Idaho National Guard

Idaho National Guard Welcome to the Idaho National Guard’s Official group page on Facebook. Army, U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense.

The Idaho National Guard is tasked at both the federal level by the President of the United States and at the state level by the Governor to defend and support our nation and state. Here, you will find the most recent news stories, videos, photos and pictures from the Idaho Army and Air National Guard. While this is an open forum, it's also a family friendly one, so please keep your comments clean

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Idaho National Guard aviation crews conducted water bucket training alongside Idaho Department of Lands personnel May 19...
05/29/2026

Idaho National Guard aviation crews conducted water bucket training alongside Idaho Department of Lands personnel May 19 and 20 in preparation for the 2026 fire season. The IDL experts employed reflective panels to simulate active fires and communicated with Army National Guard pilots to maximize the efficiency of each 530-gallon bucket of water dropped.
Adjutant General of Idaho Maj. Gen. Tim Donnellan flew on a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter during the May 19 training event to observe and learn more about the mission while the crew conducted the water bucket training.
“Wildfire response demands teamwork, preparation and trust,” said Donnellan. “I’m proud of the professionalism our Soldiers and crews demonstrate while training with our state partners to ensure we are ready when called upon by the governor to protect lives, property and critical resources across Idaho.”
In addition to the fleet of Black Hawks and crews standing by to support seasonal wildland firefighting efforts, Orchard Fire and Emergency Services is providing initial and refresher Wildland Firefighter 2 training to Idaho National Guard members. To date, more than 250 Idaho Guardsmen have completed the qualification course. This certification ensures Guardsmen are ready to work fire lines in support ground operations.
The IDL and Idaho Military Division cooperation is facilitated by a Reciprocal Fire Protection Agreement, which allows the IDL to initiate a request for assistance when its own resources become strained.
“Wildfire response is a team effort, and aggressive attack is critical,” said Dustin Miller, Director of the Idaho Department of Lands. “Through our partnership with the Idaho Army National Guard, we're building the readiness, coordination and capability needed to protect Idahoans when every second counts.”

The Idaho Army National Guard teamed up with the Boise Fire Department Friday to help rescue two hikers near Red Fish La...
05/27/2026

The Idaho Army National Guard teamed up with the Boise Fire Department Friday to help rescue two hikers near Red Fish Lake.

The hikers experienced altitude sickness. One hiker was able to eventually hike down from the peak. The Idaho Army National Guard's flight crew and a technical rescue medic crew were able to hoist the second hiker to safety, where they were transferred to Ada County Paramedics for further treatment.

The Idaho Army National Guard and Boise Fire Department train together several times a year to be ready when it matters most!

The Idaho National Guard held its annual Memorial Day observance last week at Gowen Field Memorial Park. The event honor...
05/25/2026

The Idaho National Guard held its annual Memorial Day observance last week at Gowen Field Memorial Park. The event honors those who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation.

The ceremony included a multi-service color guard, the singing of the National Anthem by the Idaho Army National Guard 550 Chordsmen, a flyover by an Idaho Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk and UH-72 Lakota, a cannon salute by the Idaho Military History Museum and the playing of Taps on bugle by Sgt. 1st Class Michael Robinette of the 25th Army Band.

Idaho Air National Guard Airmen Maj. Robert Steiner provided the keynote speech and Chief Master Sgt. Denton Golden was the master of ceremonies. Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Michael Porter offered words of prayer.

We should never forget that Memorial Day is not only about history. It is also about responsibility.Responsibility to re...
05/25/2026

We should never forget that Memorial Day is not only about history. It is also about responsibility.

Responsibility to remember.

Responsibility to teach future generations what these sacrifices mean.

Responsibility to live lives worthy of those who never had the chance to finish theirs.

The men and women we honor today did not die for political parties, personal gain or recognition. They died for something greater than themselves. They died for the enduring ideals of this nation — liberty, duty, justice and the belief that freedom is worth defending.

Say their names.

Tell their stories.

Remember them not only for how they died, but for how they lived.

Remember the laughter they shared, the families they loved, the uniforms they wore with pride, and the oath they upheld until their final breath.

Because a nation that remembers its fallen remains worthy of their sacrifice.

And a nation that forgets, risks losing sight of what those sacrifices were made to protect.

Kortney Shorts is a shift lead at Micron. She has no military experience or affiliation, but she does have an employee w...
05/22/2026

Kortney Shorts is a shift lead at Micron. She has no military experience or affiliation, but she does have an employee who serves in the Idaho Army National Guard. Shorts was one of nearly 100 local employers to participate in the annual Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Boss Lift at Gowen Field May 14. She said the day-long experience at Gowen Field opened her eyes to the complexity of military operations and the importance of mechanics and maintainers to the success of the organization.

“It’s just insane, the coordination that goes into it,” she said. “Now that I have a little more context, I’ll have a better foundation to ask him the right questions to better understand what he does when he’s here.”

