News Release - Tag national guard

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.

From Duty to 'I Do'
March 23, 2026 — While serving in Washington, U.S. Army Spc. Ester Henriquez moved forward with one of the most important days of her life—her wedding to Hasan Alpkan at the historic Old Post Chapel at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia... MORE

U.S. Army Spc. Ester Henriquez, an Indiana National Guard member assigned to Joint Task Force - District of Columbia, holds Hasan Alpkan's hand during their wedding ceremony at the Old Post Chapel on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, March 21, 2026. About 2,700 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District.

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.

Amtrak Police, National Guard Support Public Safety Operations at Union Station
January 20, 2026 — A coordinated response between the Amtrak Police Department and National Guard members supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission led to the swift identification of a shoplifting suspect at Union Station on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2025. The incident began when Amtrak Police received a report of a shoplifting in progress at a Walgreens located in the station’s food court. Store employees reported that an individual wearing a red hoodie and gray jacket had taken merchandise and fled toward the Metro gates... MORE

D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission: 2025 Year in Review
December 28, 2025 — The Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission underscores the dedication of National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to work alongside federal, state and local partners. Joint Task Force - District of Columbia strengthens public safety through presence, partnership and trust while supporting communities, honoring service and standing ready to respond... MORE

75 Days Strong — Guard Members Keep the Nation’s Capital Safe and Beautiful
October 28, 2025 — Seventy-five days into the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, Soldiers and Airmen from across the country continue to serve alongside local law enforcement and community partners to enhance safety, resilience and quality of life throughout the nation’s capital. Since late August, the Joint Task Force - District of Columbia — composed of National Guard units from more than a dozen states — has maintained a visible, professional presence across Washington’s neighborhoods, parks and transit hubs. Their support to the Metropolitan Police Department and District agencies has become a cornerstone of interagency cooperation, demonstrating the Guard’s enduring commitment to the defense and well-being of the American people at home... MORE

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Scott McKennon, right, Joint Task Force–District of Columbia senior enlisted leader, D.C. National Guard, coordinates with civilian law enforcement in Washington, D.C., Oct. 31, 2025. About 2,400 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District.

Leadership of District of Columbia National Guard and the U.S. Marshals Service Mark 60 Days of Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Operations
October 11, 2025 — Leadership of District of Columbia National Guard and the U.S. Marshals Service inform the public of the many accomplishments after 60 days of operations in the D.C. area, Washington D.C. Oct. 11th, 2025. Approximately 2,300 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District... MORE

National Guard Duo Reunite Lost Child With Parents at Washington Monument
October 8, 2025 — A routine patrol near the Washington Monument turned into a moment of human connection on Oct. 6, when two National Guard Airmen helped reunite a lost child with his parents amid the bustling crowds of the National Mall. Guardsmen have helped reunite six children with their families since the start of the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission... MORE

U.S. Air Force Airman Devontae Taylor, left, and Tech. Sgt. Richard Kramer, Airmen with the 172nd Airlift Wing, Mississippi National Guard, with the 112th Military Police Battalion, Mississippi National Guard, Task Force Magnolia, recovered a lost child, center left, near the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District.

Guard members from six states, D.C. on duty in Washington in support of local, fed authorities
August 29, 2025 — Since Aug. 12, more than 75,000 meals, which all meet the Army food program’s calorie count and dietary requirements and restrictions have been distributed to Soldiers and Airmen at duty locations throughout Washington. Providing hot meals and ensuring Guard members are billeted in safe hotels are task force priorities. ... MORE

U.S. Soldiers of the Army National Guard serve meals at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Aug. 29, 2025. Meals are served to about 2,300 National Guard members that are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work, and visit the District.

Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie Tribute Video
August 9, 2025 — The D.C. National Guard honors U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, the Commanding General (Interim), for 35+ years of military service. We also recognize August 9, 2025, as Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie Day in the District of Columbia. Mayor Muriel Bowser honored Maj. Gen. Andonie with a proclamation recognizing his decades of distinguished service to the U.S. Army. His leadership strengthened the bond between the DC National Guard and the District, enhancing public safety, community partnerships, and emergency response. Please watch this tribute video as service members and partners discuss Maj. Gen. Andonie's commitment to build, maintain, and balance readiness objectives over the last two years... MORE