La. Guard Reflects on a Year of Challenges, Achievements, and Readiness
By Sgt. Danny Hough, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana National Guard tackled a diverse range of missions in 2024 while remaining steadfast in its commitment to tradition, readiness, and lethality.
The LANG welcomed Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux as the new adjutant general of Louisiana during an official ceremony conducted in March at Louisiana National Guard Training Center Pineville. Maj. Gen. Friloux succeeded Maj. Gen. Keith Waddell, who retired after 33 years of service.
The LANG proved its readiness throughout the year, responding to state and national emergencies with professionalism and efficiency.
In September, more than 2,500 Guardsmen were activated across 14 parishes in response to Hurricane Francine. They provided critical support, including logistical aid, water distribution, road clearance, debris removal, generator operations, construction, commodity distribution, search and rescue, engineering support, and aerial reconnaissance.
Throughout the year, LANG service members honed their skills through rigorous training and competitions. In June, the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team completed a three-week rotation at the eXportable Combat Training Center. In September, a team from the 415th Military Intelligence Battalion, 139th Regional Support Group, won first place at “Tranquil Storm,” a multi-component, large-scale combat competition designed to challenge intelligence Soldiers in leadership and tactical and technical tasks.
The LANG also completed 11 equipment fielding and training events to improve readiness and lethality.
Over 700 Soldiers and Airmen deployed overseas in support of missions worldwide. Domestically, LANG Guardsmen responded to multiple stateside and interstate disaster relief missions.
In Texas, more than 160 LANG Soldiers assisted with border security operations, conducting patrols and supporting efforts to prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal activity. LANG engineers constructed, inspected, and repaired over 30,000 feet of barriers to reduce illegal border crossings.
In October, approximately 550 LANG Soldiers mobilized to Florida in response to Hurricane Milton. They provided route clearance, engineer support, and search and rescue assistance.
The LANG also celebrated a significant milestone in 2024: the 30th anniversary of the Louisiana National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program. In December, 118 cadets graduated from YCP during a ceremony in Alexandria, Louisiana. Since its inception, the program has helped more than 28,000 Louisiana youth achieve success through teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.
“This cycle is one of significance because it is the 30th anniversary. The Youth Challenge Program has given 28,800 people a second chance and a new beginning in life,” said Cadet Zachary Hamilton, Cadet of the Cycle, who received the program’s highest honor during the ceremony.
The LANG continued to foster strong international relationships in 2024. The Belize Defence Force and Belize Coast Guard partnered with the LANG to plan operational support for future missions. LANG also supported Belize’s Wellness Program Exchange at Price Barracks in Ladyville, Belize, through its Resilience, Risk, Reduction, and Suicide Prevention Program; Psychological Health Program; and Chaplain Corps.
In another collaboration, the LANG hosted a delegation from the Republic of Korea to share disaster response expertise.
“We were honored to support our ally, South Korea, by hosting this delegation at Jackson Barracks,” said Col. Willus Hall, chief of the joint staff for LANG. “The purpose of their visit was to gain knowledge about our planning and execution processes for commodities distribution, so they can strengthen this capability within their force.”
The Louisiana National Guard reflects on the challenges overcome and the successes achieved in 2024. The dedication and professionalism of its service members, combined with strong community partnerships, position the LANG for continued success in