News from the Oklahoma National Guard

JROTC Cadets Build Leadership Skills at Camp Gruber
June 9, 2026 — Eighty Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets from eight schools across Oklahoma gathered at Camp Gruber Training Center, May 26-30, 2026, to sharpen their leadership skills, build teamwork and challenge themselves through hands-on military training during the annual JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge... MORE

Sgt. 1st Class Nick Thomas, an Oklahoma Army National Guard recruiter and rappel master, speaks to a cadet during rappel training at the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Cadet Leadership Challenge at Camp Gruber Training Center near Braggs, Okla., May 27, 2026. The program is supported by the Oklahoma National Guard and combines leadership instruction, adventure training and team-building exercises designed to challenge cadets outside their comfort zones. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)Sgt. 1st Class Nick Thomas, an Oklahoma Army National Guard recruiter and rappel master, speaks to a cadet during rappel training at the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Cadet Leadership Challenge at Camp Gruber Training Center near Braggs, Okla., May 27, 2026. The program is supported by the Oklahoma National Guard and combines leadership instruction, adventure training and team-building exercises designed to challenge cadets outside their comfort zones. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)

137th SOW hosts tactical communicators in AFSOC course
May 7, 2026 — Expeditionary Communications (XCOMM) Air Commandos from across Air Force Special Operations Command attended the latest iteration of the AFSOC tactical communicator course hosted by 137th Special Operations Wing at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City, March 2 - April 17, 2026... MORE

A 353rd Special Operations Wing Air Commando awaits an incoming cross-country high frequency communications call on an AN/PRC-167 radio during an Air Force Special Operations Command tactical communicator course hosted by the 137th SOW at John W. Nichols Scout Ranch, Oklahoma City, March 31, 2026. With each iteration of the course, AFSOC adapts and shapes expeditionary communications Air Commandos assigned to wings across the globe for mission success within special operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Erika Chapa)

137th SOW prepares for upcoming fitness changes
May 4, 2026 — The 137th SOW is getting ahead of the curve in support of the Culture of Fitness initiative by implementing and encouraging increased physical training. Airmen are participating in unit exercises, such as the workout of the day and the Diamond Fitness Challenge to remain a force that is organized, trained and equipped for mission support... MORE

An Airman assigned to the 137th Special Operations Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard, performs situps for the U.S. Air Force Physical Fitness Assessment.

Oklahoma National Guard hosts inaugural battlefield resilience camp at Camp Gruber
April 28, 2026 — Soldiers with the Oklahoma National Guard hosted the first-of-its-kind Oklahoma Battlefield Resilience Camp at Camp Gruber Training Center from April 18–24, 2026, marking the first time resiliency, suicide prevention and holistic health principles have been deliberately combined with infantry squad-level tactics in a single training program... MORE

Capt. Mark Wrenn, Oklahoma Battlefield Resilience Camp creator and officer in charge, acts as a simulated hostage while Soldiers practice iCOVER techniques to manage an acute stress and injury scenario during the Oklahoma Battlefield Resilience Camp at Camp Gruber Training Center near Braggs, Okla, April 23, 2026. The training emphasizes integrating resilience and behavioral health skills into squad-level tactics, ensuring Soldiers remain lethal, cohesive and prepared to respond to complex missions at home and abroad. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Haden Tolbert)

Oklahoma Air National Guard breaks ground on new Airmen’s center to enhance readiness and support
April 23, 2026 — Thursday, April 23, 2026... MORE

Exercise Lightning Strike Showcases OKNG, OEM Domestic Response with Integrated UAS Operations
April 17, 2026 — The Oklahoma National Guard, in partnership with Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management, hosted Exercise Lightning Strike, a domestic exercise scenario of an EF5 tornado, at Camp Gruber Training Center, April 14 and 15, 2026. At the center of the exercise is the integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) across various scenarios, enabling real-time data sharing, improved situational awareness and more effective coordination among participating agencies... MORE

