Capt. Combs Drives 1948 Jeep to Boost Morale During Annual Training

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Annual training provides units the opportunity to validate combat skills, refine leader development and increase lethality across the brigade.

The 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conductes annual training at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center to build readiness, strengthen individual and collective proficiency, and prepare Soldiers for future state and federal missions.

The training provides Soldiers familiarization on the weapon system during annual training and reinforces weapons mastery, confidence and crew readiness.

Soldiers assigned to the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct MK19 belt-fed grenade launcher familiarization training at Fort Chaffee, Ark., June 1, 2026. https://t.co/kdy5ENCKo8

Soldiers assigned to the Arkansas National Guard's 61st CST joined local, state, and federal response partners during a training exercise today at Camp Robinson designed to strengthen coordination and response capabilities involving the release of hazardous materials. https://t.co/BDlAvPP8UO

Through these elite events, we guarantee our partners are fully equipped to encounter and defeat terrorist organizations and drug traffickers for a safer, more stable hemisphere.

Inside "The Box," Soldiers are forced to adapt to high-stress, live-issue environments against a dedicated opposing force offering the absolute best tactical preparation available to American troops.

for the challenges that come with working in a high-stress environment while working to overcome language barriers to ensure understanding to tackle military objectives cohesively. JRTC provides some of the most advanced, realistic combat training scenarios in the world.

Nearly 40 Guatemalan Special Forces members are joining forces with the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, La., to train together, increase cohesiveness, and train forces in a joint environment to ensure Soldiers are prepared... https://t.co/6iGhJPUmrS

It's annual training time in Arkansas! That means military convoys will be on the move beginning May 29, 2026, through mid-June. Help us get to and from our training sites safely by giving those large vehicles some space. https://t.co/PwzwolUzO4

Matthew Stevens, a cyber specialist, husband and father talks about joining the Arkansas National Guard at 40 years old. “Just because you’re not 22 anymore doesn't mean the ship has sailed on you.," he said. See his story here: https://t.co/hkkn4UoI8F

The program is administered by the National Guard Bureau, guided by State Department foreign policy goals, and executed by the state adjutants general in support of combatant commander and U.S. Chief of Mission security cooperation objectives and Department of War policy goals.

Class participants also toured the Arkansas State Capitol and received briefings on legislative affairs and international trade. The Arkansas National Guard and Guatemala have been paired in the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program since 2002.

We hosted Guatemala’s Ministry of National Defense war college class May 14-15. Class participants received a briefing about the Arkansas National Guard, and toured key facilities to learn about our operations and how we support both the state and nation in our dual roles. https://t.co/yBBMFVTrqm

Spc. Bobbie McClean, a teacher at Armorel High School and mother of two, talks about joining the Arkansas National Guard at 43 years old. McClean had planned to join the military when she herself was a high school student. See her whole story here: https://t.co/Hufp9dBvbe https://t.co/eZirX4jw5R

Arkansas River Valley civic leaders got a behind-the-scenes look May 7, 2026, at a Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center live-fire exercise, and the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade in action. Read more here: https://t.co/Jdq5MDg09e https://t.co/OPFGzyaKqO

Great to recognize four deserving NCOs who jumped into action after a mishap May 4, 2026, on Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center. Their quick thinking and actions preserved a life. Read more here: https://t.co/QVgfai1Opr https://t.co/NSuJQ69OEi

Thank you to all who participated and to our education partners for helping us build a stronger, more resilient Arkansas!

By connecting educators with the opportunities and benefits of Guard service, we’re working together to empower the next generation of Arkansans—ensuring our state is always ready, always there.

Led by BG Michael Henderson, this event is part of our ongoing commitment to building strong partnerships with Arkansas schools and communities.

