As New Orleans prepares to host Super Bowl LIX, the Louisiana State Guard (State Defense Force – LASG) Force Protection Team is playing a crucial role in bolstering security operations. Working in coordination with the Louisiana Military Department’s (LMD) Force Protection Team, the LASG is providing additional support to secure Jackson Barracks, a key military installation. Given the influx of thousands of visitors, dignitaries, and media personnel for the high-profile event, heightened security measures have been implemented to mitigate potential threats. The LASG Force Protection Team is assisting with access control, perimeter security, and operational support, reinforcing the Guard’s commitment to protecting vital infrastructure and personnel.
Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating, “This partnership exemplifies the Louisiana State Guard’s commitment to supporting our military and civilian agencies in times of need. By integrating with the Louisiana Military Department’s Force Protection Team, we enhance the overall security posture and provide an additional layer of protection during this significant national event.” Jackson Barracks serves as a critical command hub for the Louisiana National Guard, and securing it during Super Bowl week underscores LASG’s readiness to support not only military operations but also statewide emergency preparedness efforts.
Readiness Through Weapons Qualification Training
Prior to undertaking its Super Bowl LIX security mission, the Louisiana State Guard ensured its personnel were re-certified with in the use of firearms through The Louisiana State Police rigorous weapons qualification program. LASG soldiers conducted live-fire exercises at both the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office Shooting Range and Camp Villere, reinforcing their marksmanship, weapons handling, safety protocols and overall operational proficiency. These exercises were part of the Guard’s ongoing effort to maintain the highest standards of readiness in support of the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) and Louisiana Military Department (LMD).
Colonel Danny Bordelon, Commander of the 1st Area Command, highlighted the importance of the training, stating, “Weapons proficiency is a key part of our overall readiness. Today’s training ensures that our personnel are not only prepared to support emergency operations but also maintain the discipline and professionalism expected of the Louisiana State Guard.” The successful completion of these qualification drills reaffirmed LASG’s commitment to emergency response, disaster relief, and public safety support. As LASG soldiers take on their force protection role at Super Bowl LIX, their rigorous training ensures they are prepared to meet the security challenges of the nation’s largest sporting event.
FYI – Uniforms. Lousiana State Guard Troops are given the option to wear either a Blue Polo & Khaki Pants or Their Army OCP Uniform. We were informed by The Louisiana National Guard that troops within The State Guard that don’t meet Army Height & Weight requirements are to wear the Blue Polo & Khaki Pant until they meet Army standards.
1st Area Command Conducts Weapons Qualifications at Camp Villere
Camp Villere, Slidell, LA – January 25, 2025– The 1st Area Command (1AC) of the Louisiana State Guard conducted weapons qualification training at Camp Villere. This essential training ensures that 1AC personnel remain proficient and mission-ready to support the Louisiana National Guard and the Louisiana Military Department in emergency response operations.
Under the guidance of experienced range officers and training staff, participants focused on safe weapons handling, marksmanship fundamentals, and qualifying to meet operational standards. The event emphasized the critical role of maintaining combat-readiness to provide effective support during state emergencies, natural disasters, and other vital missions.
“Our mission is to be ready when Louisiana needs us most,” said Captain Daniel Stoute, Headquarters Company Commander of the 1st Area Command. “Training like this ensures we have the skills and confidence to support our partners in the National Guard and serve the citizens of our state effectively.”
Camp Villere provides an ideal setting for weapons qualification with its state-of-the-art facilities and a controlled, secure environment for training exercises. The successful completion of this training reaffirms the 1AC’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety, discipline, and preparedness.
Chalmette, LA — February 1, 2025 — The Louisiana State Guard (LASG) conducted weapons qualification training at the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office Shooting Range, ensuring that its personnel maintain the highest standards of marksmanship and operational readiness.
Members of the LASG participated in a series of live-fire exercises designed to enhance accuracy, weapons handling, and overall proficiency. This training is a crucial component of the Guard’s mission to support the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) and the Louisiana Military Department (LMD) during emergency response operations.
“Weapons proficiency is a key part of our overall readiness,” said Colonel Danny Bordelon, Commander of the 1st Area Command. “Today’s training ensures that our personnel are not only prepared to support emergency operations but also maintain the discipline and professionalism expected of the Louisiana State Guard.”
The LASG remains committed to ongoing training efforts to strengthen its capabilities in emergency response, disaster relief, and public safety support. The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office provided a secure and well-equipped environment for today’s exercises, further reinforcing the strong partnerships between local law enforcement and the State Guard.
About the Louisiana State Guard
The Louisiana State Guard (LASG) supports the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) and the Louisiana Military Department (LMD) during emergencies, natural disasters, and other critical missions. Established in 1942, the LASG has a long history of providing logistical, operational, and administrative support to enhance the state’s emergency response capabilities. Under the authority of the Governor of Louisiana and the Adjutant General, LASG personnel serve as a vital force multiplier, bringing unique skills and experience to ensure the safety and security of Louisiana’s citizens.
Jackson Barracks, New Orleans, LA — February 2, 2025 — As New Orleans prepares to host Super Bowl LIX, the Louisiana State Guard (LASG) Force Protection Team is enhancing its role to ehance security operations at Jackson Barracks. Working in close coordination with the Louisiana Military Department’s (LMD) Force Protection Team, LASG personnel are providing critical support as a force multiplier to ensure the safety and security of military assets and personnel throughout the high-profile event.
With thousands of visitors, dignitaries, and media personnel converging on the city, heightened security measures are in place to mitigate potential threats and ensure smooth operations. The LASG Force Protection Team’s role includes access control, perimeter security, and operational support at Jackson Barracks, a key installation for the Louisiana National Guard and Military Department.
“This partnership exemplifies the Louisiana State Guard’s commitment to supporting our military and civilian agencies in times of need,” said Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard. “By integrating with the Louisiana Military Department’s Force Protection Team, we enhance the overall security posture and provide an additional layer of protection during this significant national event.”
Jackson Barracks, located in the city of New Orleans, serves as a critical command and operational hub. Ensuring its security during Super Bowl week is essential, and the LASG’s involvement underscores its readiness to assist in missions that support the Louisiana National Guard, the Louisiana Military Department, and the state’s overall emergency preparedness efforts.
The Louisiana State Guard remains dedicated to its mission of providing administrative, logistical, and operational support during emergency response operations. By deploying its Force Protection Team for this event, the LASG continues to demonstrate its value as a capable and reliable state defense force.
Source: Louisiana State Guard
