The Louisiana State Guard’s (LASG – State Defense Force) 4th Area Command recently conducted weapons familiarization training at Camp Minden, underscoring its commitment to operational readiness and safety. This training provided LASG personnel with critical hands-on instruction in firearm handling, maintenance, and proficiency, ensuring they are prepared to support emergency response and security operations when called upon. Led by certified instructors, the training covered essential aspects of weapon safety, including proper handling procedures, disassembly and reassembly, malfunction clearing, and the fundamentals of marksmanship. Participants first attended classroom instruction before moving into practical exercises designed to enhance their familiarity with standard-issue small arms.
“As part of our mission to support the Louisiana National Guard and state emergency operations, it’s critical that our personnel understand firearm safety and handling,” said Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the LASG. “This training ensures our members are knowledgeable, responsible, and capable in their assigned duties.” In addition to fundamental firearm handling and safety, LASG personnel also reviewed Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) firearms qualification requirements. This emphasis on professional development ensures that LASG members remain ready to serve Louisiana effectively during emergencies and security operations.
Such training is critical, as the Louisiana State Guard has Force Protection Units that assist the Louisiana National Guard and local law enforcement agencies during statewide emergencies and special events. Notably, LASG personnel were involved in security operations for Super Bowl LIX, working alongside the Louisiana National Guard, State Police, and local law enforcement to ensure a safe environment for attendees. Our previous articles have detailed how the LASG plays an integral role in these security efforts, demonstrating the increasing reliance on State Defense Forces for such missions.
Many State Defense Forces across the country are enhancing their capabilities by integrating firearms and security training into their programs. The South Carolina State Guard has units that augment law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities, while the Florida State Guard has a dedicated Special Missions Unit trained to support law enforcement. Similarly, the California State Guard maintains specialized units composed of current, former, or retired U.S. military firearms instructors and police officers, who assist the California Army National Guard with weapons qualification training. The growing role of State Defense Forces in security and emergency response highlights their value as a force multiplier for National Guard and civilian authorities.
Camp Minden, LA – March 8, 2025 – The Louisiana State Guard’s 4th Area Command recently conducted weapons familiarization training at Camp Minden, reinforcing its commitment to operational readiness and safety. This hands-on training provided LASG personnel with essential instruction on firearm handling, maintenance, and proficiency, ensuring they are prepared to support emergency response and security operations when called upon.
The training, led by certified instructors, focused on proper weapon safety procedures, disassembly and reassembly, malfunction clearing, and the fundamentals of marksmanship. Participants received detailed classroom instruction before moving into practical exercises designed to enhance their familiarity with standard-issue small arms.
“As part of our mission to support the Louisiana National Guard and state emergency operations, it’s critical that our personnel understand firearm safety and handling,” said Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the LASG. “This training ensures our members are knowledgeable, responsible, and capable in their assigned duties.”
In addition to basic handling and safety, LASG personnel also reviewed Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) firearms qualification requirements.
The LASG remains committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring its personnel maintain the skills and readiness needed to serve Louisiana effectively.
Source: Louisiana State Guard
