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SCNG Annual Reports

South Carolina National Guard In The News

South Carolina Best Warrior Competition Day 5
3/10/2026
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ervin Baker, 2nd Battalion, 218th Regional Training Institute, and Spc. Matthew Merrow, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-118th Battalion, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, pose for a picture after winning the 2026 Best Warrior Competition (BWC) in their respective categories, after an awards ceremony held at McCrady Training Center in Eastover, South Carolina, Mar. 6, 2026. The BWC will continue with a series of regional events, followed by a culminating national BWC finale. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Benjamin Wells)
Palmetto Guardian - Episode 179
3/10/2026
In this episode of the Palmetto Guardian Podcast, Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver sits down with 1st Sergeant Fidel Byrd and Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Dantzler from the South Carolina National Guard Counterdrug Task Force to break down what the program is, how it supports local law enforcement, and how prevention plays a major role in reducing substance misuse across the state. From free training opportunities and analyst support to youth outreach and community partnerships, this conversation highlights how the Guard is making an impact right here at home. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
Family Guidons - Ep. 4
3/10/2026
In this episode of Family Guidons, Michelle, Kathy, and Charlotte talk about one of the hardest parts of military life: the long, stretching days of deployment. Through heartfelt listener emails and personal stories, they share practical and emotional ways to get through the endless weeks and months — from building your village and creating new traditions to breaking time into smaller milestones and finding purpose in the waiting. If you’ve ever felt like time slows to a crawl during deployment, this conversation is for you.
Georgia Guardsmen Assist U.S. Marshals During DC Safe and Beautiful Mission
3/4/2026
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Valente Martinez, Spc. John C. Vela, Sgt. Michael Waller, and Spc. Nicholas Wilkins, all assigned to the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, Georgia National Guard, pose in front of the nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 20, 2026. About 2,750 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters, and visitors throughout the District.(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Monique Monteiro)
Georgia guardsmen assist U.S. Marshals during DC Safe and Beautiful Mission
3/4/2026
Georgia Guardsmen assisted U.S. Marshals in securing a perimeter for the purpose of apprehending a suspect during DC Safe and Beautiful Mission.
South Carolina Best Warrior Competition Day 3 [Image 3 of 4]
3/4/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the South Carolina National Guard and military representatives of the armed forces of Germany and Colombia take part in a 12-mile ruck march during the South Carolina phase of the Best Warrior Competition (BWC) held at the McCrady Training Center, Eastover, South Carolina, March 4, 2026. The BWC is a multi-day event organized in state, regional, and national phases that promotes excellence and resiliency in the National Guard. Generally, National Guard competitors are selected at the battalion level to compete for the brigade title. The successive phase is the state BWC, followed by regionals and nationals. In 2026, the South Carolina phase of the BWC is held from the 2nd to the 6th of March. Throughout the event, all participants are challenged, both mentally and physically, in critical areas of emphasis encompassing individual combat skills and doctrinal knowledge. The core events common to all phases of the BWC are a ruck march, the use and maintenance of weapons, combat medical care, marksmanship, and land navigation. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Shane Gay)
South Carolina Best Warrior Competition Day 3 [Image 1 of 4]
3/4/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the South Carolina National Guard and military representatives of the armed forces of Germany and Colombia take part in a 12-mile ruck march during the South Carolina phase of the Best Warrior Competition (BWC) held at the McCrady Training Center, Eastover, South Carolina, March 4, 2026. The BWC is a multi-day event organized in state, regional, and national phases that promotes excellence and resiliency in the National Guard. Generally, National Guard competitors are selected at the battalion level to compete for the brigade title. The successive phase is the state BWC, followed by regionals and nationals. In 2026, the South Carolina phase of the BWC is held from the 2nd to the 6th of March. Throughout the event, all participants are challenged, both mentally and physically, in critical areas of emphasis encompassing individual combat skills and doctrinal knowledge. The core events common to all phases of the BWC are a ruck march, the use and maintenance of weapons, combat medical care, marksmanship, and land navigation. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Shane Gay)
South Carolina Best Warrior Competition Day 3 [Image 2 of 4]
