La. Guard holds 2024 Command and Staff Conference

By Staff Sgt. Garrett Dipuma, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard held its annual Command and Staff Conference at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, Oct. 19-20.

The yearly conference aims to ensure LANG Soldiers and Airmen are trained, ready and equipped to execute the organization’s state and federal missions, both at home and abroad. Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana, addressed organization leaders, sharing his vision for the LANG moving forward.

“Everything we do needs to focus on building readiness,” said Friloux. “Each year, we have 39 days funded for inactive duty and annual training. It is essential that we, as commanders and leaders, make the most of that time to ensure our Soldiers and Airmen are fully ready to respond to any mission, whenever called.”

Friloux emphasized that basic combat readiness factors such as unit training, individual physical fitness, medical preparedness, equipment maintenance and squad-level cohesion should be key elements for commanders in the coming year. He noted that these elements are essential to both LANG’s federal mission of defending U.S. interests and its stateside mission of supporting government organizations during emergency responses.

The conference also featured breakout sessions where attendees further explored topics related to readiness, including physical fitness, unit training plans, leadership development, resource management and unit cohesion.

The event culminated with a morale run Sunday morning. Two formations, led by battalion, brigade and state colors, ran to cadences within Jackson Barracks and through the surrounding historic Old Arabi neighborhood, showcasing the esprit de corps of the military organizations.