News from the Oklahoma National Guard

137th SOTG validated for joint warfighting functions
January 12, 2023 — Members of the 137th SOW Special Operations Task Group tested their ability for operational and tactical integration between air and ground forces during a training exercise conducted in Oklahoma and Georgia Dec. 1-9, 2022... MORE

airmen work around a table to conduct operations

Oklahoma National Guard top officer pins second star
January 4, 2023 — Family, friends and fellow service members gathered at the Oklahoma State Capitol to celebrate the promotion of Oklahoma's adjutant general, the top military advisor to the Oklahoma governor and who commands the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard, Jan. 3, 2023... MORE

Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, speaks during his promotion ceremony held at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, Jan. 3, 2023. Mancino pinned his second star, officially reaching the highest rank one can achieve with the Oklahoma National Guard. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mireille Merilice-Roberts)

Will Rogers ANGB selected as sole candidate to replace MC-12s with new AT-802U Sky Warden Formal Training Unit
December 9, 2022 — Will Rogers ANGB will receive 28 AT-802Us and about 80 personnel to support the mission of the 310th Special Operations Squadron... MORE

United States Department of the Air Force

Fallen Guardsmen Honored at Governor’s Mansion
December 9, 2022 — When you think of decorated trees, most think of the Christmas season. For Gold Star Trees, they carry more significance than just the spirit of the holidays—they carry the spirit of our Fallen... MORE

45th Field Artillery Brigade unit begins deployment
December 6, 2022 — Families and friends joined together to support more than 100 deploying Soldiers assigned to Headquarters Battery, 45th Field Artillery Brigade, during a departure ceremony held in Mustang, Oklahoma, Saturday... MORE

An Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldier hugs a family member at the deployment ceremony for Headquarters Battery, 45th Field Artillery Brigade in Mustang, Oklahoma, Dec. 3, 2022. The Soldiers are deploying to the US Central Command area of responsibility, providing headquarters operations to plan and execute supporting fires. (Oklahoma National Guard photos by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

Oklahoma Guard, Azerbaijan Celebrate 20-year Partnership
December 2, 2022 — OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma National Guard leaders and an Azerbaijan delegation gathered at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their partnership under the State Partnership Program.“Over the last 20 years, Oklahoma has been proud and remains proud to serve next to you and work with you (Azerbaijan),” said Brig. Gen... MORE

Col. Gen. Karim Valiyeva, first deputy minister of defense and chief of the general staff of the Azerbaijan Army, presents a gift to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art Nov. 30, 2022. Oklahoma National Guard leaders and a delegation from Azerbaijan met to celebrate their 20-year partnership under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.

137th SOW hosts delegation from Azerbaijan during SPP visit
December 2, 2022 — The 137th Special Operations Wing hosted a State Partnership Program visit for members from the Azerbaijan Army and Embassy of Azerbaijan, Washington, D.C., to introduce them to the many capabilities of the 137th SOW as a global force provider. This is the fifth time the wing has participated in SPP visits in 2022, helping to improve both militaries and relationships through cooperative training and knowledge exchanges... MORE

airmen treat a simulated patient on a gurney

Oklahoma National Guard Promotes Newest CW5
November 22, 2022 — Family, friends and fellow service members gathered to celebrate the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s newest Chief Warrant Officer 5, the highest warrant officer rank one can achieve. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Dustin McNeely, an aviator with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment, 90th Troop Command, was pinned Thursday in Oklahoma City by his wife, Chasity, and their two daughters, Vivian and Elsie... MORE

Dustin McNeely, an Army aviator with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment, 90th Troop Command, is pinned as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 during his promotion ceremony held in Oklahoma City, Nov. 17, 2022. McNeely's wife Chasity and daughters Vivian and Elise pinned his new rank during the ceremony. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mireille Merilice-Roberts)

OKNG special operations wing supports first ever Red Dragon live-fire
November 10, 2022 — Airmen from the 137th Special Operations Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard supported the US Air Force Special Operations Command's first live-fire demonstration of Rapid Dragon, a long-range palletized munitions system, in the U.S. European Command theater over Andøya Space Defense Range, Norway, Nov. 9, 2022... MORE

A palletized effects system falls from the cargo hold of a 352d Special Operations Wing MC-130J Commando II during a live-fire demonstration for ATREUS 22-4 at Andøya Space Defense Range, Norway, Nov. 9, 2022. This is the first time Rapid Dragon, a precision effects capability for medium-sized or larger cargo aircraft that allows U.S. and NATO forces a flexible rapid response option, has been employed in the U.S. European Command theater. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Brigette Waltermire)

Specialized Oklahoma National Guard unit hosts fentanyl training
November 4, 2022 — The Oklahoma National Guard's 63rd Civil Support Team partnered with FBI, DEA agents to host fentanyl training for local law enforcement agencies in October. ... MORE

Over the last 10 years the Center of Disease Control and Prevention has noticed an increase of opioid and Fentanyl overdose deaths in the United States per year from approximately 2,600 to more than 75,000.

With the Fentanyl threat entering Oklahoma’s borders, the Oklahoma National Guard’s 63rd Civil Support Team and the Oklahoma City Police Department arranged specialized training in October at the Oklahoma City Police and Fire Training Center in Oklahoma City in order to learn from subject matter experts with both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as share knowledge and discuss how to best combat the drug. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Haden Tolbert)

Video by Pfc. Anthony Ackah-Mensah

Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers compete in the Sergeant Major’s Match and Governors Twenty Marksmanship Competition

Oklahoma National Guard

Sept. 15, 2023 | 1:06

The Oklahoma Army National Guard’s top marksmen were locked, loaded and aimed for excellence for the Sergeant Major’s Match and Governor’s Twenty marksmanship competition, Sept. 14-17.

The competitions consisted of accuracy matches on the M4 carbine and the M17 pistol, and tests a Citizen-Soldier’s ability to shoot from various positions and distances, taking them out of their comfort zone.

The Sergeant Major’s Match includes closer targets, faster reloading, and more weapons manipulation. The Governor’s Twenty focuses more on long-distance precision and accuracy.