3/4/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the South Carolina National Guard and military representatives of the armed forces of Germany and Colombia take part in a 12-mile ruck march during the South Carolina phase of the Best Warrior Competition (BWC) held at the McCrady Training Center, Eastover, South Carolina, March 4, 2026. The BWC is a multi-day event organized in state, regional, and national phases that promotes excellence and resiliency in the National Guard. Generally, National Guard competitors are selected at the battalion level to compete for the brigade title. The successive phase is the state BWC, followed by regionals and nationals. In 2026, the South Carolina phase of the BWC is held from the 2nd to the 6th of March. Throughout the event, all participants are challenged, both mentally and physically, in critical areas of emphasis encompassing individual combat skills and doctrinal knowledge. The core events common to all phases of the BWC are a ruck march, the use and maintenance of weapons, combat medical care, marksmanship, and land navigation. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Shane Gay)
South Carolina Best Warrior Competition Day 3 [Image 4 of 4]
3/4/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the South Carolina National Guard and military representatives of the armed forces of Germany and Colombia take part in a 12-mile ruck march during the South Carolina phase of the Best Warrior Competition (BWC) held at the McCrady Training Center, Eastover, South Carolina, March 4, 2026. The BWC is a multi-day event organized in state, regional, and national phases that promotes excellence and resiliency in the National Guard. Generally, National Guard competitors are selected at the battalion level to compete for the brigade title. The successive phase is the state BWC, followed by regionals and nationals. In 2026, the South Carolina phase of the BWC is held from the 2nd to the 6th of March. Throughout the event, all participants are challenged, both mentally and physically, in critical areas of emphasis encompassing individual combat skills and doctrinal knowledge. The core events common to all phases of the BWC are a ruck march, the use and maintenance of weapons, combat medical care, marksmanship, and land navigation. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Shane Gay)
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the South Carolina National Guard compete at the State level Best Warrior Competition. [Image 8 of 10]
3/4/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the South Carolina National Guard and military personnel from the armies of Germany and Colombia take part in the swimming portion of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) at the University of South Carolina Natatorium, Columbia, South Carolina, March 3, 2026. The BWC is a multi-day event promoting excellence and resilience in the National Guard. Typically, National Guard competitors are selected at the battalion level to compete for the brigade title. The successive phase is the state BWC, followed by regionals and nationals. All phases are organized following a standardized BWC event template. The South Carolina phase of the 2026 BWC is held on March 2-6. Throughout the event, all participants are challenged, both mentally and physically, in critical areas of emphasis encompassing individual combat skills and doctrinal knowledge. The core events of the BWC are a ruck march, weapons use and maintenance, combat medical care, marksmanship, and land navigation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Duran Jones)
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the South Carolina National Guard compete at the State level Best Warrior Competition. [Image 1 of 10]
3/4/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the South Carolina National Guard and military personnel from the armies of Germany and Colombia take part in the swimming portion of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) at the University of South Carolina Natatorium, Columbia, South Carolina, March 3, 2026. The BWC is a multi-day event promoting excellence and resilience in the National Guard. Typically, National Guard competitors are selected at the battalion level to compete for the brigade title. The successive phase is the state BWC, followed by regionals and nationals. All phases are organized following a standardized BWC event template. The South Carolina phase of the 2026 BWC is held on March 2-6. Throughout the event, all participants are challenged, both mentally and physically, in critical areas of emphasis encompassing individual combat skills and doctrinal knowledge. The core events of the BWC are a ruck march, weapons use and maintenance, combat medical care, marksmanship, and land navigation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Duran Jones)
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the South Carolina National Guard compete at the State level Best Warrior Competition. [Image 3 of 10]
3/4/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the South Carolina National Guard and military personnel from the armies of Germany and Colombia take part in the swimming portion of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) at the University of South Carolina Natatorium, Columbia, South Carolina, March 3, 2026. The BWC is a multi-day event promoting excellence and resilience in the National Guard. Typically, National Guard competitors are selected at the battalion level to compete for the brigade title. The successive phase is the state BWC, followed by regionals and nationals. All phases are organized following a standardized BWC event template. The South Carolina phase of the 2026 BWC is held on March 2-6. Throughout the event, all participants are challenged, both mentally and physically, in critical areas of emphasis encompassing individual combat skills and doctrinal knowledge. The core events of the BWC are a ruck march, weapons use and maintenance, combat medical care, marksmanship, and land navigation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Duran Jones)
