U.S. Army Pfc. Enmanuel Castillo, a plumber with the 874th Engineer Utilities Detachment, 878th Engineer Battalion, 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard, reflects on his mission duties during Winter Storm Fern in Toccoa, Georgia Jan. 27, 2026. The Georgia Department of Defense plays an integral role in declared emergencies by providing a versatile and ready force capable of responding to natural and manmade disasters across the United States. The Georgia Department of Defense is trained and equipped to ensure rapid, coordinated and effective support is available to civil authorities on short notice.
(U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. 1st Class Jeron Walker)
The Georgia Army National Guard launched its first Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator's Course in early 2026, creating a new pipeline for skilled drone pilots.
The 12-day program, which was conducted in Fort Stewart, Ga., January 5-16, is part of an initiative to field low-cost autonomous systems in alignment with a July 2025 Department of War memorandum. The directive delegated authority to commands to integrate small drones “across every unit that wields this capability to defeat the enemy in combat.”
The Georgia program was spearheaded by the newly formed Georgia UAS and Robotic Rapid Deployment (G.U.A.R.R.D.) team. A core group of six master trainers and aviators, assembled by Brig. Gen. Jason Fryman, commander of the Georgia Army...
01.16.2026 | FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
Story by Charles Emmons
A debris clearance team comprised of Georgia National Guard Soldiers from the 878th Engineer Battalion and Georgia State Defense Force personnel clear roads in Habersham County west of Clarkesville. Soldiers and Airmen of the Georgia National Guard are clearing downed trees in throughout northeast Georgia while additional teams are conducting reconnaissance of routes to assist in road clearing efforts. Photo by Command Sgt. Major John Ballenger.
