Back in May, StateDefenseForce.com reported on the exceptional efforts of the 61st Medical Battalion of the Tennessee State Guard (State Defense Force) as they participated in one of the nation’s largest military disaster response exercises—Vigilant Guard 2025. The event marked not just a major training milestone, but a powerful display of coordination between the State Guard, The US National Guard, and—for a rare but invaluable training mission—even Active Duty U.S. Army units.
What Is Vigilant Guard?
Vigilant Guard is an annual joint training exercise sponsored by U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the National Guard Bureau. The scenario for this year’s event simulated a catastrophic 7.5-magnitude earthquake along the New Madrid Seismic Zone, the most active fault line east of the Rockies. While this disaster was fictional, the response was anything but. Conducted across Tennessee and Mississippi from May 12–18, 2025, this iteration of Vigilant Guard was historic—it was the first time two states executed a combined Vigilant Guard mission. More than 14 military units and 250 personnel joined forces to test and enhance mission readiness, multi-agency coordination, and disaster interoperability.
Among those responding was the Tennessee State Guard’s 61st Medical Battalion, commanded by COL (TN) Alan Cox. Working alongside The US Army’s Active Duty Unit, The 531st Hospital Center from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, as well as the Tennessee National Guard, Tennessee and Wyoming Air Guard, Tennessee Department of Health, and many other agencies, the 61st provided critical medical support at the Medical Regional Evacuation Point (REP) established at Millington-Memphis Airport.
This collaboration exemplified what Vigilant Guard is meant to foster: seamless cooperation between military and civilian entities in the face of a large-scale natural disaster.
A Rare and Valuable Partnership
It is not often that State Defense Forces operate in direct coordination with U.S. Active Duty military units, which made this mission all the more significant. The 61st Medical Battalion’s joint operations with the 531st Hospital Center is a rare honor typically reserved for missions of critical importance. Other examples of such cooperation include the Texas State Guard and California State Guard maritime units working with the U.S. Coast Guard on search-and-rescue and coastal security initiatives.
These collaborations—though infrequent—are a reminder of the vital role State Defense Forces can play not only within their own states but alongside the full force of the United States military when the mission demands it.
A Model of Dedication and Service
Photos and testimonials continue to emerge from Vigilant Guard 2025, showcasing the impressive professionalism and teamwork between State Guard soldiers and their federal counterparts. Special recognition was given to members of the Tennessee State Guard such as LTC Anthony Crawford (Planning Section Chief), 1SG Michael John Mills (Logistics Section Chief), and COL Alan Cox (61st MEDBN), whose leadership and execution were praised by both military and civilian planners.
Their presence and performance at this exercise didn’t just prove their capabilities—it elevated the image of State Defense Forces nationwide. As natural disasters grow in frequency and strength, having trained, integrated, and mission-ready teams like the 61st is essential to our nation’s disaster preparedness.
Our Commendation
StateDefenseForce.com wishes to commend the 61st Medical Battalion for their tireless commitment, sacrifice, and professionalism. Their actions during Vigilant Guard 2025 serve as a model for other State Defense Forces to emulate. They have distinguished themselves as one of the elite medical battalions in the nation’s state defense system.
In the coming weeks, we plan to spotlight this outstanding unit further, highlighting their training, service, and future missions. As disasters strike with little warning, it’s the quiet professionals—like those of the 61st—who stand ready, ensuring lives are saved and communities recover faster.
Thank you, 61st Medical Battalion, for going above and beyond the call of duty. Tennessee, and indeed the nation, is safer because of your service.
Here are some videos from the major training event:
Here are some photos posted following the training event:
Even more photos from the mission:
Sources: Tennessee State Guard – Reserve + National Guard
