The Louisiana State Guard (State Defense Force – LSG) continues to expand its readiness and operational capabilities, as demonstrated by the comprehensive October training undertaken by the 1st Area Command. Their training cycle placed a strong emphasis on Point of Distribution operations, an area of emergency response that has grown dramatically in importance over the past several years. Ever since the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, when supermarket shelves were stripped of food, water, and medical supplies, State Defense Forces nationwide were called upon to establish and manage POD sites to distribute essential resources to families in need. This mission rapidly became one of the most requested capabilities across the nation, especially in the aftermath of hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and other natural disasters that destroy local markets and cripple normal supply chains. To meet this need, Louisiana State Guard soldiers trained on the full range of POD procedures, ensuring they can quickly set up distribution points, move critical resources, and maintain the structure and efficiency required during a crisis.
Search and Rescue also formed a major component of the 1st Area Command’s training, reinforcing one of the core missions performed by State Defense Forces across the country. Many State Guard members undergo specialized national-level training through professional bodies such as the National Association for Search and Rescue, whose certification programs are exceptionally rigorous and demanding. The value of these skills becomes immediately evident during hurricanes, wildfires, flash flooding, or tornado outbreaks, when State Guard personnel are among the first to deploy, locate stranded survivors, provide immediate stabilization of injuries, and rapidly transport victims to safety. In support of this life-saving mission, 1st Area Command also conducted Stop the Bleed training, ensuring every soldier is equipped with the medical knowledge needed to control hemorrhaging and treat critical wounds in the field. Stop the Bleed was developed through a federal effort led by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma and is based heavily on medical advances first implemented by U.S. military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan, bringing battlefield-proven techniques to domestic responders. The combination of SAR readiness and advanced medical capability highlights the Louisiana State Guard’s commitment to protecting its communities during the most severe statewide emergencies.
Rounding out their training, soldiers received orientation and education on Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, one of the newest mission sets within the State Guard’s expanding toolbox. sUAS platforms provide situational awareness that is otherwise impossible during disasters, giving responders the ability to assess damage, identify hazards, locate stranded individuals, and coordinate rescue efforts with far greater speed and precision. By incorporating this modern technology into its training cycle, the Louisiana State Guard continues to evolve as an agile, adaptive, and technologically capable force prepared to support local and state agencies whenever disaster strikes.
In addition to their emergency response training, the Louisiana State Guard recently provided security support during a major military reunion event honoring the veterans and families of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. Held at Jackson Barracks and organized by the Louisiana National Guard Foundation, the reunion brought together soldiers past and present, along with their families, for a day of remembrance and recognition. The State Guard’s Force Protection Unit worked closely with National Guard security personnel to ensure the event remained safe and orderly, managing access control, monitoring the perimeter, and maintaining crowd safety throughout the gathering. Their presence allowed veterans and families to focus on commemorating their shared service, knowing that security responsibilities were in steady and professional hands.
The Force Protection Unit represents one of the most specialized capabilities within the Louisiana State Guard. Its personnel undergo extensive training conducted by law enforcement instructors, including facility security procedures, access management, threat identification, and the safe handling and employment of small arms. These soldiers complete the same types of courses that police officers undergo, preparing them to assist or augment local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies during statewide emergencies. Their unique skillset has made them an invaluable asset during major events throughout Louisiana, including their support role during Super Bowl LIX, where they worked alongside the Louisiana National Guard to enhance venue security, manage controlled areas, and support local and state law enforcement operations. In addition, the unit continuously refines its proficiency through weapons-qualification events and regular refresher training, ensuring that its members are fully prepared to serve the state during both routine missions and large-scale crisis operations.
Together, the 1st Area Command’s training achievements and the Force Protection Unit’s operational support highlight the evolving and indispensable role of the Louisiana State Guard. Through advanced certifications, modern technology, and strong partnerships with the Louisiana National Guard and state agencies, the organization continues to strengthen Louisiana’s readiness, resilience, and emergency response capability.
*Regarding the uniforms of The Louisiana State Guard. The leadership of The State Guard offers its soldiers to wear either The OCP Army Uniform of Blue Polo and Khakis Pants.
1st Area Command Conducts Training in POD, Search & Rescue, Stop The Bleed, and sUAS Orientation During October Drill
New Orleans, LA – The Louisiana State Guard’s 1st Area Command conducted an intensive training drill on October 18, 2025, focused on enhancing readiness and life-saving skills in support of the citizens of Louisiana. The drill included education on Point of Distribution (POD) operations, a Search & Rescue tabletop exercise, Stop The Bleed training, and Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) orientation.
