MIL-OSI – Page 117 – MIL Security Engine-1

April 30, 2026

Defense News: National Guard Bureau Hosts Public Affairs Training Workshop, Enhancing Communication Readiness Across the Force

Source: United States Army

ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Office hosted its 2026 Public Affairs Training Workshop, April 20-22, a three-day virtual event bringing together more than 225 public affairs professionals from 52 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

The workshop focused on strengthening strategic communication capabilities across the Guard, equipping participants with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively inform the public, support senior leaders, and respond during times of crisis.

“This workshop underscores the critical role public affairs professionals play in maintaining transparency and trust with the American people,” said Tracy O’Grady-Walsh, director of public affairs at the NGB. “Just like any other career field in the National Guard, our public affairs teammates must stay ready and agile, prepared to respond and provide support to missions across the globe, often times at a moment’s notice.”

Throughout the event, participants engaged in sessions designed to address the evolving demands of military communication. Key topics included crisis communications, social media best practices, interview techniques, and content editing and selection for publication.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the NGB, also spoke during the workshop and underscored the indispensable role of public affairs professionals in the Guard.

“Hats off to all of our public affairs teammates across the country,” he said. “You telling the Guard story gets after the most important thing that we have in our 435,000 strong National Guard: our Soldiers and Airmen.”

Telling the Guard story shows both partners and adversaries alike just how strong and capable the National Guard is, Nordhaus added.

“I cannot thank you enough,” he said.

The workshop also provided important updates to both the Air and Army National Guard public affairs career fields, ensuring attendees are aligned with current policies, priorities, and professional development pathways.

“This year’s Public Affairs Training Workshop was extremely valuable,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Ariana Shuemake, readiness noncommissioned officer with 153rd Public Affairs Detachment, West Virginia Army National Guard. “It not only reinforced core skills but also provided timely updates about how our career field is evolving. I’m walking away with a better idea of how to keep our Soldiers trained, prepared, and ready to support any mission.”

The workshop highlighted the importance of a coordinated and focused public affairs enterprise across the Guard, capable of supporting missions at home and abroad.

“In the National Guard, where our operations are highly visible, and often involves multiple states and agencies, the ability to respond quickly with accurate information and clear messaging is not just a luxury, it’s the mission,” said Army Maj. Micah Maxwell, a public affairs officer assigned to the NGB.

By bringing together a diverse group of over 225 professionals from the Guard’s public affairs community, the event fostered stronger connections and encouraged the exchange of best practices and lessons learned from across the field.

Defense News: Army National Guard military police battalion deploys in support of Operation Epic Fury

Source: United States Army

EAST GRANBY, Conn. — Approximately 150 Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 192nd Military Police Battalion, Connecticut Army National Guard, participated in a deployment ceremony at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Connecticut, yesterday.

The 192nd was selected by the Pentagon to deploy on short notice to the Middle East to support Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Central Command’s military campaign to destroy Iran’s offensive missile capabilities, navy and nuclear infrastructure.

“When the order came down on short notice, these Soldiers didn’t hesitate, didn’t ask for more time and didn’t look for a reason to say, ‘no’,” said Army Maj. Gen. Francis J. Evon Jr., Connecticut National Guard adjutant general. “They said, ‘yes’, packed their gear and got ready to move.”

The battalion was issued orders to report to active duty for mobilization training March 20, and almost one month later, they’re hugging their family goodbye as they embark overseas.

Families, friends, guests and Soldiers deploying with the 192nd Military Police Battalion say their goodbyes during their send-off ceremony at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Connecticut, April 28, 2026. With approximately 150 Connecticut Army National Guard Soldiers aboard, the 192nd Military Police Battalion departs for the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Epic Fury. (Photo Credit: Spc. Emmanuel Gibson) VIEW ORIGINAL

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, the 89th governor of Connecticut, greets Soldiers assigned to the 192nd Military Police Battalion during a deployment ceremony at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Connecticut, April 28, 2026. The 192nd Military Police Battalion, is deploying approximately 150 Soldiers to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Epic Fury. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Emmanuel Gibson) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Emmanuel Gibson) VIEW ORIGINAL

“Most people will never fully appreciate what that movement actually looks like, what it costs a person to step away from a job, a family, a routine and the life they’ve built to answer that call,” Evon said. “You should know that this unit wasn’t selected by accident. The Army looked across the force, identified what the mission required and chose [this unit], 192nd [Military Police Battalion], because this unit had what it takes, and they were ready.”

The 192nd is scheduled to provide a multitude of support to U.S. military forces engaged in Operation Epic Fury, including mission command, staff planning, security, personnel services and logistical support.

Family and friends say goodbye to Soldiers assigned to the 192nd Military Police Battalion during a deployment ceremony at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Connecticut, April 28, 2026. The send-off marked the departure of approximately 150 Connecticut Army National Guard Soldiers to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Epic Fury. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Emmanuel Gibson) VIEW ORIGINAL

“We know that this will not be easy, but you are prepared,” said Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. “You have spent long hours training and have set the highest standard for character and integrity … because of your sacrifice, our country is a beacon for freedom and equality worldwide.”

The battalion most recently deployed in 2020 to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where they provided battalion support to the detention facility. With this deployment to the Middle East, they join the approximately 500 other Connecticut National Guardsmen currently deployed overseas in support of various contingency operations.

“Go forth and do great things as we all know that you will,” Evon said. “Stay focused on the mission, keep each other safe and look out for one another. Connecticut looks forward to your safe return.”

