As the world becomes increasingly digital and interconnected, the threat to critical communication systems grows ever more serious. Malicious actors and hostile nation-states continue to seek ways to disrupt or disable American telecommunications networks, especially during times of crisis. In December of last year, the Associated Press reported that Chinese state-backed hackers conducted a prolonged intrusion into major U.S. telecommunications systems—part of a campaign known as “Salt Typhoon.” Such operations are designed to quietly penetrate critical infrastructure, including communication networks that the military and emergency services rely on, potentially crippling U.S. response capabilities in a natural disaster or global conflict.
If such a crisis were to occur—whether a devastating hurricane or a major geopolitical confrontation—maintaining communications between U.S. Military, State, and Federal authorities would be crucial. For this reason, the State Defense Forces have long maintained a core mission of providing emergency communications systems when modern infrastructure fails. These volunteer military units ensure that, even if the nation’s primary networks are attacked or disabled, vital channels of coordination remain open.
The Louisiana State Guard has taken this mission to heart. During their October 2025 drill, three of the Guard’s Area Commands conducted simultaneous communications exercises to test and refine their emergency radio capabilities across the state.
At Camp Beauregard, the 3rd Area Command focused on hands-on HAM (amateur) radio training, emphasizing how to establish reliable, off-grid communication networks during disasters when cell towers and internet services might be down. Members practiced frequency programming, long-range transmission, and radio setup to ensure interoperability across Louisiana. Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard, highlighted the exercise’s significance: “During a disaster, the ability for each area command to communicate quickly and effectively across the state can make the difference in saving lives. The HAM radio network gives us a reliable, resilient tool when modern infrastructure fails.”
Meanwhile, in Bossier City, soldiers from the 4th Area Command completed a rigorous five-week Amateur Radio Technician training program in partnership with Bossier Parish 911 and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. The course combined classroom instruction with practical exercises on radio theory, FCC licensing, and emergency communication protocols. “Dedication to the community runs deep in the 4th Area Command,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Elliott. “Giving back to the community is what the Louisiana State Guard is all about; it is a core value.” With their newly earned FCC licenses, these soldiers are now qualified to support 911 dispatch centers, local emergency management, and homeland security during disasters—further enhancing Louisiana’s communications resilience.
In New Orleans, the 1st Area Command also conducted its own HAM radio training exercise during its October 18th drill. Soldiers learned to establish and maintain field communications networks under conditions simulating infrastructure collapse. “Our HAM radios allow us to communicate effectively with other Louisiana State Guard units across the state when normal communication systems are down,” said Staff Sergeant Toby Ducote, Communications Chief for 1AC. “All of this equipment operates completely off the grid on battery power, so even in widespread emergencies, we can maintain a critical link between units and ensure a coordinated response for the citizens of Louisiana.”
These drills exemplify the Louisiana State Guard’s commitment to preparedness and interagency coordination. Working alongside the Louisiana National Guard and state emergency agencies, the Guard ensures that when disaster strikes—or when hostile powers seek to disrupt American communications—Louisiana and other States with State Defense Forces remains connected, coordinated, and capable.
Across the nation, State Defense Forces stand as an unheralded yet essential layer of the nation’s defense architecture. Their communications readiness mission could prove decisive in the event of a future conflict where adversaries possess the means to cripple digital infrastructure. The Louisiana State Guard’s dedication to ensuring resilient, independent communication networks demonstrates that, even in the darkest hour, America’s defenders at the state level are ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
*Regarding the Polo and Khakis Pants, The Louisiana State Guard Gives Soldiers The Option To Wear OCP Military Uniforms or Polo / Khakis Uniforms. We do encourage the use of OCP Uniforms to get to properly represent The Louisiana State Guard as a Military Force that can be seen by Louisiana’s as Heroes Serving Their State.
Louisiana State Guard 3rd Area Command Conducts Communications Drill at Camp Beauregard
PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana State Guard’s 3rd Area Command (3AC) conducted a communications drill at Camp Beauregard focused on emergency communications, where members received hands-on training in the use of HAM (amateur) radios to enhance disaster response operations.
The training centered on establishing reliable communication networks when traditional systems—such as cell towers and internet—are unavailable during emergencies. Members practiced radio setup, frequency programming, and long-range communication to improve interoperability between units across Louisiana.
“This training is a vital step toward strengthening our state’s emergency communications capability,” said Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard. “During a disaster, the ability for each area command to communicate quickly and effectively across the state can make the difference in saving lives. The HAM radio network gives us a reliable, resilient tool when modern infrastructure fails.”
The HAM radio initiative is part of the Louisiana State Guard’s broader effort to enhance its “all-hazards” response readiness. By developing this capability, the Guard ensures its units can maintain communications and coordination during statewide emergencies.
The 3rd Area Command, headquartered at Camp Beauregard provides administrative, operational, and logistical support to the Louisiana National Guard in Central Louisiana.
Soldiers of the Louisiana State Guard’s 4th Area Command Complete Amateur Radio Operator Training
BOSSIER CITY, La. — Soldiers from the 4th Area Command recently completed an intensive Amateur Radio (HAM) Technician training program, presented by active duty military members and Bossier Parish 911 in partnership with the Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP).
Over the course of five weeks, members of the Guard’s 4th Area Command carved out off-duty time to study radio theory, operating procedures, FCC regulations, and emergency communication protocols necessary to obtain their FCC Technician class licenses. The training included both classroom instruction and practical, hands-on exercises.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Elliott said, “Dedication to the community runs deep in the 4th Area Command of the Louisiana State Guard. When called upon, I do not doubt that this group can rise to the challenge. Giving back to the community is what the Louisiana State Guard is all about; it is a core value.”
Through this training, the Guard members have gained the technical skills and regulatory understanding needed to support emergency communications, public safety coordination, and disaster response operations when activated. This capability enhances the Guard’s ability to integrate with local emergency management, 911 services, and homeland security efforts, improving communications resilience for the greater Bossier Parish community and beyond.
The 4th Area Command is now prepared to deploy licensed amateur radio operators as needed — to augment communications during major incidents, natural disasters, search operations, or other missions where radio interoperability and redundancy are essential.
1st Area Command Conducts HAM Radio Training
New Orleans, LA — The 1st Area Command of the Louisiana State Guard conducted comprehensive HAM radio training during its drill on October 18, 2025. This training session provided soldiers with the skills necessary to establish and maintain effective communications during emergency response operations.
HAM radio, also known as amateur radio, is a vital tool for maintaining communication in situations where traditional networks may be unavailable, such as natural disasters, severe weather events, or other emergencies. During drill, 1AC soldiers learned proper radio operation techniques, frequency management, and message handling to ensure timely and accurate communication across multiple response units.
“Our HAM radios allow us to communicate effectively with other Louisiana State Guard units across the state when normal communication systems are down,” said Staff Sergeant Toby Ducote, Commo Chief for 1AC. “All of this equipment operates completely off the grid on battery power, so even in widespread emergencies, we can maintain a critical link between units and ensure a coordinated response for the citizens of Louisiana.”
The 1st Area Command continues to prioritize readiness, providing soldiers with hands-on training and skills necessary to support the Louisiana National Guard and local communities during emergencies. This drill included multiple simultaneous training activities, emphasizing practical application and real-world readiness.
Source: Louisiana State Guard – AP News