By Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
PINEVILLE – The Louisiana National Guard navigated the 2025 calendar year marked by triumphs and tragedies, lethality and sustainability, and readiness rooted in tradition. Throughout every mission and milestone, LANG’s motto— “Protect What Matters”—remained front and center.
The year began under somber circumstances following the tragic New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. In response, LANG activated to support recovery operations and enhance security in the affected area, reaffirming its commitment to the safety of Louisiana’s citizens.
Security remained a recurring theme throughout the year. The Louisiana National Guard provided support for numerous high-profile events, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans in February, Mardi Gras parades in March and many additional security missions. The year concluded with support for the Bayou Classic and end of year/beginning of 2026 events. Beyond state lines, LANG Soldiers supported federal missions in Washington, D.C. and along the southern border.
While security was paramount, lethality and sustainability remained critical pillars for the LANG.
Throughout 2025, multiple units received new and upgraded equipment. In January, the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team fielded new Grenadier Sighting Systems, enhancing grenade launcher accuracy. In February, the 1-141st Field Artillery Regiment, 256th IBCT, received upgraded radar systems featuring improved hardware and significant software enhancements.
Additional equipment upgrades were issued to the 225th Engineer Brigade, the 204th Theater Airfield Operations Group and the 256th IBCT, all of which received new radio systems. Medical equipment upgrades were provided to the 756th Medical Company Area Support, the 415th Military Intelligence Battalion, the 139th Regional Support Group, the 199th Brigade Support Battalion, the 256th IBCT, and the 204th TAOG—strengthening both lethality and sustainment capabilities. The 927th Engineer Company, 769th Engineer Battalion, also received new all-terrain cranes, significantly enhancing heavy equipment handling operations.
Training and readiness remained constant priorities. From annual training events to the statewide disaster response exercise held in April, Guardsmen across Louisiana continued to sharpen their skills.
Early in the year, LANG’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package from the 239th Military Police Company, 61st Troop Command, completed a five-day technician-level structural collapse training course, expanding their rescue and response capabilities. In July, the 61st Troop Command and the 225th Engineer Brigade conducted comprehensive urban search and rescue exercises, further strengthening state rescue operations.
From best warrior and marksmanship competitions to regional interrogation competitions, LANG citizen-Soldiers remained trained, tested and ready.
LANG also answered the call overseas. In the spring, the 256th IBCT deployed to Europe and Africa in support of U.S. European and African Command missions, while the 139th Regional Support Group returned from deployments to Poland and the Baltic states. Louisiana Army aviators also deployed to Europe and Africa, alongside military police, transportation and support units mobilized worldwide.
The Louisiana National Guard continued to strengthen international partnerships in 2025. The Belize Defence Force and Belize Coast Guard partnered with LANG to plan future operational missions. The 156th Army Band performed concerts in Belize, while both Louisiana and Belize hosted key leader engagements to reinforce their enduring partnership.
Several historic milestones were also commemorated. LANG’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team marked the 20th anniversary of its redeployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. The “Tiger Brigade” provided security for more than 90 percent of the Victory Base Complex and Baghdad International Airport.
This year also marked the anniversaries of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September 2005. Those catastrophic events coincided with the redeployment of the Tiger Brigade, which returned home after 18 months of federal mobilization only to immediately respond to devastation in their own communities.
Lastly, the LANG and the Louisiana National Guard Foundation hosted the public for Christmas at Jackson Barracks in December. The two-night event marked the first time in 20 years that a holiday celebration at the historic installation was opened to the public, following a successful event held last year.
“What we have here at Jackson Barracks is a state treasure that very few have ever seen,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Friloux, the adjutant general of Louisiana. “Last year’s proof of concept was very successful, and we are thrilled to open up the Barracks to the public this year.”
As the Louisiana National Guard looks ahead to 2026, reflection on 2025 reveals a year defined by resilience, determination and growth. LANG’s citizen-Soldiers stood ready, remained prepared and met every challenge head-on. “Protect What Matters” was more than a motto in 2025—it was a guiding principle, and it will remain a beacon of optimism for the future and beyond.
