Louisiana National Guard
The Louisiana National Guard serves as the primary armed force through which the Louisiana Military Department implements the state's security policy. Operating under the motto "Protect What Matters," this organization functions as both a state militia and a reserve force, ensuring the safety of citizens and the stability of the region.
The Guard is composed of three distinct branches: the Louisiana Army National Guard (a reserve component of the U.S. Army), the Louisiana Air National Guard (a reserve component of the U.S. Air Force), and the Louisiana State Guard, which is an all-volunteer state defense force. While typically directed by an adjutant general appointed by the governor, members may be federalized by order of the president of the United States, transitioning them to active U.S. military duty status.
The force includes a mix of active and inactive members, as well as full-time and part-time personnel. Those serving part-time are commonly referred to as "weekend warriors" by both military and civilian populations.
Key Facts
- Established: 1916 (following the Militia Act of 1903).
- Current Commander: Major General Thomas C. Friloux (Adjutant General).
- Primary Components: Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and State Guard.
- International Partnerships: Belize (since 1996) and Haiti (since 2011).
- Core Mission: State security, homeland defense, and federal reserve support.
Organizational History
The modern structure of the Louisiana National Guard was established in 1916, stemming from the Militia Act of 1903 which organized various state militias into the current National Guard system.
Over the decades, the organization has been led by various distinguished officers. Between 1968 and 1972, retired Air Force Lieutenant General David Wade served as adjutant general. Later, from 1980 to 1997, Ansel M. Stroud, Jr. held the position after being elevated from assistant adjutant general by Governor Dave Treen.
The Guard has a history of diverse leadership and service. Ronald A. Waller became the first African American to be named a lieutenant colonel within the organization. Other notable members include Eugene McGehee, who rose from private in 1948 to colonel, and Bert A. Adams, a World War II Bronze Star recipient. The Guard's operational reach has extended globally, including support roles in Irbil, Iraq, assisting Kurdish rebels against Iranian and Islamic State forces.
Components and Capabilities
Louisiana Army National Guard
As of 2012, the Army National Guard consisted of 9,500 members across 67 armories in 63 communities. Its structure includes several specialized brigades and commands:
- 256th Infantry Brigade: Headquartered in Lafayette (with HHC in Abbeville), known as the "TIGER brigade."
- 225th Engineer Brigade: Based at the Training Center Pineville, this is the largest engineer formation in the U.S. National Guard.
- 61st Troop Command: Located at the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville, it manages a Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team for homeland security.
- State Aviation Command: Operates a fleet including UH-60 Black Hawks, LUH-72 Lakotas, OH-58 Kiowas, and a C-12 Huron.
- 139th Regional Support Group: A force of over 1,800 troops providing military intelligence, police, and signal support.
- 199th Regiment (Regional Training Institute): Provides leadership and officer candidate training for the ARNG, USAR, and Active Component.
Louisiana Air National Guard
The primary element is the 159th Fighter Wing, nicknamed the "Bayou Militia." Stationed at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans in Belle Chasse, the wing was founded in 1941. When federalized, it integrates into the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command.
Louisiana State Guard
The Louisiana State Guard (LSG) is an all-volunteer militia that provides reserve personnel to the Army and Air National Guard. Unlike the other components, the LSG is strictly under state jurisdiction; its members serve only within Louisiana and cannot be federalized. Their mission focuses on protecting life and property and preserving public safety.
International Cooperation
Through the State Partnership Program (SPP), Louisiana maintains military-to-military relationships with foreign nations to promote stability and security. Both Belize (joined 1996) and Haiti (joined 2011) are partners under the SOUTHCOM (United States Southern Command) area of operations.
| Component | Primary Role | Jurisdiction | Key Unit/Asset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army National Guard | Reserve/State Security | State & Federal | 225th Engineer Brigade |
| Air National Guard | Aerial Combat/Support | State & Federal | 159th Fighter Wing |
| State Guard | State Defense/Volunteer | State Only | All-volunteer militia |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current leader of the Louisiana National Guard?
The current adjutant general and commander is Major General Thomas C. Friloux.
What is the difference between the National Guard and the State Guard?
The Army and Air National Guard are reserve components of the U.S. military and can be federalized by the president. The Louisiana State Guard is an all-volunteer force that remains under state jurisdiction and cannot be called into federal service.
What is the "Bayou Militia"?
The "Bayou Militia" is the nickname for the 159th Fighter Wing of the Louisiana Air National Guard, based in Belle Chasse.
Which countries does Louisiana partner with in the State Partnership Program?
Louisiana maintains partnerships with Belize, which joined in 1996, and Haiti, which joined in 2011.
What is the role of the 225th Engineer Brigade?
The 225th Engineer Brigade is a combat heavy engineer brigade and holds the distinction of being the largest engineer formation in the entire United States National Guard.