers in the nonprofit sector and EPA makes her uniquely qualified to understand the issues that affect our formations... MORE

The D.C. National Guard's Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, commanding general (interim), swears in Lt. Col. Nushat Thomas as the new deputy inspector general at the D.C. Armory on June 8, 2024. Thomas assumed the position following the retirement of Lt. Col. Tera Powell in early spring 2024 after 24 years of service.

D.C. National Guard reflects on LGBTQ+ Pride
June 11, 2024 — Members of the District of Columbia National Guard recognize the contributions of LGBTQ+ military and civilian personnel during Pride Month, and all year, June 1, 2024. This year's theme is "A Place for All," honors their role in our history, defense, culture, and overall nation... MORE