California State Guard

08/22/2026

This video congratulates the California State Guard Officer Candidate School Graduates of 2026 (it was edited to remove a photo and reference to a single person by their request). Apologies for anyone who commented or liked the prior video.

08/22/2026

Newly Commissioned California State Guard Officer Reflects on Leadership and Service

By 1st Lt. (CA) Rao, Public Affairs Officer
129th Support Group, California State Guard

CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Newly commissioned 2nd Lt. (CA) Carmen Johnson celebrated a significant milestone in her military career as she completed California State Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS) and joined the ranks of commissioned officers prepared to serve the people of California.

Reflecting on her experience, Johnson described OCS as both challenging and rewarding, providing valuable opportunities for personal growth and leadership development.

“I really enjoyed my Officer Candidate School experience,” Johnson said. “It challenged me in many ways and helped me learn things about myself that I didn't know before.”

Johnson credited much of her positive experience to the leadership and mentorship provided throughout the program, particularly from Lt. Col. Jones.

“The leadership under Lieutenant Colonel Jones was amazing,” she said. “He was a great mentor and a great leader, and I appreciate the experience that he provided for us at OCS.”

A resident of Oakland, California, Johnson is originally from Oklahoma. Outside of her military service, she works in higher education as a college child care coordinator, a profession she views as another way to serve her community.

“I am a child care coordinator at a college, which is also a form of service,” Johnson said.

As she begins her career as a commissioned officer, Johnson remains focused on supporting the California State Guard's mission and serving Californians during times of need.

As she takes on the responsibilities of a commissioned officer, she joins a new generation of leaders dedicated to supporting state missions, strengthening communities, and answering the call when Californians need assistance. For Johnson, commissioning marks not an end, but the beginning of continued service to others and a lifetime commitment to leadership.

08/22/2026

Newly Commissioned California State Guard Officer Reflects on OCS Journey

By 1st Lt. (CA) Rao, Public Affairs Officer,
129th Support Group, California State Guard

CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Following his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the California State Guard (CSG), 2nd Lt. John Vincent Cortez reflected on his Officer Candidate School (OCS) experience, describing it as one of the most challenging and rewarding accomplishments of his life.
“I have to say that my Officer Candidate School experience was one of the most challenging and demanding, but also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, both personally and professionally,” said Cortez.

According to Cortez, the rigorous OCS environment tested candidates daily through a variety of leadership, academic, and military challenges. Despite the demands of the program, he emphasized that the bonds formed among classmates became one of the most valuable outcomes of the experience.

“Every day at OCS presented a different challenge,” he said. “We arrived as individuals, but we graduated as a team and as a unit. Along the way, I gained friendships that will last a lifetime and connected with leaders whom I can continue to learn from as I grow as a leader myself.”

“My immediate goal is to continue supporting the 40th Support Detachment, help strengthen my unit, grow as a leader, and take care of the enlisted Soldiers and noncommissioned officers under my leadership,” he said.

His comments reflect the California State Guard’s emphasis on leadership, teamwork, and service. As newly commissioned officers assume greater responsibilities, graduates like Cortez carry forward the lessons learned through OCS and the commitment to lead and support those entrusted to their care.
With his commissioning complete, 2nd Lt. Cortez now joins the ranks of California State Guard officers prepared to serve their communities, support state missions, and contribute to the continued readiness of the force.

“We arrived as individuals, but we graduated as a team.” That lesson, Cortez said, will continue to guide him throughout his military career.

08/22/2026

Second Lieutenant (CA) Ariana Jimenez: Committed to Leadership and Service

by 1st Lt. (CA) Rao, Public Affairs Officer
129th Support Group, California State Guard

PASO ROBLES, Calif. — Second Lieutenant Ariana Jimenez, a member of the California State Guard and resident of California's Central Coast, joined the California State Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS) Class of 2026 to challenge herself, strengthen her leadership abilities, and further her commitment to serving others.

Driven by a desire for personal and professional growth, Jimenez sought the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to inspire future leaders and mentor junior leaders and Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) throughout her military career.
"Joining OCS was an opportunity to pursue excellence in leadership while pushing myself beyond my comfort zone," said Jimenez. "I wanted to gain the knowledge and experience needed to serve as an effective leader and positively impact those around me."

Throughout the program, Jimenez developed valuable leadership tools, strengthened her decision-making abilities, and gained practical experience that will continue to guide her as an officer in the California State Guard. In addition to her military service, Jimenez works full-time at Grizzly Youth Academy, where she mentors and supports young individuals as they work toward personal and academic success. Her experience working with youth has reinforced her belief in the importance of leadership, accountability, and mentorship.

As she continues her service, Jimenez plans to apply the lessons learned through OCS to foster leadership, excellence, and professional development within both youth challenge programs and the California State Guard.

"I look forward to using the leadership knowledge and skills I've gained throughout this year to mentor others, lead by example, and contribute to the success of the organizations I serve," said Jimenez.

Through her dedication to service, mentorship, and continuous improvement, Jimenez remains committed to developing future leaders and making a positive impact in her community and the California State Guard.

08/12/2026

07/30/2026

You have until August 2, 2026 to attend the California State Fair at the Cal Expo Grounds. Please stop by and see the California Army National Guard and California State Guard recruiting stations. Some of the California State Guard representatives that came out on July 29, 2026 listed below include Col (CA) Betty-Singleton, (Recruiting Command Commander), 2nd Lt (CA) Sheefel and Spc.(CA) Gamboa (Task Force Rattlesnake).

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day California State Guard!

07/01/2026

Uncle Seo AKA Specialist Charles Simons, Public Affairs Specialist, Recruiting Command (revised for OPSEC)

07/01/2026

On June 1 to June 4, 2026 at Camp Roberts, California, a human intelligence exercise was facilitated by members of the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard and leveraged role player volunteers from the California State Guard.

The following California State Guard role players volunteered 1 to 4 days to participate in this exercise:

MSG Thomas Barnese, SFC Gerald Berry, SGT Michael Ranada, SGM Dennis Barberic, SPC Victoria Gordon, CW2 Daubrey Lindauer, Daubrey, TSGT Wayne Heimsoth, MAJ Khai Luu, SPC Charles Simons, SPC Sabrina Lor-Schmidt, PFC Marcia Rayford, PFC Pascal Ricca, and PV1 Vicente Cazares.