LaARNG

• Origins in the 18th Century: The Louisiana Army National Guard (LaARNG) traces its roots back to colonial militias formed in the 18th century, even before Louisiana became a state in 1812. • Battle of New Orleans: Units that would become part of the LaARNG fought under General Andrew Jackson in the pivotal Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. • Civil War Service: Louisiana National Guard units served on both sides during the Civil War, some joining Confederate forces, while others remained loyal to the Union after Union occupation of New Orleans. • Hurricane Katrina Response: In 2005, over 6,000 Louisiana National Guard soldiers were mobilized for Hurricane Katrina, providing critical rescue, security, and humanitarian assistance. • Decorated Units: The 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as the "Louisiana Tigers," is one of the Guard’s most storied units, with deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. • Hollywood Connection: The 769th Engineer Battalion was featured in the 1981 film Southern Comfort, which was loosely inspired by National Guard training exercises in Louisiana’s swamps. • International Deployments: LaARNG units have participated in operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and more, serving alongside active-duty counterparts. • Disaster Relief Record: The Louisiana Army National Guard is renowned for its expertise and rapid response in disaster relief, including floods, hurricanes, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. • First African-American Officers: During World War I, the Louisiana Guard commissioned some of the first African-American officers in the National Guard, notably in the 369th Infantry ("Harlem Hellfighters"). • State Partnerships: Through the National Guard State Partnership Program, the LaARNG has established enduring military and civil relationships with Belize and Haiti to support training and development.