Members of the Louisiana State Guard (LASG) from across the state gathered at Camp Beauregard in Pineville for the organization’s 2026 Annual Training, completing two days of hands-on military exercises focused on operational readiness, emergency response and statewide coordination.
The annual event brought together personnel from all four Area Commands, State Headquarters and specialized units, providing an opportunity to strengthen skills, improve coordination and enhance the organization’s ability to support Louisiana during emergencies and natural disasters.
Throughout the weekend, LASG personnel participated in a variety of training exercises designed to reinforce mission readiness and improve their ability to respond effectively to emergencies across the state.
Training activities included Point of Distribution (POD) operations, which prepared personnel to establish and operate sites for distributing essential supplies to communities following disasters.
Members also trained in Tiger Dam operations, practicing the deployment of temporary flood-control barriers used to protect critical infrastructure and communities during flooding events.
Force protection exercises focused on security procedures, personnel protection and operational coordination, while boat operations training strengthened waterborne skills, crew coordination and emergency response capabilities in flooded and water-accessible areas.
The exercises emphasized teamwork, leadership and interoperability among units, allowing personnel from different commands to share knowledge, strengthen operational relationships and develop the coordinated response capabilities necessary for statewide emergency operations.
Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commanding General of the Louisiana State Guard, emphasized the importance of bringing personnel together for statewide training.
“Annual Training is about more than developing individual skills. It is about building a unified, capable, and mission-ready military force that the people of Louisiana can depend on when disaster strikes. Bringing together every unit from across our state gives our personnel the opportunity to train as one team, strengthen our operational capabilities, and reinforce our commitment to serving the citizens of Louisiana. I am extremely proud of the dedication, professionalism, and commitment to duty demonstrated by the men and women of the Louisiana State Guard,” Benton said.
In addition to operational exercises, the training weekend provided an opportunity to recognize members for their accomplishments, professional development and continued commitment to military service.
Recognition activities included achievements associated with the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) program.
With Louisiana continuing to face threats from hurricanes, flooding, severe weather and other emergencies, the training reinforced the importance of maintaining a disciplined and prepared military force capable of responding when needed.
The annual exercises also strengthened the Louisiana State Guard’s ability to support the Louisiana Military Department, the Louisiana National Guard and civil authorities during state-directed emergency operations.
The 2026 Annual Training highlighted the organization’s continued commitment to operational readiness, military professionalism and service to the people of Louisiana.
The Louisiana State Guard is an organized military force of the State of Louisiana and a component of the Louisiana Military Department. Operating under the authority of the governor and the adjutant general, the organization provides operational, administrative, logistical and specialized support to the Louisiana National Guard and Louisiana Military Department during emergencies, natural disasters and other state-directed missions.