ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

The National Guard’s State Partnership Program remains critical to the force and “has paid huge dividends,” particularly in Ukraine, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said.  

“Building enduring, trusted relationships” with global partners is a key part of the component’s readiness, Gen. Daniel Hokanson said, citing as an example the partnership between the California National Guard and Ukraine, which dates to 1993. 

National Guard troops from across the country continue to play a critical role in wildfire response as multiple fires burn across the United States. 

More than 1,400 National Guard soldiers and airmen from 12 states have been called up to help with multiple blazes, including in California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana, according to the National Guard. 

While the National Guard routinely responds to domestic emergencies, including natural disasters, the 2021 fire season has proven to be especially ruthless. 

With only 30 percent of a Northern California wildfire contained, the California Army National Guard is adding artillery, cavalry and infantry troops to the police, engineers and aviators already mobilized to fight the Carr Fire.

National Guard members from other states are also pitching in.

Defense Department officials have set a deadline of July 1 to review and resolve bonuses paid a number of years ago to thousands of California National Guard soldiers who re-enlisted to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan. The review comes after Defense Secretary Ash Carter temporarily suspended recoupment efforts.

As the reviews take place, officials will operate under guidance to “lean in favor of the service member,” a senior defense official said in a briefing Oct. 27.