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Combat Engineers Take A Break From Digging Trenches

Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office

June 3, 2026 | 1:46

Combat Engineers Take A Break From Digging Trenches

Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office

June 3, 2026 | 1:46

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Combat Engineers Take A Break From Digging Trenches

Soldiers with the 239th Brigade Engineer Battalion took a break from digging trenches in the training area at Fort Chaffee to conduct a combat field test, June 3, 2026. Interview 1: Cadet Abigail Lewis, 239th Brigade Engineer Battalion Interview 2: Pvt. Jayden Thomas, 239th Brigade Engineer Battalion Interview 3: Capt. Joshua McCormick, commander, company B, 239th Brigade Engineer Battalion The combat field test is a mandatory annual physical assessment specifically for Soldiers serving in 24 high-demand combat military occupational specialties. This test does not replace the standard Army Fitness Test. Soldiers serving in combat occupational fields must pass both assessments to maintain their status. The CFT enforces a strict, gender-neutral, and age-neutral standard, meaning every soldier must meet the exact same physical benchmarks. Soldiers perform the entire evaluation in their standard combat uniform with combat boots, removing only their headgear, body armor, and helmet. The assessment requires participants to complete a demanding sequence of seven events back-to-back within a continuous 30-minute time limit. The seven-event sequence is designed to simulate tactical battlefield movements and physical exhaustion. It begins with a 1-mile run, immediately followed by 30 dead-stop push-ups and a 100-meter sprint. Soldiers then transition to heavy lifting by hoisting a 40-pound sandbag 16 times onto a 65-inch platform, carrying two 5-gallon water cans for 50 meters, and executing a high-crawl and rush movement drill before finishing the circuit with a grueling final 1-mile run. (U.S. Army National Guard video by 1st Sgt. Jim Heuston)

June 3, 2026

1:46

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/1009250

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1009250/combat-engineers-take-break-digging-trenches

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Ark. Nat’l Guard Enlists 250 For America’s 250th Birthday

CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the Arkansas National Guard ceremonially enlisted 250 Arkansas National Guard recruits, April 11, 2026, at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. Speaker 1: Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, adjutant general of Arkansas “This ceremony recognizes America’s 250th birthday in Arkansas while honoring the military service that helped secure our independence,” said Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas’ adjutant general. “The colonial militias — the predecessors of today’s National Guard — stood against the British Army at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, and the Continental Congress established the Army two months later on June 14, 1775. Arkansas also has a direct Revolutionary War connection through the 1783 battle at Arkansas Post, recognized as the only Revolutionary War battle fought in present-day Arkansas.” The 250 recruits are representative of the nearly 1,300 Guardsmen the Arkansas Army National Guard and Arkansas Air National Guard recruit annually into their respective brigades and wings. The Arkansas National Guard traces its roots to 1804, one year after the Louisiana Purchase. “The legislative body governing the Indiana Territory, of which Arkansas was a part, enacted a law making most males liable for military service,” according to the Arkansas National Guard Museum’s website. More information about the Arkansas National Guard’s history is available here: https://arngmuseum.com/history/national-guards/ Throughout its history, the Arkansas National Guard has answered the call in times of war, natural disasters, and other domestic emergencies. Its legacy reflects the service of Arkansans who have balanced civilian lives with military duty, exemplifying the citizen-soldier ethos that has defined the nation since its founding.

April 11, 2026

1:50

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/1002833

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1002833/ark-natl-guard-enlists-250-americas-250th-birthday

Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office

Arkansas National Guard250th Anniversary250th Anniversary of the United StatesArmy251

