An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Vermont National Guard Logo Press Releases
Press Release | April 12, 2019

Vermont Army National Guard Packs for JRTC Rotation

The Vermont Army National Guard will be loading rail cars in Burlington as we prepare for our Joint Readiness Training Center Rotation in Fort Polk, Louisiana. Rail operations will take place at the Burlington Rail Yard from April 12-April 18, 2019.

Most of the traffic created by bringing equipment and vehicles to the rail yard will be done very early in the morning to prevent any additional traffic to the Burlington area.

“JRTC is the Super Bowl of training events for infantry brigade combat teams and is how the Army generates increased readiness for select brigades,” said Col. Nathan Lord, commander, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (MTN). “Vermont’s Mountain Brigade’s stellar reputation earned in combat and through multiple trips to JRTC in the past is why we were selected. I acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices families and employers are making as our country asks more and more of our citizen-Soldiers.”

JRTC is the largest training exercise available for IBCTs. More than 5,000 Soldiers from 18 states and territories will participate in the exercise. JRTC simulates a deployed environment where Soldiers are put into high stress situations.

National Guard News
Four Soldiers of the Army National Guard are representing the United States of America in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. From left, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin, U.S. Army Spc. Sean Doherty, U.S. Army Spc. Maxime Germain and U.S. Army Sgt. Ben Loomis. Courtesy Photo.
Four Guard Members Compete in 2026 Olympic Games
By Capt. James Mason, | Feb. 10, 2026
MILAN–CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy —Four Soldiers of the Army National Guard are representing the United States of America in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Vermont Army National Guard’s Staff Sgt...

Oklahoma National Guardsmen deployed in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission as part of Task Force Thunder clear snow and ice from walkways around Washington, D.C., after Winter Storm Fern. Courtesy photo.
Oklahoma Guard Help Welcomed in DC Amid Freezing Temperatures
By Maj. Kayla Christopher, | Feb. 10, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY – While life as usual has resumed for most Oklahomans after Winter Storm Fern, for Oklahoma Guardsmen deployed in support of D.C. Safe and Beautiful, winter storm response is still in full-swing.Lingering...

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Will Emerling, a 133rd Aerial Refueling Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, performs gas mask and helmet system communication and oxygen testing for U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Amy James, a 64th ARS KC-46A boom operator, at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, Feb. 6, 2026. The tests are part of the pre-flight process for generating mission-ready air crews, ensuring all equipment fits and is fully functional. The pre-flight inspection was carried out as part of the wing’s nuclear operational readiness exercise that took place during the February unit training assembly, testing the unit’s ability to generate aerial refueling capability when it matters most. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Huffman.
New Hampshire Airmen Sharpen Strategic Deterrence in Readiness Exercise
By Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Huffman, | Feb. 10, 2026
NEWINGTON, N.H. – The 157th Air Refueling Wing highlighted the important role it plays in defending the homeland when it held a nuclear operational readiness exercise Feb. 5-8.The event tested the processes, critical skills...