News Release - Tag 260th Special Purpose Brigade

D.C. National Guard Boosts Homeland Defense as 260th Special Purpose Brigade Commissions First Maritime Security Vessel
July 11, 2026 — The District of Columbia National Guard’s 260th Special Purpose Brigade (SPB) has commissioned its first maritime security vessel, marking the first time an Army unit in the Nation’s Capital has operated a dedicated waterborne platform. The new capability strengthens the Guard’s ability to secure the District’s waterways, critical infrastructure, and major national events — a mission aligned with the National Defense Strategy’s warning that “the homeland is no longer a sanctuary.”... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. Nigeria Myers with the District of Columbia National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force District of Columbia, in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, assesses the newly transferred 260th Special Purpose Brigade boat in Williamsburg, Va., June 26, 2026. About 4,500 National Guard members are supporting the mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters, and visitors throughout the District.

From the Drill Floor to Tournament Stage, D.C. National Guard Launches Modern Combatives Program
April 15, 2026 — Formally established in February, the District of Columbia National Guard’s Combatives Program has already sent competitors to the 2026 Lacerda Cup, one of the Army’s premier hand-to-hand combat tournaments, and is beginning to influence how some units approach physical training. The effort aligns with the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP), which launched in the 1990s, and blends techniques from wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing and Muay Thai. Sister services have since also developed their own programs to enhance combat readiness, self-defense capabilities, unit cohesion, and Warrior Ethos... MORE

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers compete in the finals during day three of the 2026 Lacerda Cup All-Army Combatives Championship at Fort Benning, Ga. Apr. 10, 2026. The two Army National Guard teams finished the tournament with third and sixth place team standings out of twenty-one teams competing, with three National Guard Soldiers earning championship belts.

D.C. National Guard Activates 260th Special Purpose Brigade to Strengthen Security in the Nation’s Capital
March 8, 2026 — The District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) activated the 260th Special Purpose Brigade March 7 at the D.C. Armory, establishing the only brigade in the U.S. Army specifically designed to coordinate military support to civil authorities and protect critical infrastructure in the nation’s capital. The brigade was created in response to Executive Order 14339 and a subsequent directive from the Secretary of War, which called for the immediate establishment, training, and equipping of a dedicated National Guard unit capable of supporting public safety operations and strengthening coordination between military forces and civilian security partners in the District... MORE

U.S. Army Soldiers stand in formation during the 260th Special Purpose Brigade activation ceremony at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members are supporting the mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District.