Washington National Guard’s Annual Report Showcases State Defense Force’s Dedication and Achievements in 2023

Every year, National Guard units across the United States produce an Annual Report, a comprehensive document that showcases the year’s accomplishments and activities of their respective Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and State Defense Force. These reports serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the men and women serving in these branches. Recently, the Washington National Guard released their Annual Report, which notably includes detailed insights into the operations and missions of the Washington State Guard (State Defense Force).

The 2023 Annual Report highlights the Washington State Guard’s (WSG) significant contributions under the command of COL Joseph P. Maassen. The State Guard remained ready to respond to the governor’s call during emergencies or natural disasters. Over the year, members collectively completed 13,536 hours of service, a figure that includes state active duty (SAD) hours (4,128), inactive duty training (IDT) hours (3,824), and weekend drill training hours (5,584). These efforts, especially in IDT and weekend training, enhanced their mission readiness and represent a monetary value of nearly $300,000, underscoring their commitment to public service. The report also details the WSG’s various activities, including continued support for the Tribal Liaison Officer (LNO) initiative, special projects like the Evergreen Spill tabletop exercise and the annual tribal forum, and numerous Honor Guard services on significant days such as Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. The Washington State Guard also focused on HAM radio training, participation in Amateur Radio Club meetings, and preparations for augmenting the National Guard’s wildfire response capabilities.

Looking ahead to 2024, the Washington State Guard is set to maintain a high operational tempo. The report outlines plans for continuing the Tribal LNO initiative, providing cyber-security support to state and local government agencies, and developing a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) program. A significant addition will be the commissioning of a Mobile Operations Command Center, enhancing their onsite communication capabilities during disasters or significant events. The State Guard will also continue its emergency communication support across the state, including running an Officer Candidate and Warrant Officer program in the schools section. Additionally, WSG leaders are committed to fostering relationships with other State Defense Force units through active participation in the State Guard Association of the United States. This forward-looking approach exemplifies the Washington State Guard’s ongoing dedication to serving and protecting the community.

In 2023, under the command of COL Joseph P. Maassen, the men and women of the State Guard continued to prepare to respond to the call of the governor, if needed, to assist during times of an emergency or natural disaster.

A total of 13,536 hours of service were completed through a combination of state active duty (SAD) (4,128), inactive duty training (IDT) (3,824) and traditional weekend drill training (5,584) activities. The hours spent on IDT and weekend training not only enhanced mission readiness but represent nearly $300,000

in monetary value. These statistics are significant and represent the incredible commitment to public service that the members of the State Guard make each

day.

With the start of the new year, the Washington State Guard was actively engaged in a variety of activities. This list includes, but is not limited to, continuing support of the Tribal LNO initiative and special projects, to include the Evergreen Spill tabletop exercise (TTX) and the annual tribal forum. In addition, the WSG

conducted numerous Honor Guard services on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day Naturalization Ceremony, Wreath’s Across America, and Honor Guard services for former members of the WSG in Tonasket and Pierce County. Other highlights include attending the Honor Flight Reception, conducting HAM radio training and testing for civilians and members of the WSG and National Guard, weekly VHF radio network checks, participating in Amateur Radio Club

meetings in various communities, and preparing to augment the wildfire response capabilities of the National Guard during fire season.

The 2024 operational tempo does not appear to be slowing down. The WSG will continue to provide subject matter experts for the Tribal LNO initiative and cyber-security support for state and local government agencies. The State Guard will be developing a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) program and be available for support when needed to provide emergency responders with situational awareness and analysis. In addition, a Mobile Operations Command Center will be commissioned that will provide self-contained and 24-hour operational capacity for onsite UHF, VHF, digital communication capabilities at a disaster

location or any other significant event when needed. Our emergency communication support will continue across the state and the schools section of the WSG will conduct an Officer Candidate and Warrant Officer program. Finally, leaders of the WSG will continue to develop relationships with other State Defense

Force units through active participation in the State Guard Association of the United States.

Washington State Guard members take a pause at the Minuteman

Statue for a quick photo op during a ruck march on Camp Murray,

Wash. (Courtesy Photo)

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