The Colorado Air National Guard’s 140th Security Forces Squadron traveled to Aviano Air Base, Italy, for required annual training Sept. 14-27, 2024. The type of training conducted was dictated by a shift in priorities reflecting the changing security environment and the increasing importance of protecting air bases from ground threats. It focused on key areas of integrated defense, including close-quarters battle scenarios, domestic violence response, and active shooter threat management.

Training requirements for National Guard Soldiers vary greatly with respect to their and their unit’s overall mission. In a unit like Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 117th Space Battalion, Colorado Army National Guard conducting training outside the readiness center only happens rarely, if maybe, once a year.

In a rare occurrence, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Erik Miller passed command of the 168th Regiment, Regional Training Institute, Basic Leader Course, Fort Carson, Colorado, to his wife, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Sarah Miller, Sept. 8, 2024.

Colorado National Guard leaders from across the state gathered to ask this question at the first Suicide Intervention Officer Symposium, presented by the CONG Suicide Prevention, Substance Abuse, and Resiliency team, Sept. 20, 2024, at Fort Carson, Colorado. Soldiers and Airmen discussed the issues impacting suicide within the force and the resources and prevention methods available.