1002831

Ark. Nat’l Guard Enlists 250 For America’s 250th Birthday

CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the Arkansas National Guard ceremonially enlisted 250 Arkansas National Guard recruits, April 11, 2026, at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. Speaker 1: Major Chance Hall, master of ceremonies Speaker 2: Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, adjutant general of Arkansas Speaker 3: Gov. Sarah Huckabee-Sanders, governor of Arkansas “This ceremony recognizes America’s 250th birthday in Arkansas while honoring the military service that helped secure our independence,” said Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas’ adjutant general. “The colonial militias — the predecessors of today’s National Guard — stood against the British Army at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, and the Continental Congress established the Army two months later on June 14, 1775. Arkansas also has a direct Revolutionary War connection through the 1783 battle at Arkansas Post, recognized as the only Revolutionary War battle fought in present-day Arkansas.” The 250 recruits are representative of the nearly 1,300 Guardsmen the Arkansas Army National Guard and Arkansas Air National Guard recruit annually into their respective brigades and wings. The Arkansas National Guard traces its roots to 1804, one year after the Louisiana Purchase. “The legislative body governing the Indiana Territory, of which Arkansas was a part, enacted a law making most males liable for military service,” according to the Arkansas National Guard Museum’s website. More information about the Arkansas National Guard’s history is available here: https://arngmuseum.com/history/national-guards/ Throughout its history, the Arkansas National Guard has answered the call in times of war, natural disasters, and other domestic emergencies. Its legacy reflects the service of Arkansans who have balanced civilian lives with military duty, exemplifying the citizen-soldier ethos that has defined the nation since its founding.

April 11, 2026

8:29

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Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office

Arkansas National GuardArkansas250th Celebration250th Anniversary of the United StatesArmy251

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Ark. Nat’l Guard Enlists 250 For America’s 250th Birthday

April 11, 2026

1:50

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https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1002832/ark-natl-guard-enlists-250-americas-250th-birthday

Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office

Arkansas National GuardArmy251

1002253

142nd FAB Deploys To Support Spartan Shield (Sound Bites From Send Off)

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Approximately 130 Guardsmen from the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade participated in a sendoff ceremony at the Bentonville Armed Forces Reserve Center at 10 a.m., April 6. Sound bites are Col. Jonathan Smith, commander 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, adjutant general of Arkansas, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee-Sanders The deployment will be in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. Spartan Shield is supported by Army National Guard and Army Reserve units on a continual rotational basis to provide security, logistical support, strengthen partnerships and build partner capacity against regional threats. Inherent Resolve advises, assists, and enables partner forces to secure lasting defeat of ISIS and to enable the establishment of an enduring security cooperation framework. “This is a significant mission, and I could not be more proud of these Soldiers for answering the call,” said Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas’ adjutant general. “They are deploying in a role of real importance, and they do so as trained, disciplined, and highly capable professionals. The trust placed in this headquarters says a great deal about the quality of this formation and its leadership. The Arkansas National Guard exists to serve state and nation when called, and these Soldiers are fulfilling that duty with honor and sacrifice. As they go forward, we have a sacred obligation here at home to stand behind their families, and support one another.” Guardsmen will report to Fort Bliss, Texas, for mobilization processing, then travel on to their overseas location. In total, they’re expected to be deployed for nine months. The 142nd FAB has a rich history dating back to its founding as the 2nd Arkansas Infantry in 1893. It has served in all the nation’s conflicts with the lone exception being the Vietnam War. In 2021, the 142nd supported the 46th Presidential Inauguration by providing additional security in the nation’s capital, ensuring a smooth transition. Later that same year, the unit deployed to locations throughout the Middle East in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. Additionally, 142nd FAB Guardsmen have served on state active-duty missions conducting winter weather response support, providing potable water, and responding to other natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and the May 2024 Rogers tornado. (U.S. Army National Guard video by 1st Sgt. Jim Heuston)

April 6, 2026

5:56

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/1002253

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1002253/142nd-fab-deploys-support-spartan-shield-sound-bites-send-off

Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office

Arkansas National GuardArkansas Adjutant General142nd Field Artillery BrigadeArkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee-Sanders