During the POD portion, soldiers were educated on the processes and procedures for establishing emergency supply distribution points, gaining the knowledge necessary to support communities effectively during disasters or large-scale emergencies. The Search & Rescue component was conducted as a tabletop exercise, allowing members to plan, discuss, and problem-solve through simulated emergency scenarios. Stop The Bleed training reinforced critical skills in hemorrhage control, preparing soldiers to provide immediate, life-saving care until professional medical help arrives.
The sUAS orientation offered instruction on the safe operation, deployment, and capabilities of small unmanned aircraft systems, a valuable tool for reconnaissance, situational awareness, and coordination during emergency response operations.
“These trainings are essential for our ability to respond to any hazard the state may face,” said Major Daniel Stoute, Public Affairs Officer for the Louisiana State Guard. “By learning real-world procedures and utilizing modern technology like sUAS, our soldiers are better prepared to protect and assist the citizens of Louisiana during emergencies.”
The 1st Area Command continues to prioritize readiness, operational proficiency, and the safety of the communities they serve, ensuring that members are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and technology needed for rapid response
Louisiana State Guard Provides Force Protection Support for 256 BCT OIF III Reunion at Jackson Barracks
New Orleans, LA — November 8, 2025 — The Louisiana State Guard’s 1st Area Command (1AC) provided force protection support for the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Operation Iraqi Freedom III Reunion, held at Jackson Barracks and hosted by the Louisiana National Guard Foundation.
The reunion brought together veterans, soldiers, and families from across Louisiana to honor the service and sacrifice of the 256th BCT during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. The event served as a time of remembrance, camaraderie, and reflection on the enduring bond shared among Louisiana’s citizen-soldiers.
Members of the Louisiana State Guard’s Force Protection Team coordinated with the Louisiana National Guard and installation security to ensure the safety and organization of the event. Their responsibilities included access control, perimeter monitoring, and crowd safety throughout the day’s activities.
“The 256th Brigade Combat Team represents the courage, professionalism, and commitment of Louisiana’s military community,” said Major Daniel Stoute, Public Affairs Officer for the Louisiana State Guard. “It was an honor for our team to provide support for this meaningful event and to stand alongside our National Guard partners once again.”
Operating under the authority of the Governor of Louisiana through the Louisiana Military Department, the Louisiana State Guard provides administrative, logistical, and operational support to the Louisiana National Guard during emergency response operations and official state missions. LASG members bring unique civilian and military expertise to strengthen Louisiana’s readiness and disaster response capabilities.
By Spc. Duncan Foote, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as the Tiger Brigade, held a two-day reunion to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its historic redeployment from Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III at Jackson Barracks on November 7-8.
The event was hosted by veterans of Tiger Brigade and sponsored by the Louisiana National Guard Foundation. It brought together Soldiers, veterans and families, including participants traveling from as far as New York.
The first day featured a social gathering that allowed veteran brigade members to reconnect. Discussions centered on shared experiences from the deployment and updates on the brigade’s current activities.
Lt. Col. Stephen Luebbert, current rear detachment commander of the 256th, emphasized the importance of honoring those the brigade lost, celebrating accomplishments and maintaining ties across generations of Soldiers.
“The 256th has always been shaped by the people who wore the patch before us,” Luebbert said. “The 2004-2005 deployment to Iraq, followed immediately by our response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, shaped the lives of all those who participated in those historical operations. Reunions like this ensure that we don’t lose sight of the lessons, sacrifices and relationships that define who we are as the Louisiana Tiger Brigade.”
The second day began with a formal memorial ceremony to honor the fallen Soldiers of the deployment. The ceremony included a reading of the names of the deceased.
Retired Army Maj. Gen. John Basilica Jr., commander of the 256th during OIF III, served as the guest speaker. In his remarks, he addressed the operational impact of the brigade’s deployment, its continued readiness and the importance of maintaining connections among past and present members.
“Twenty years later, the legacy of this brigade is defined not only by our sacrifices and accomplishments overseas but also by the way our Soldiers and families have continued to stand by one another,” Basilica said. “This reunion reminds us why those bonds matter.”
He also expressed appreciation to the Gold Star families in attendance for their continued involvement and support.
The reunion provided an opportunity for members of the 256th community to acknowledge the anniversary, honor those lost and reinforce the personal relationships formed during the deployment. Support from the LANG Foundation made it possible to bring together participants from across the country.