Boss Lift participants took a flight in a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter to view the Camp Orchard training area, learned about M1A2 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles at the 204th Regional Training Institute, and visited with A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots and maintainers of the 124th Fighter Wing. They also had ample opportunity to learn about the positive impact their employees’ service has on Idaho communities across the state.

While in uniform, Sgt. Sophia Harris is an aviation operations specialist. During the week she works as a dispatcher at Idaho Materials and Construction. Harris nominated her manager, Jaden Mason, to take part in the program. She said Mason has always given her ample time off to accommodate her training schedule and professional development, including her upcoming Advanced Leader Course in June.

“I was really excited to nominate him and I’m glad he got selected to come out,” said Harris. “I love that they get to see what we do, even if its just for a little while. I hope it’s a really great experience for him and one that gives him some background on what I’m doing when I’m away from work.”

ESGR is a Department of Defense program established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component service members and their civilian employers. It is supported by volunteers from small business and industry, government, education and prior military service, who assist employers, service members, and their families in balancing military and civilian life.

The Idaho Military Division joined state leaders, family members, veterans and citizens from across Idaho last week to h...
05/19/2026

The Idaho Military Division joined state leaders, family members, veterans and citizens from across Idaho last week to honor the life and legacy of former Governor and Idaho National Guard Commander-in-Chief Dirk Kempthorne, who passed away April 24 at the age of 74.

Governor Kempthorne served as the constitutional Commander-in-Chief of the Idaho National Guard from 1999 to 2006 during one of the most demanding operational periods in modern military history. Under his leadership, the Idaho National Guard supported sustained combat operations during the Global War on Terrorism, including the historic 2004 deployment of the 116th Brigade Combat Team to Iraq—the largest deployment in Idaho National Guard history.

Throughout the week’s memorial events, Idaho Guardsmen rendered military honors as Governor Kempthorne was transferred to the Idaho State Capitol, where he lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda. Soldiers and Airmen joined Idaho State Police to stand watch as thousands of Idahoans paid their respects to a leader remembered for his deep and personal commitment to those who served.

Governor Kempthorne’s support for the Idaho National Guard extended far beyond ceremonial responsibilities. He personally attended deployment ceremonies, visited troops during mobilization training and traveled to Kirkuk, Iraq, to stand alongside Idaho Guardsmen serving in combat. His leadership and presence left a lasting impact on Soldiers, Airmen and military families across the state.

Before becoming the state’s 30th governor, he was a United States Senator and served on the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, continuing his lifelong support of the military community.

Funeral services were held May 16 at the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise before a procession escorted Governor Kempthorne to the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery for interment honors.

Even after leaving office, Governor Kempthorne remained a steadfast advocate for service members, veterans and military families.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions and enduring support of the Idaho National Guard, Governor Kempthorne was previously awarded the Idaho National Guard Distinguished Service Medal—one of the organization’s highest honors.

The Idaho Military Division extends its deepest condolences to the Kempthorne family and joins the people of Idaho in remembering a statesman, patriot and unwavering supporter of Idaho’s Soldiers and Airmen.

A celebration of life ceremony will also be held in Washington, D.C., at a later date.

The Idaho Army National Guard's I-183rd Assault Helicopter Battalion crews provided aviation support for Marines of the ...
05/13/2026

The Idaho Army National Guard's I-183rd Assault Helicopter Battalion crews provided aviation support for Marines of the 1st Marine Division as they trained at Camp Orchard last week. The Camp Orchard training area is a premier joint combined arms training site located 18 miles south of Boise, Idaho. Vast terrain, world class ranges and four-season climate contribute to this being an ideal location to prepare Brigade Combat Teams and other units for combat in a tough and realistic training environment.

On May 10, the Idaho Army National Guard received a request for support to assist with the rescue of two mountaineers st...
05/12/2026

On May 10, the Idaho Army National Guard received a request for support to assist with the rescue of two mountaineers stranded on top of an avalanche near Mount Borah. One member of the party had suffered a leg injury. A 1-183rd Aviation Battalion crew responded in an HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter and hoisted the injured hiker to safety. He was subsequently transferred to a civilian ambulance for further transport and care. The other member of the party elected to stay on the mountain and self extract. This is the third successful search and rescue mission conducted by Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers in 2026.

In both honor of and in celebration of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team transitioning from an armor brigade to a mo...
05/09/2026

In both honor of and in celebration of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team transitioning from an armor brigade to a mobile brigade combat team, the unit is hosting an Armor Day June 6 at the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa.

Armor Day is free and open to the public.

124th Fighter Wing Tactical Air Control Party Airmen prepare for night close air support operations last month at Razorb...
05/07/2026

124th Fighter Wing Tactical Air Control Party Airmen prepare for night close air support operations last month at Razorback Range, near Fort Smith, Arkansas. TACPs overcome limited visibility on the battlefield through the use of night vision and infrared equipment.

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