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Category: 86th IBCT (MTN)

May 4, 2022

Meet Vt. Guard’s new substance abuse prevention coordinator

Eliminating the stigma around seeking mental health services is a goal for John Brutzman, the Vermont Guard’s new substance abuse prevention coordinator. “When I started this job, I would often hear that a solider could get trouble for seeking psychological health services, it’s just not the case, and I would like to see that stigma eradicated,” he said.

April 12, 2022

Vermont Soldier describes career path as 'a good unexpected'

For U.S. Army Sgt. Avah Eaton joining the Vermont Army National Guard brought many unexpected results. Among them, included applying for and accepting an offer to serve full-time in a human resources capacity with 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain). Recently returning from a deployment to Southwest Asia, Eaton reenlisted when offered the Active Guard Reserve position.

April 1, 2022

Vermont Guard Soldiers hone mountain skills with Saudi Arabian Special Forces

For the first time, a conventional U.S. Army National Guard unit conducted training with Royal Saudi Land Forces Special Forces Instructors at the Royal Saudi Land Forces Mountain Warfare School.

March 18, 2022

Vermont Guardsmen take part in combined extreme cold weather exercise in Canada

A small group of Vermont Army National Guard Soldiers made a cold and wintery trek into the Canadian wilderness starting at the end of February.

March 14, 2022

86th IBCT (MTN) completes KFOR mission

The 29th U.S. deployment to Kosovo Force (KFOR) is at an end, and with it comes reflection and a glance at what is next. For the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), the sky is the limit.

March 10, 2022

12 Days in August: Vermont Guardsmen reflect on Operation Allies Refuge

When Spc. Ryan Moon and Spc. Riley Benoit deployed to Southwest Asia with Task Force Avalanche, the mortarmen did not anticipate a 12-day mission in Afghanistan, taking part in the evacuation of thousands as part of Operation Allies Refuge.

March 3, 2022

Soldier Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Claire Johnson

When Staff Sgt. Claire Johnson, a combat medic, joined the New York Army National Guard, she did not anticipate the course her military career would take. “I originally enlisted in the New York Army National Guard when I was 17, right out of high school,” Johnson explained. “My dad was in the military, so he always pushed me in that direction, I never really knew I wanted to be in the Army, I knew I wanted to be in the medical field first.”

Feb. 23, 2022

National Guard to back law enforcement at DC demonstrations

As many as 700 members of the National Guard will be available to help local law enforcement during First Amendment demonstrations expected in the nation’s capital.Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III approved requests from

Feb. 3, 2022

Schedule released for Vermont National Guard Olympic biathletes

Vermont National Guard Olympic biathletes will compete in televised events Feb. 5-16, with possibilities to compete on Feb. 18 and 19, National Guard Biathlon training officials announced Feb. 3. Most events will be televised live in the early morning hours on NBC Sports and on www.peacocktv.com, with rebroadcast on USA Network later in the day.

Jan. 6, 2022

Meet Jordan Imhoff: Vermont Guard’s new psychological health coordinator

The Vermont National Guard has a new psychological health coordinator. In October 2021 Jordan Imhoff was hired for the position. Imhoff previously served as the Vermont National Guard Alcohol and Drug Control Officer in the Behavioral Services Office.

The official logo of the Vermont National Guard.

TAG's State of the Guard 2026

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National Guard News
Maj. Joel Loranger, the operations officer for the 157th Security Forces Squadron, is awarded the Bronze Star Medal May 2, 2026, at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire. Loranger earned the decoration for his leadership as the defense force commander at Al Asad Air Base from April to October 2025. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Timothy Hayden.
New Hampshire Air Guard Officer Awarded Bronze Star
By Tech. Sgt. Timothy Hayden, | May 8, 2026
PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H. — A New Hampshire Air National Guard officer was awarded the Bronze Star Medal May 2 for distinguished accomplishments while deployed to Iraq, where he led security forces through a series...

Louisiana National Guard Soldiers conduct a roving patrol as part of Task Force NOLA operations during French Quarter Fest. The Louisiana National Guard activated approximately 120 Soldiers under Task Force NOLA to support enhanced security operations in the French Quarter, contributing to the safety and success of the French Quarter Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Louisiana National Guard Supports Festival Security Operations
By Spc. Duncan Foote, | May 8, 2026
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard activated approximately 120 Soldiers under Task Force NOLA to support enhanced security operations in the French Quarter, contributing to the safety and success of the French Quarter...

Indiana National Guard Sgt. Brendan Bartlett, a cyber specialist with the 147th Cyber Warfare Company, and Spc. Caleb Chambers, assigned to 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, pose with their award for winning the highest overall combined score alongside Command Sgt. Maj. Mathew Hopkins, Michigan Army National Guard senior enlisted leader, after completing the Region IV Best Warrior Competition at Fort Custer Training Center, Michigan, May 2, 2026. The competition featured competitors from Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Photo by Staff Sgt. Hector Tinoco.
Indiana Guard Soldiers Score Well at Regional Competition
By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry, | May 7, 2026
INDIANAPOLIS – Two Indiana National Guard Soldiers received top honors at a Midwest regional competition held at Fort Custer Training Center, near Augusta, Michigan, April 30-May 2.Sgt. Brendan Bartlett and Spc. Caleb...