An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
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 | June 6, 2022

86th IBCT (MTN) welcomes new commander

Vermont National Guard Public Affairs

CAMP ETHAN ALLEN TRAINING SITE, Vermont  –  

Col. Leonard Poirier assumed command of the largest military command in Vermont during a change of command ceremony at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site on June 4 at 10 a.m.

During the ceremony, Col. Brey Hopkins, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), relinquished his command after serving since June 2020.

“The Soldiers on this field represent the very best of this nation. As always, the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain) has been in the forefront of world changing events. From force protection at the US Capital and response to the COVID-19 pandemic to Kabul International Airport during the withdrawal and heightened tensions in Africa and the Balkans … the Alpine Brigade was there,” said Hopkins.

The passing of the brigade colors from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander symbolizes the transfer of command. Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Gagnon, the senior enlisted Soldier for the 86th IBCT (MTN), passed the colors to Hopkins, who in turn passed the colors to Brig. Gen. James Pabis, deputy adjutant general, Vermont Army National Guard, hence relinquishing his command. Pabis then passes the colors to Poirier, entrusting him with the responsibility and care of the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain). Poirier then passes the colors to Gagnon, completing the symbolic change of command.

“It is truly an honor and privilege to be able to serve as the Commander of the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (MTN), and to lead some of the finest Soldiers in the United States Army as we continue to build on the Brigade’s proud legacy,” said Poirier.

Poirier’s wife, Col. Tracey Poirier, daughters Emma and Beth Poirier, and son Will Poirier, along with other family and friends witnessed the ceremony. Special guests, senior leaders, and fellow soldiers also attended the historical occasion.

Nearly 900 Soldiers from the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (MTN) recently returned from the largest deployment of Vermont Soldiers since 2010.

Effective October 1, 2024: To streamline communications, all F-35 and Air National Guard related inquiries should be routed directly to the 158th Fighter Wing contact page or by calling 802-660-5379. F-35 flying alerts (ie night flying schedules) will only be posted on the Vermont Air National Guard website.
National Guard News
U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade, 11th Airborne Division load onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii Oct. 14, 2024. The Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) is the Army’s newest Combat Training Center (CTC) and generates readiness in the environments and conditions where our forces are most likely to operate in. JPMRC 25-01 includes training participants from across the U.S. Joint Force, and multinational Allies and partners.
Hawaii Multinational Exercise Furthers Indo-Pacific Readiness
By Capt. Allen Gutierrez, | Nov. 1, 2024
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — As one of Hawaii’s largest exercises, the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) brought together a diverse coalition of U.S. and multinational forces from Oct. 5-18,...

Native American Spc. Moses Brave Heart of the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 235th Military Police Company is growing his hair long after receiving an exception to military policy.
Indigenous South Dakota Soldier Receives Hair Exemption
By Staff Sgt. Breanne Donnell, | Nov. 1, 2024
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Native American Spc. Moses Brave Heart of the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 235th Military Police Company is growing his hair long after receiving an exception to policy. Brave Heart is a member of the...

Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, South Carolina Army National Guard, attended a deployment departure ceremony Oct. 19, 2024, at the Easley Readiness Center, Easley, South Carolina. This unit is preparing to deploy to support Operation Inherent Resolve.
South Carolina Army Guard Air Defenders Deploying to CENTCOM
By Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews, | Oct. 31, 2024
EASLEY, S.C. - A departure ceremony was held Oct. 19 for South Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers deploying to support Operation Inherent Resolve in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.The Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 263rd...