Brigadier General Janeen L. Birckhead was recently instated as The Adjutant General of Maryland in a change of command ceremony held by Maryland Governor Wes Moore. As the Senior National Guard General, she assumes responsibility for all military forces in the state, including the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, State Defense Force, and, in some states, a Naval Militia consisting of  US Navy Reserve and US Marine Corps Reserve troops.

General Birckhead boasts an impressive military background, serving as a combat veteran with the 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade in Afghanistan. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she played a crucial role as the Governor’s lead in the statewide COVID-19 Maryland Equity Task Force. In the early days of the pandemic, she swiftly mobilized over 1,500 soldiers to address the crisis. Additionally, she collaborated with the Maryland Department of Health to develop and integrate a planning team for efficient vaccine distribution during the second phase of the pandemic. Under her leadership, the MDARNG established Mobile Vaccination Support Teams (MVST), administering nearly 5,000 shots per week within the first two weeks of January 2021.

Furthermore, General Birckhead served as the Task Force Commander, overseeing a force of over 14,000 soldiers guarding the U.S. Capitol following the January 6th insurrection.

Here are some photos of the change of command ceremony with included soldiers and airmen from all three branches of The Maryland Military, Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and State Defense Force.

Sources: Maryland National Guard – Maryland Governor