National Guard News
Members of the 51st Civil Support Team, Michigan National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and other responders are on the St. Marys River during the culminating training event for Operation Iron Wave at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Operation Iron Wave is an interagency training exercise that prepares local, state and federal agencies to respond to threats against critical infrastructure. Photo by Capt. Cameron McPhail.
Michigan Guard Strengthens Emergency Response Partnerships
By Capt. Cameron McPhail, | Aug. 5, 2026
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Military personnel including the Michigan National Guard, first responders and government agencies from across the nation came together July 27-31 during Operation Iron Wave, a multi-day joint...

Air Force Brig. Gen. Phillip L. Mallory, Hawaii Air National Guard commander, passes the Headquarters Hawaii Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention Flight guidon to Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Buendia, Headquarters Hawaii Air National Guard Recruiting Flight commander, symbolizing Buendia's acceptance of command of the flight during the unit's activation ceremony held at Pearl Highlands Center in Pearl City, Hawaii, Aug. 1, 2026. Before the flight’s activation, recruiting and retention efforts fell under the Hawaii Air National Guard personnel directorate. The establishment of the Hawaii Air National Guard’s first dedicated Recruiting and Retention Flight creates a team focused on recruiting new Airmen, retaining experienced personnel and strengthening accession support across the organization. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Orlando Corpuz.
Hawaii Air Guard Establishes Recruiting and Retention Flight
By Tech. Sgt. Orlando Corpuz, | Aug. 5, 2026
PEARL CITY, Hawaii – The Hawaii Air National Guard activated its first Recruiting and Retention Flight during a ceremony Aug. 1 at the Hawaii Air National Guard recruiting offices in Pearl Highlands Center, establishing a...

A U.S. Air Force special tactics Airman from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing jumps into Henry E. Rohlsen Airport near Christiansted in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Aug. 26, 2025 as part of Emerald Warrior 25.2, a large-scale special operations exercise being staged in multiple locations by Air Force Special Operations Command. The Airman, joined by 10 other combat controllers and pararescuemen, took control of the airfield to receive follow-on aircraft in support of simulated combat and contingency operations. Photo by Phil Speck.
Air National Guard Details Bonuses, Policy Changes Amid ‘Summer Surge Incentives’
By Master Sgt. Erich Smith, | Aug. 4, 2026
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Air National Guard is rolling out sweeping recruiting and retention transformation initiatives – removing accession barriers, expanding enterprise support and reshaping how it competes for the talent...