Two Oklahoma National Guardsmen along with a Skydio National Security Field Representative, one of many partners in drone innovation, prepare a drone for takeoff during Exercise Lightning Strike at Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, April 15, 2026. The Oklahoma National Guard, in partnership with Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management, hosted the domestic exercise based on a notional EF5 tornado. At the center of the exercise is the integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) across various scenarios, enabling real-time data sharing, improved situational awareness and more effective coordination among participating agencies. Exercise Lightning Strike brings together a wide range of agencies to operate within a shared framework, reinforcing the Guard’s role in supporting civil authorities during domestic incidents and natural disasters.(Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Anthony Ackah-Mensah)

137th Special Operations Wing participates in Sentry South 26-2
April 16, 2026 — 137th Special Operations Wing Airmen attended exercise Sentry South 26-2 Gulfport, Mississippi, March 2026. Sentry South 26-2 is a large force employment exercise focused on major combat operations and joint maritime opportunities in a contested or degraded operational environment... MORE

An Airman from the 137th Special Operations Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard, cares for a simulated patient during exercise Sentry South 26-2 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, March 2, 2026. Sentry South 26-2 is a large force employment exercise focused on major combat operations and joint maritime opportunities in a contested or degraded operational environment. Sentry South 26-2 applies joint and combined warfighting doctrine against realistic and robust enemy integrated threat systems, all while under safe and controlled conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Swift)

137th SOW Conducts emergency medical care exercise at Sentry South 26-2
April 16, 2026 — Airmen assigned to the 137th Special Operations Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard, partnered with Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment (MEDEVAC), Michigan Army National Guard, to conduct emergency medical care in a hostile environment training during exercise Sentry South 26-2, March 2, 2026... MORE

A UH-60 Black Hawk assigned to the Mississippi Army National Guard raises a medical litter carrying a medical practice dummy during exercise Sentry South 26-2 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, March 2, 2026. Sentry South 26-2 is a large force employment exercise focused on major combat operations and joint maritime opportunities in a contested or degraded operational environment. Sentry South 26-2 applies joint and combined warfighting doctrine against realistic and robust enemy integrated threat systems, all while under safe and controlled conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Swift)

OKGuard GOLD program holds flagging ceremony at SEOSU
March 13, 2026 — Students, Soldiers and Oklahoma military and education leaders gathered on the campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University on March 11, 2026, to uncase the guidon and officially inaugurate the university’s Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) program... MORE

Oklahoma Army National Guard Capt. Eric Langley, commander of the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Guard Officer Leadership Development (GOLD) program, stands with the newly uncased guidon at a flagging ceremony for the SEOSU’s GOLD program held Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Durant, Oklahoma. The OKARNG’s GOLD program is designed to develop and prepare individuals for commissioned officer roles, equipping them with the skills needed to lead Soldiers effectively. Upon completion, candidates will attend Officer Candidate School. Once a candidate has completed the GOLD and OCS programs, they will become commissioned officers. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Haden Tolbert)

Oklahoma National Guard Public Affairs Soldiers welcomed home
March 9, 2026 — Friends, families and leaders from the Oklahoma Army National Guard welcomed home Soldiers assigned to the 145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment during a ceremony in Mustang, Oklahoma, March 7, 2026. This ceremony recognized their accomplishments during a nine month deployment across Europe... MORE

Soldiers assigned to the 145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment stand at attention during their welcome home ceremony held at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mustang, Oklahoma on March 7, 2026. The Soldiers deployed in support of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, executing over 35 missions that showcased the specialized training of U.S. and allied special operations forces. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Cambrie Cannon)

Video by Sgt. Anthony Jones

Download

1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment hosts 2nd Annual family day, live-fire demonstration

Oklahoma National Guard

May 20, 2023 | 1:14

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team hosted their second annual family day and live-fire demonstration during the battalion’s annual training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, on May 20, 2023. (Oklahoma National Guard video by Anthony Jones)