A Force Multiplier for Louisiana: State Guard Delivers Critical Security and Readiness at No Cost to The State

The Louisiana State Guard (State Defense Force – LASG) continues to expand its capabilities and readiness through increasingly advanced training, most recently demonstrated by a comprehensive firearms training exercise conducted by its 3rd Area Command at Camp Beauregard. This training reflects a broader evolution within the force, as it enhances its operational effectiveness and opens the door to a wider range of missions in support of the people of Louisiana. A key component of this development is the Guard’s commitment to ensuring that every soldier is trained in firearms proficiency. These soldiers are held to the same standards expected of law enforcement officers, and notably, their instruction is conducted by certified police instructors who spend months training and certifying as trained law enforcement providing the state an incredible force multiplier. This level of professional training ensures that members are not only competent, but capable of operating safely and effectively in high responsibility roles during emergencies.

During the drill weekend, personnel received hands-on instruction in critical areas such as Glock 17 familiarization, fundamentals of marksmanship, and primary marksmanship instruction. These foundational skills were reinforced through live-fire exercises, where soldiers conducted weapons familiarization and completed pistol qualification. This phase emphasized accuracy, discipline, and strict adherence to safety protocols under realistic conditions. In addition to weapons training, the Guard conducted force protection instruction focused on defensive tactics and officer survivability, further strengthening situational awareness and response capabilities. Brigadier General Larry Benton emphasized that this training directly supports the Guard’s mission of maintaining a ready and capable force, highlighting the professionalism and commitment demonstrated by the 3rd Area Command.

These enhanced capabilities translate directly into real-world missions across the state. The Louisiana State Guard’s ability to provide trained security personnel at events and operations plays a critical role in supporting both local and state agencies. By taking on responsibilities such as site security, traffic control, and access management, Guard soldiers free up local and state law enforcement officers to focus on their primary duties within their jurisdictions. This not only improves overall public safety coverage but also delivers a significant financial benefit to the state, as Louisiana State Guard soldiers perform these missions without cost, reducing the burden on local resources while maintaining a high standard of security and professionalism.

This operational effectiveness was recently demonstrated by the 2nd Area Command during their support of the Louisiana Youth Challenge Program onboarding process in Carville, Louisiana. Guard personnel played a key role in ensuring a smooth and secure intake for new cadets by manning identification checkpoints, directing traffic, and maintaining a safe environment for cadets, their families, and program staff. Their presence ensured that the process remained organized and efficient, allowing the focus to remain on the program’s mission of developing at-risk youth through structured mentorship, education, and discipline. Lieutenant Colonel Chris Black, Commander of the 2nd Area Command, highlighted the Guard’s pride in supporting initiatives like the Youth Challenge Program, reinforcing their commitment to professionalism and community impact.

In addition to this mission, the Louisiana State Guard’s Force Protection Team has also demonstrated its value during community focused events. A few months prior, the team supported Family Day for the Youth Challenge Program at the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville. During this event, they provided a secure environment for cadets and their families, ensuring that the day remained focused on connection, progress, and celebration. Their presence allowed families to engage with their cadets without concern, highlighting the Guard’s role not only in emergency response and security operations, but also in strengthening community ties.

Through advanced training, disciplined execution, and a clear commitment to service, the Louisiana State Guard continues to solidify its role as a vital component of the state’s emergency and community support framework. Their ability to integrate professional level training with real world mission execution ensures they remain a reliable and capable force, ready to support the Louisiana Military Department as well as local and state authorities whenever called upon.

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The Louisiana State Guard’s 3rd Area Command recently conducted a comprehensive drill weekend at Camp Beauregard, focused on enhancing individual readiness, weapons proficiency, and force protection capabilities.

Throughout the training, personnel received hands-on instruction and practical application in several critical areas, including familiarization of the Glock 17, Fundamentals of Marksmanship, and Primary Marksmanship Instruction. These foundational skills ensure that every member maintains a high level of confidence and competence in weapons handling and safety.

Building on classroom instruction, members transitioned to live-fire exercises, where they conducted weapons familiarization and completed pistol qualification. This phase of training reinforced accuracy, discipline, and adherence to established safety standards under realistic conditions.

In addition to weapons training, members participated in Force Protection training, focusing on Defensive Tactics and Officer Survivability. This portion of the drill emphasized situational awareness, threat response, and techniques designed to safeguard personnel during real-world operations.

“This training directly supports our mission of maintaining a ready and capable force,” said Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard. “Our members must be proficient, disciplined, and prepared to respond when called upon. The 3rd Area Command continues to set the standard through their commitment to readiness and professionalism.”

The 3rd Area Command continues to demonstrate its commitment to operational excellence by ensuring its members are trained, prepared, and ready to support the Louisiana National Guard and state authorities during emergency response missions.

Carville, LA – The Louisiana State Guard’s 2nd Area Command provided operational support during the onboarding of a new Louisiana Youth Challenge Program (YCP) class in Carville, LA.

Personnel assisted with manning identification checkpoints, directing traffic, and maintaining a safe and secure environment for incoming cadets, their families, and YCP staff. Their presence ensured an organized and efficient intake process for all participants.

The Louisiana Youth Challenge Program is a transformative initiative designed to help at-risk youth develop academically, physically, and mentally through structured mentorship, education, and discipline.

“The Louisiana State Guard is proud to support programs like the Youth Challenge Program that make a lasting impact on the lives of young people across our state,” said Lieutenant Colonel Chris Black, Commander of the 2nd Area Command. “Our members remain committed to providing professional support that ensures a safe and welcoming environment for these cadets as they begin this important journey.”

The Louisiana State Guard continues to support the Louisiana Military Department and the Louisiana National Guard through a wide range of operational, administrative, and security missions statewide. Events such as this highlight the Guard’s critical role in both community engagement and mission readiness.

Carville, LA – The Louisiana State Guard’s Force Protection Team proudly supported Family Day for the Youth Challenge Program at the Gillis W. Long Center this weekend.

The event welcomed families and loved ones of cadets participating in the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Our Force Protection Team was on site to help ensure a safe and secure environment, allowing cadets and their families to focus on what matters most—time together and celebrating progress.

The Louisiana State Guard remains committed to supporting the Louisiana Military Department and its programs through professional, mission-ready personnel who stand ready to serve when called.

Source: Louisiana State Guard