Headquartered at the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville, Louisiana, the 61st Troop Command provides command and control for many of the Louisiana Army National Guard’s specialized mission units. The command oversees a diverse force that includes the 62nd Civil Support Team, 178th Cyber Protection Team, 239th Military Police Company, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, the 792nd Chemical Detachment, and the Trial Defense Teams of the 399th and 356th. As Louisiana routinely responds to hurricanes, floods, hazardous material incidents, and homeland security missions, the 61st serves as a critical link between military capabilities and civil authorities, integrating specialized capabilities to support state and local agencies during emergencies.

The command’s operational reach extends beyond Louisiana through the 62nd Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP), which maintains the capability to rapidly deploy throughout FEMA Region VI in support of search and rescue, decontamination, and medical response operations. The 61st regularly leads command and control for complex domestic response missions, including statewide disaster operations, major homeland security exercises, and Task Force Defender, which coordinated Louisiana National Guard forces in support of state and local law enforcement during enhanced security operations in New Orleans.

Established in 1985 and redesignated as the 61st Troop Command in 1994, the command has continually adapted to meet Louisiana’s evolving homeland defense and emergency response requirements. Operating under the motto “Protect and Defend,” the 61st remains a cornerstone of the Louisiana National Guard’s domestic response mission.