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the South Carolina National Guard compete at the State level Best Warrior Competition. [Image 7 of 10]
3/4/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the South Carolina National Guard and military personnel from the armies of Germany and Colombia take part in the swimming portion of the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB) at the University of South Carolina Natatorium, Columbia, South Carolina, March 3, 2026. The BWC is a multi-day event promoting excellence and resilience in the National Guard. Typically, National Guard competitors are selected at the battalion level to compete for the brigade title. The successive phase is the state BWC, followed by regionals and nationals. All phases are organized following a standardized BWC event template. The South Carolina phase of the 2026 BWC is held on March 2-6. Throughout the event, all participants are challenged, both mentally and physically, in critical areas of emphasis encompassing individual combat skills and doctrinal knowledge. The core events of the BWC are a ruck march, weapons use and maintenance, combat medical care, marksmanship, and land navigation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Duran Jones)
South Carolina’s 1222nd Engineers conduct explosive annual training
3/4/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers of the 1222nd Combat Engineer Company – Infantry (CEC-I), 178th Engineer Battalion, 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, fast approached the conclusion of their two weeks of annual training, which took place in Georgia and South Carolina and began on Feb. 21. The training refined their combat engineering skills and directly impacted the training of future Soldiers at Fort Jackson.
Family Guidons - Ep. 3
2/23/2026
In this episode of Family Guidons, hosts Michelle Matheny, Charlotte Stilwell and Kathy Bridgers tackle one of the biggest challenges military families face today: staying connected online while also staying safe. In a world of fast news, viral posts, and constant access, they share practical tips for OPSEC, protecting your family’s privacy, setting healthy boundaries, and keeping your peace online—especially during deployments.
Lexington magistrates honored for supporting national guardsman
2/9/2026
LEXINGTON, S.C. – Eight Lexington County Magistrates and their Chief Court Administrator were honored on Monday, Feb. 9, with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award for their exceptional support of a fellow judge serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard (SCNG). The ceremony will took place at the Lexington County Magistrate Court.
Family Guidons - Ep. 2
2/8/2026
In this episode of Family Guidons, hosts Michelle Matheny, Charlotte Stillwell, and Kathy Bridgers dive into the theme of navigating the new year as a military spouse. With personal experiences and insights, they offer encouragement and support for those starting the year solo due to deployments or state activations. The conversation highlights the unique challenges and strengths of military life, fostering a sense of community among listeners. Additionally, the hosts share stories submitted by their audience, creating a deeper connection and understanding of the military experience. Join them for an honest discussion filled with camaraderie and inspiration as they remind you that you've got this!
South Carolina National Guard engineers respond to Winter Storm Fern
2/2/2026
BATESBURG-LEESVILLE, S.C. - U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 122nd Engineer Battalion, 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, arrived at the Batesburg-Leesville Readiness Center in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Jan. 23, 2026, preparing to support state and local authorities in response to Winter Storm Fern.
263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command Soldiers are postured to support partner agencies during Winter Storm Gianna in Clinton
1/31/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers from the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, South Carolina Army National Guard, and Vehicle Recovery Team are ready to help partner agencies during Winter Storm Gianna in Clinton, South Carolina, on January 31, 2026. Their team, comprised of Pvt. 1st Class Cody Acker, Spc. Jeidy Rodriguez, Spc. Molly Mendez, and Sgt. Douglas Wood is one of 14 across the state working to keep South Carolinians safe and mobile as winter weather affects the area. The South Carolina Military Department remains dedicated to supporting partner agencies and local communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Karla N. Evans)
678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Responds to Winter Storm Gianna
1/30/2026
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, South Carolina National Guard, conduct preventative checks and inspections on military vehicles, personal protective equipment, and sustainment items to ensure equipment readiness throughout Winter Storm Gianna operations in Eastover, South Carolina, Jan. 30, 2026. Soldiers will stage Vehicle Recovery Teams across the state where they will assist with vehicle recovery operations in support of state agencies, ensuring the mobility and safety of South Carolinians. The South Carolina Military Department is committed to supporting our partner agencies and communities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Turner Horton)