1001831

Arkansas Guardsmen Deploy To Support Spartan Shield

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Approximately 130 Guardsmen from the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade participated in a send-off ceremony, April 6, 2026, at the Bentonville Armed Forces Reserve Center. The deployment will be in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. Spartan Shield is supported by Army National Guard and Army Reserve units on a continual rotational basis to provide security, logistical support, strengthen partnerships and build partner capacity against regional threats. Inherent Resolve advises, assists, and enables partner forces to secure lasting defeat of ISIS and to enable the establishment of an enduring security cooperation framework. “This is a significant mission, and I could not be more proud of these Soldiers for answering the call,” said Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas’ adjutant general. “They are deploying in a role of real importance, and they do so as trained, disciplined, and highly capable professionals. The trust placed in this headquarters says a great deal about the quality of this formation and its leadership. The Arkansas National Guard exists to serve state and nation when called, and these Soldiers are fulfilling that duty with honor and sacrifice. As they go forward, we have a sacred obligation here at home to stand behind their families, and support one another.” Guardsmen will report to Fort Bliss, Texas, for mobilization processing, then travel on to their overseas location. In total, they’re expected to be deployed for nine months. The 142nd FAB has a rich history dating back to its founding as the 2nd Arkansas Infantry in 1893. It has served in all the nation’s conflicts with the lone exception being the Vietnam War. In 2021, the 142nd supported the 46th Presidential Inauguration by providing additional security in the nation’s capital, ensuring a smooth transition. Later that same year, the unit deployed to locations throughout the Middle East in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. Additionally, 142nd FAB Guardsmen have served on state active-duty missions conducting winter weather response support, providing potable water, and responding to other natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and the May 2024 Rogers tornado.

April 6, 2026

2:00

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/1001831

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1001831/arkansas-guardsmen-deploy-support-spartan-shield

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Capt. Combs Drives 1948 Jeep to Boost Morale During Annual Training

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During annual training at Fort Chaffee, Ark., on June 6, 2025, Capt. Will Combs of Benton, Ark., brought a restored 1948 Willys Jeep to the range, fulfilling a childhood dream and connecting with his Soldiers in a meaningful way.

FORT CHAFFEE, ARKANSAS, UNITED STATES
Story by Capt. Christopher Herb
119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Capt. Combs Drives 1948 Jeep to Boost Morale During Annual Training

Fort Chaffee, Ark. - Capt. Will Combs of Benton, Ark., brought a unique piece Army heritage to annual training on June 6, 2025, when he drove a 1948 Willys Jeep onto the range.

“I wanted a flat fender Jeep since I was eight, said Combs, the company commander of HHB, 206th Field Artillery Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “I tried to talk my dad into getting me one when I was 16,” said Combs. “He was like, ‘Absolutely not!’”

That childhood dream became a reality when Combs found a Jeep at a used car lot in Melbourne, Ark., after a tip from his barber.

“I talked to the guy at the lot,” said Combs. “He told me, it wasn’t for sale, but we could go look at it. It hadn’t run in a couple of years and they were moving locations. They had to get rid of it. I ended up trading him a ‘97 BMW Z3 straight across. I spent about a year fixing it up,”

Once Combs restored the Jeep, he found the perfect place to test it out. With permission from his battalion commander, Combs brought the ’48 Willys to annual training. He and his First Sgt. were turning heads as Soldiers would see them driving around post.

The response from Soldiers was immediate.

“They absolutely love it! I had some Soldiers up at the radar section. They wanted to get pictures in it. They just think its incredibly cool, said Combs. “They want to see the engine. Check it out. Ride in it.”

But the Jeep wasn’t just for show-it helped Combs connect with his Soldiers in a personal way. Arriving at the range, Combs set a box of cookies on the Jeep’s fender and greeted his troops. One by one, Soldiers came forward, unable to hide their smiles as they reached in for a treat.

When asked what he enjoys most about command, Combs didn’t hesitate: “Taking care of Soldiers. If a Soldier brings a concern to me, it’s very satisfying to be able to take that to battalion or brigade and say we have to fix this - it’s effecting Soldiers. I can make that change.”

Combs’s found his way to demonstrate Army leadership by being present, engaged and willing to go the extra mile for his Soldiers.