The Louisiana State Guard (State Defense Force – LASG) Cyber Defense Team recently conducted a pivotal training drill aimed at enhancing coordination and operational readiness to support the state’s emergency response efforts. This innovative exercise adopted a hybrid format, allowing team members to participate both in-person and virtually from various locations across Louisiana. By leveraging this approach, the team demonstrated its ability to adapt and operate effectively under diverse and challenging scenarios. The drill emphasized the team’s commitment to ensuring that Louisiana’s critical infrastructure and digital systems remain resilient against cyber threats.
“The LASG Cyber Defense Team is an integral part of our mission to support Louisiana’s emergency operations,” said Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard. “This drill showcased their dedication to maintaining readiness and their ability to respond effectively when needed.” The LASG Cyber Defense Team consists of highly skilled professionals specializing in cybersecurity, IT, and communications. Their efforts are instrumental in providing administrative, operational, and logistical support to the Louisiana National Guard and the Louisiana Military Department. By coordinating seamlessly during the drill, the team reinforced its capability to function as a unified force, regardless of physical proximity.
Many State Defense Forces across the country have developed Cyber Defense units to address emerging digital threats. Notable examples include the Maryland Defense Force, Texas State Guard, and Virginia Defense Force, whose teams often augment the Army National Guard’s 91st Cyber Brigade. The 91st Cyber Brigade was activated on September 1, 2017, the 91st Cyber Brigade is the first and only cyber brigade in the Army National Guard. With five battalions, multiple cybersecurity and cyber warfare companies, and 11 Cyber Protection Teams spread across more than 30 states, the brigade provides training and readiness oversight while serving as a strategic asset to U.S. Cyber Command and Army Cyber Command. The 91st Cyber Brigade plays a pivotal role in protecting national security, with its soldiers regularly participating in high-profile operations, such as Cyber Shield exercises and Task Force Echo rotations, and partnering with organizations to enhance critical infrastructure resilience.
State Defense Forces have also contributed significantly to national cybersecurity efforts, working alongside their National Guard counterparts. For example, the Ohio State Defense Force’s Cyber Reserve force ensured the security of Ohio’s internet infrastructure during the 2022 elections. In a recent Commanders Briefing interview, Major General Leon Lott, Commanding General of the South Carolina State Guard, highlighted the importance of cyber defense not only to the South Carolina State Guard but also to the country’s broader security. This highlights the critical and expanding role State Defense Forces play in safeguarding both digital and physical domains in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Louisiana State Guard (LASG) Cyber Defense Team successfully conducted a training drill, bringing team members together both in-person and virtually across the state. The exercise focused on building coordination and readiness to support Louisiana’s emergency response operations.
The hybrid drill format allowed team members to collaborate seamlessly from various locations, demonstrating their ability to work effectively under different scenarios. The exercise highlighted the team’s commitment to ensuring the state’s preparedness for any incidents that may impact critical infrastructure or digital systems.
“The LASG Cyber Defense Team is an integral part of our mission to support Louisiana’s emergency operations,” said Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard. “This drill showcased their dedication to maintaining readiness and their ability to respond effectively when needed.”
The LASG Cyber Defense Team consists of skilled professionals with expertise in cybersecurity, IT, and communications. Their efforts are vital in providing administrative, operational, and logistical support to the Louisiana National Guard and the Louisiana Military Department during emergencies.

Sources: Louisiana State Guard – 91st Cyber Brigade