News Release

A Voice That Makes A Difference: The Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS)
July 21, 2025 — The District of Columbia National Guard's Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) annual fielding window is approaching. The DEOCS is a key tool for assessing unit morale, identifying risk factors, and guiding prevention efforts. This critical survey allows every member of our organization to provide confidential feedback on our command climate, trust in leadership, cohesion, and unit readiness. Results support the development of evidence-based action plans to improve workplace culture and mission effectiveness. And strong participation provides reliable data to help us address issues before they become barriers to readiness... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard's Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) annual fielding window is approaching. The DEOCS is a key tool for assessing unit morale, identifying risk factors, and guiding prevention efforts. This critical survey allows every member of our organization to provide confidential feedback on our command climate, trust in leadership, cohesion, and unit readiness. Results support the development of evidence-based action plans to improve workplace culture and mission effectiveness. And strong participation provides reliable data to help us address issues before they become barriers to readiness.

Why I Serve: D.C. National Guard Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Excels in Operational Relevance
July 16, 2025 — U.S. Army Spc. Massan Signon of the 104th Maintenance Company is part of a dedicated team that performs routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and recovery operations, which are vital for keeping the Army's vehicles operational and ready for deployment at a moment's notice. Their work directly impacts the ability to respond to missions and maintain its fighting capabilities... MORE

U.S. Army Spc. Massan Signon, wheeled vehicle mechanic (91B) with the D.C. National Guard’s 104th Maintenance Company, stands for a photograph at the Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, in Washington, D.C., on June 21, 2025. Spc. Signon is part of a dedicated team that performs routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and recovery operations, which are vital for keeping the Army's vehicles operational and ready for deployment at a moment's notice. Their work directly impacts the ability to respond to missions.

113th Wing DCANG partners with Jamaica Defence Force at Cyber Shield 2025
July 10, 2025 — Members of the District of Columbia Air National Guard’s 113th Communications Squadron joined more than 900 participants from across the U.S. military and allied nations for Cyber Shield 2025. For the first time, the DC Air National Guard teamed up with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in a cyber-focused effort, marking a significant milestone between the two partner nations... MORE

Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, the Adjutant General (TAG) for the D.C. National Guard, recognizes members of the 113th Wing D.C. Air National Guard and members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) during Cyber Shield 2025 at the Virginia National Guard's State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, VA, on June 11, 2025. Cyber Shield, the longest and largest Department of Defense cyber exercise sharpens skills, tests tactics, and strengthens collaboration in computer network defense measures and protecting our nation's critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats and cyber incident response.

'Awarenessgram': Suicide Prevention and Resource Awareness Selfies
June 27, 2025 — The D.C. National Guard Risk Reduction program has introduced the ‘Awarenessgram’, a visual invitation that allows service members to seek support. The selfies are to encourage those who may be unknowingly or knowingly facing mental health challenges to utilize the appropriate resources... MORE

Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard take an Awarenessgram at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., on June 5, 2025. The District of Columbia National Guard’s Risk Reduction program has introduced suicide prevention selfies (Awarenessgram) as a tool to encourage those who may be unknowingly or knowingly facing mental health challenges to utilize the appropriate resources.

Behind the Scenes: National Guard Support to the U.S. Army's 250th Birthday Celebration
June 15, 2025 — More than 800 National Guard members were activated in support of the 250th Army Birthday Festival and Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. The Guard members, from the District of Columbia, Mississippi, West Virginia and Pennsylvania assisted various agencies with tasks including crowd management and traffic control, and played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of events... MORE

National Guard provides crucial support for Army's 250th birthday celebration
June 14, 2025 — More than 800 National Guard members were activated in support of the 250th Army Birthday Festival and Parade. The Guard members, from the District of Columbia, Mississippi, West Virginia and Pennsylvania assisted various agencies with tasks including crowd management and traffic control, and played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of events... MORE

More than 800 National Guard members were activated in support of the 250th Army Birthday Festival and Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. The Guard members, from the District of Columbia, Mississippi, West Virginia and Pennsylvania assisted various agencies with tasks including crowd management and traffic control, and played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of events.

‘The Presidents Civil Support Team’ conducts exercise at America’s Airfield
June 9, 2025 — The 33rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) conducted a full-scale chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive exercise at Joint Base Andrews reinforcing the unit’s mission readiness and tactical proficiency ahead of its upcoming training proficiency evaluation... MORE

The 33rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team Survey Section simulate a man-down during a full-scale chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive exercise at Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 21, 2025. The exercise tested the unit’s on-site assessment, hazard mitigation, communication setup, decontamination operations, safety measures, medical monitoring and coordination with local civilian agencies under the Incident Command System.

D.C. National Guard’s O’Neill Competition Highlights
June 7, 2025 — Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard participate in the O’Neill Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, on June 6, 2025. The event pushed participants through a multi-level series of challenging military fundamentals—from ruck marches and weapons qualification to medical tasks and vehicle maintenance—designed to unify and strengthen the Warrior Ethos. The competition was a tribute to D-Day (Operation Overlord) and the legacy of LTC John C. O’Neill, a World War II combat engineer and D.C. Guardsman who helped breach enemy defenses on Omaha Beach in 1944. It's part of Annual Training, ensuring all Soldiers are prepared for challenging, relevant, and realistic missions to fight and win... MORE

D.C. National Guard’s O’Neill Competition Commemorates D-Day Heroism and Warrior Ethos
June 6, 2025 — Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard participate in the O’Neill Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, on June 6, 2025. The event pushed more participants through a multi-level series of challenging military fundamentals—from ruck marches and weapons qualification to medical tasks and vehicle maintenance—designed to unify and strengthen the Warrior Ethos. The competition was a tribute to D-Day (Operation Overlord) and the legacy of LTC John C. O’Neill, a World War II combat engineer and D.C. Guardsman who helped breach enemy defenses on Omaha Beach in 1944... MORE

Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard participate in the O’Neill Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, on June 6, 2025. The event pushed more than 250 participants through a grueling day of military fundamentals—from ruck marches and weapons qualification to medical tasks and vehicle maintenance—designed to unify and strengthen the Warrior Ethos. The competition was a tribute to D-Day (Operation Overlord) and the legacy of LTC John C. O’Neill, a World War II combat engineer and D.C. Guardsman who helped breach enemy defenses on Omaha Beach in 1944.

DCNG Tuition Assistance (TA) and Mission Success
June 3, 2025 — Military leaders at every level must be multifaceted to complete the mission. Education is a paramount aspect of leader development. The DC Tuition Assistance program provides Soldiers and Airmen the opportunity to better themselves through formal education and certification programs. In celebration of graduation season, we spoke with recent graduates who made the most out of the benefit... MORE

Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim) for the D.C. National Guard; Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, the Adjutant General for the D.C. National Guard, and Master Sgt. Arthur Mondale Wright, State Public Affairs Officer, stand for a photograph at the D.C. Armory, in Washington D.C., on May 21, 2025. Master Sgt. Wright earned his Master of Public Administration with the assistance of the District of Columbia National Guard Tuition Assistance Program.