News from the Oklahoma National Guard

Oklahoma Guardsmen assist Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics with Counter Drug Operations
October 14, 2022 — Members of the Oklahoma National Guard supported the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs during a state-wide operation to curb the supply of illegally grown marijuana, Sept. 27-Oct. 7. More than 30 Airmen and Soldiers volunteered for the joint Oklahoma Air and Army National Guard state active duty mission to collect, transport and prepare more than 75,000 plants seized in the ONB-lead operation for destruction... MORE

Oklahoma National Guard members assist with Regional Emergency Medical Services System training event
September 28, 2022 — Medical professionals with the Oklahoma National Guard mentored more than 170 emergency medical technicians, highway patrol medics, and firefighters participating in a Regional Emergency Medical Services System training event at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, Oklahoma, Sept. 21, 2022... MORE

An emergency medical technician (far left) explains her evaluation of a simulated casualty during a Regional Emergency Medical Services System training event at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, Oklahoma, September 21, 2022. A total of around 170 first responders participated in this annual training event. (Oklahoma National Guard Photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

Silver Flag tests 137th SOW civil engineers readiness
September 28, 2022 — Twelve 137th Special Operations Wing civil engineers joined Airmen from across the total force to participate in Silver Flag, a two-week training exercise for combat support teams, Sept. 12-22, 2022, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida... MORE

Airmen construct the roof of a half-dome shelter structure

From CE to MST: What a difference a year makes
September 26, 2022 — One year ago, 20 Airmen with the 137th Special Operations Wing deployed in support of Operation Allies Welcome, including civil engineer Maj. Neil Chaves. He and a team of Airmen were responsible for setting up a livable environment for those evacuating from Afghanistan to the U.S. One year later, Chaves has found himself in a similar position as the officer in charge of the 137th SOW Mission Sustainment Team, which is composed of multi-capable Airmen from various career fields who support Agile Combat Employment strategies by setting up and sustaining secure, livable conditions in austere environments... MORE

Oklahoma Army National Guard welcomes newly commissioned leaders
September 20, 2022 — The Oklahoma Army National Guard welcomed 19 new second lieutenants into its formation during a graduation and commissioning ceremony at the Norman Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Sept. 18, 2022. Officer candidates from classes 67, 67A, and 67B celebrated with friends and family as they took the oath of commissioned officers alongside their fellow graduates... MORE

Former officer candidate Matthew Buck is pinned with his new rank of second lieutenant during his OCS graduation in Norman, Oklahoma, Sept. 18, 2022. During the ceremony, family members and loved ones were invited to pin the ranks upon the newly commissioned officers. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Haden Tolbert)

137th SOW develops multi-capable Airmen at Northern Strike 22-2
September 13, 2022 — A group of nearly 50 Oklahoma Air National Guardsmen from the 137th Special Operations Wing (SOW) deployed in support of Northern Strike 22-2 Aug. 6-19, 2022, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich. The focus of Northern Strike 22-2 was the military’s ability to train the warfighter in any environment, and 137th SOW multi-capable Airmen directly contributed to reaching that proof of concept... MORE

“The Longest Exchange Ever”
September 9, 2022 — Two officers from the German Air Force visited the 137th Special Operations Wing June 6-17, 2022, as part of the Military Reserve Exchange Program, which supports reserve force exchanges between NATO nations. Reservists and Guardsmen from the U.S. visit, as well as host, personnel from a foreign country... MORE

New STARBASE Oklahoma classroom opens at Fort Sill
August 19, 2022 — STARBASE Oklahoma welcomed teachers from across the state as they celebrated the dedication of their newest classroom. The new STARBASE classroom is located at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was officially opened on Thursday, August 11, 2022... MORE

Steven Schraner, deputy director of STARBASE Oklahoma - Fort Sill, Melanie Powers, STARBASE Oklahoma business manager, and James Skrapka, director STARBASE Oklahoma, cut the ribbon at the new STARBASE Oklahoma classroom at Fort Sill, Thursday, August 11, 2022. STARBASE Oklahoma, a program sponsored by the Department of Defense and administered by the Oklahoma Military Department, focuses on introducing fifth grade students to science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on experiments done in a classroom setting. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Pfc. Haden Tolbert)

Oklahoma Guard recruiting battalion ranked first in nation for July
August 18, 2022 — The Oklahoma Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion ranked first for all National Guard states in July 2022 for exceeding their recruiting mission set... MORE

Oklahoma National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade honors commanders
August 18, 2022 — Members of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, friends and family gathered to bid farewell to outgoing commander Col. Colby Wyatt, of Cherokee, Oklahoma, and welcome incoming commander Col. Andrew Ballenger, of Sulphur, Oklahoma, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Gruber Training Center, Sunday... MORE

Col. Colby Wyatt, outgoing commander of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard, passes the unit colors to Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, at a change of command ceremony, Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, Aug. 14, 2022. Wyatt served as the commander of the 45th IBCT for three years and relinquished command to Col. Andrew Ballenger. (Oklahoma Army National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

Video by Sgt. Haden Tolbert

Day Four: National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition

Oklahoma National Guard

May 15, 2025 | 0:45

Video Reel: Sixteen miles. No shortcuts.

Every step tested resolve, but our warriors pressed on through the early morning with grit in their boots. This is what elite looks like.