News Release

National Guard Counterdrug Program Showcases 36 Years of Impact at Congressional Open House
July 31, 2025 — National Guard Counterdrug Programs from across the nation gathered at the Longworth House Office Building July 24, 2025, for the third annual "Hill Day" event, designed to bring awareness to the program’s impact and future needs. The engagement, hosted by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), brought together members of the Counterdrug Advisory Council to highlight the program's unique whole-of-government approach that leverages National Guard capabilities and authorities to support local law enforcement nationwide... MORE

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 Programs from DC, DE, and NJ Convene for Joint Annual Training
September 5, 2024 — To enhance effectiveness in combating drug-related crime and to stay at the forefront of best practices, 53 service members from the District of Columbia, Delaware, and New Jersey National Guard Counterdrug Programs gathered in Cambridge, Maryland, for joint annual training to get a wider scope and understanding of program best practices... MORE

U.S. Army Major Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, addresses National Guard Counterdrug Program personnel attending annual training in Cambridge, Maryland, August 27, 2024. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and alignment with state and government leadership during the joint annual training of the National Guard Counterdrug Program.

D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Program supports MPD’s ‘Beat the Streets/Late Night Hype’ initiative
July 26, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard Counterdrug Program partners with the Metropolitan Police Department and DC Department of Parks and Recreation for "Beat the Streets/Late Night Hype" in northwest Washington, D.C. The summer outreach initiative improves community relations and supports the city’s goal toward reducing substance abuse and illicit drug activities across all wards through outreach... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard Counterdrug Program partners with the Metropolitan Police Department and DC Department of Parks and Recreation for "Beat the Streets/Late Night Hype" in northwest Washington, D.C., July 19, 2024. The summer outreach initiative improves community relations and supports the city’s goal toward reducing substance abuse and illicit drug activities across all wards through outreach.