National Guard News
Oklahoma National Guard members and partner agencies conduct a tabletop exercise before the execution of Exercise Lightning Strike at Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, April 14, 2026. The Oklahoma National Guard, in partnership with Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management, hosted Exercise Lightning Strike, a domestic exercise scenario of an EF5 tornado. At the center of the exercise is the integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) across various scenarios, enabling real-time data sharing, improved situational awareness and more effective coordination among participating agencies. Exercise Lightning Strike brings together a wide range of agencies to operate within a shared framework, reinforcing the Guard’s role in supporting civil authorities during domestic incidents and natural disasters. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Anthony Ackah-Mensah)
Oklahoma Guard Hosts Exercise Lightning Strike
By Sgt. Dannielle Rayon | April 22, 2026
MUSKOGEE, Okla. – The Oklahoma National Guard, in partnership with the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management, recently hosted Exercise Lightning Strike, a domestic training exercise using drones to respond to a simulated...

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Charles Rodriguez, Hap Arnold Innovation Center, California Air National Guard, tries on First-Person View goggles for small Unmanned Aerial Systems during a Defense Contract Management Agency, or DCMA, Blue List training event, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., April 14, 2026. This training informed smarter procurement and the development of scalable, cost-effective small Unmanned Aerial Systems solutions for warfighters. In alignment with Executive Order 14307 and the Secretary of War’s drone-dominance directive, DCMA is accelerating the delivery and integration of these capabilities to the force. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julianne Sitterding.
California Guard Innovation Center Hosts Drone Training
By Senior Master Sgt. Julianne Sitterding, | April 21, 2026
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. – The California National Guard’s Hap Arnold Innovation Center brought together military, federal and industry partners for a Defense Contract Management Agency Blue List small Unmanned Aircraft...

Utah Guard Lt. Col Steven Pagoaga assumes command of the 1st Battalion, 204th Infantry Regiment, Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Camp Williams. The 1-204th Infantry Regiment falls under the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade with elements based in Ogden, Logan, Tooele and St. George. Infantrymen assigned to the unit are equipped with modern platforms, including Infantry Squad Vehicles and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, designed to increase speed and mobility on the battlefield. Photo by Airman Jacob Treanor.
Utah Guard Activates Light Infantry Unit
By Sgt. 1st Class Tim Beery, | April 21, 2026
CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah – The Utah Army National Guard officially activated the 1st Battalion, 204th Infantry Regiment during an April 18 ceremony, marking a milestone for the state and formally ushering in its first traditional...