An Airman with the 104th Wing, Massachusetts National Guard, walks past a fluorescent sign cautioning of explosive operations at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Mass., March 8, 2026. The Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team performed monthly detonations to meet training requirements. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Airman 1st Class Ellen Ozkaptan)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kelly Jimenez, 163rd Attack Wing, California Air National Guard, prepares an MQ-9 Reaper aircraft for launch while in mission-oriented protective posture level 2 gear due to a simulated Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear threat during the wing’s combat readiness inspection, exercise Grizzly Talon, at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., March 15, 2026. This inspection ensures Airmen are able to perform their job duties while operating in a CBRN-contested environment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julianne Sitterding)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Miguel Munguia, 163rd Attack Wing, California Air National Guard, dons mission-oriented protective posture level 2 gear due to a simulated Chemical , Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear threat during the wing’s combat readiness inspection, exercise Grizzly Talon, at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., March 15, 2026. This inspection is a vital tool for assessing the unit's ability to execute mission essential tasks effectively in an era when air superiority can no longer be guaranteed.(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julianne Sitterding)

Members of the 163rd Attack Wing, California Air National Guard, walk onto the flight line during the wing’s combat readiness inspection (CRI), exercise Grizzly Talon, at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., March 15, 2026. Through seamless coordination, planning and multi-organizational efforts, the CRI will prepare the wing to efficiently operate in contest environments under any conditions.(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julianne Sitterding)

Air National Guard Security Forces specialists ruck across a frozen lake as part of the Air National Guard's Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minn. January 30, 2026. The two-week CWOC course combined classroom instruction, outdoor skill development, and a field training event that required students to operate and sleep outdoors, incorporate land navigation, life saving Air National Guard Security Forces specialists ruck across a frozen lake as part of the Air National Guard's Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minn. January 30, 2026. Three members of the New York Air National Guard took part in the two-week CWOC course this year. Fifty-seven students from Air National Guard wings from across the U.S., and Canadian Airmen, completed this cold weather survival course hosted by personnel assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Addie Peterson)

Air National Guard Security Forces members ruck through the rigorous Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) Jan. 30., 2026, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. This demanding course is designed to build arctic warriors, pushing airmen to master survival and operational capabilities in the harshest winter conditions. By honing their skills in sub-zero temperatures, these Security Forces members have demonstrated their readiness to defend the nation in any environment, ensuring the U.S. military maintains a decisive edge in arctic operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by courtesy)