April 30, 2026

Defense News: Guard Soldiers respond to shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner

Source: United States Army

WASHINGTON – U.S. Soldiers with the North Dakota, Arkansas and Nebraska Army National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, responded to a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner (WHCAD) at the Washington Hilton in Northwest Washington April 25.

The Guardsmen were at the WHCAD at the request of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) as an additional patrol unit created specifically for the event, which celebrates the contributions of news organizations and independent journalists alike who provide notable coverage of the presidential administration.

“Our mission was to assist the U.S. Secret Service with crowd control,” said Capt. Kevin Peatrowsky, an operations officer with the Nebraska National Guard (NENG) assigned to JTF-DC.

As the Guardsmen were monitoring their area of operations, they saw USSS agents sprint toward the hotel entrance. “They were running full speed with their weapons drawn,” said Sgt. 1st. Class Allen Haney, a team member with the Arkansas National Guard. “We immediately followed suit.”

Staff Sgt. Kristen Confer, a NENG combat medic and battle captain, recalled her response to the incident: “We fell back on our basic training. You run toward danger and move in a way that makes sense for the situation.”

According to Confer, the Guardsmen entered the hotel and immediately began securing the scene and ensuring that the guests evacuated safely. At the direction of a federal agent, Confer began a rapid trauma assessment on the suspect, which resulted in finding knives and ammunition on the shooter. Simultaneously, the Arkansas Soldiers moved outside to provide crowd control at a pedestrian barricade outside the hotel.

“From there, we assisted wherever we could,” said 2nd Lt. Caleb Hill, a National Guardsman from North Dakota who served as the officer in charge of the mission. “We were initially helping with crowd control. After that, we realized that the USSS had begun rerouting everyone in the hotel, so we moved to the doors. We were controlling entry into the venue, so we had moved a couple more people outside, so we had 5 inside, 8 outside.” Both Arkansas and Nebraska worked well alongside one another and alongside the federal agencies. Hill also noted that relying on his Soldiers allowed him to move among teams, which helped him plan and coordinate with various agencies.

According to 1st Lt. Jonathan Goins, a platoon leader with the Arkansas National Guard, Arkansas Soldiers also helped establish a security perimeter for the presidential motorcade’s staging. Later, the team assisted federal agencies and MPD with crowd control, which helped clear the way for the President and Administration officials, he said.

“Guardsmen on this mission represent the very best of the nation,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard II, the interim commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard. “The world got a brief glimpse, but I see them each day serving and doing amazing things across the District.”

Defense News: Nebraska Guard conducts joint wildfire response

Source: United States Army

BROKEN BOW, Neb. – Nebraska National Guard members conducted aerial and ground firefighting operations April 23–25 in response to the Pressey Park Fire, supporting a joint effort with state and local agencies as the wildfire burned thousands of acres with no initial containment.

Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Army National Guard dropped 82 water buckets totaling 54,120 gallons during the three-day response. The mission included 11 Army National Guard aviators and a joint hand crew of six Air National Guard and four Army National Guard personnel operating alongside local, state and interagency partners.

The fire, estimated at approximately 8,000 acres and 0% contained during early operations, drew a coordinated response from multiple organizations, including the Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

“We are the Joint Emergency Response Crew, a joint Army and Air task force here, side by side with local resources from neighboring cities and counties,” said Master Sgt. John Williams of the 155th Air Refueling Wing Fire Department. “All working side by side to try and extinguish this fire.”

National Guard aviation crews had initially planned a field training exercise in the area focused on aerial firefighting operations but were redirected when the wildfire ignited nearby.

“We were training for a field training exercise,” said Capt. Emily Voeller, an aviation officer with Golf Company. “We’d been planning for it for several months. On the way out here, a fire kicked off probably eight miles from here… now, instead of doing the planned training exercises that we had… now we’re doing a real-world mission.”

Voeller said crews arrived prepared with aircraft and equipment, including water buckets staged in advance for training, allowing for a rapid transition to a real-world response under state active-duty orders.

Operations required coordination with local fire chiefs and volunteer departments, with daily briefings held to align aviation and ground efforts. Guard crews worked within flight-hour limits and adjusted to equipment challenges, including operating at times with a single functional water bucket.

Williams noted the response marked the unit’s second deployment and third wildfire mission in Nebraska this year, an unusually high operational tempo for this point in the season.

“This is our second deployment and our third wildfire in Nebraska this year, which is more than any other year at the end of April,” Williams said.

Officials emphasized the collaborative nature of the mission, with Guard members integrating into a broader response network of local volunteers and state agencies working to contain the fire and protect affected communities.

The Nebraska National Guard remains postured to continue supporting civil authorities as wildfire conditions persist across the state.

Defense News: TOPPERS honors military community theater productions, performers

Source: United States Army

WIESBADEN, Germany – Fifteen plays, musicals, family shows and the volunteers who made them happen were honored at the 65th annual Tournament of Plays (TOPPERs) Awards Show at the Wiesbaden Fitness Center on Clay Kaserne April 25.

More than 650 people attended the Installation Management Command–Europe ceremony that’s patterned after the Tony Awards to recognize outstanding theater productions and cast across military communities in Europe – marking the event’s largest-ever audience, according to Dane Winters, Army Entertainment Program Manager for IMCOM-Europe.

The evening’s three major awards for best Play, Musical and Family Show went to “Clybourne Park” (The Stuttgart Theater Center), “The Addams Family” (The Stuttgart Theater Center), and “Piper” (KMC Onstage), respectively. The nominees encompassed seven Army Entertainment and two Air Force community theaters in Germany, Italy and Belgium.

The awards show opened with comments from host COL Kirk Alexander, IMCOM-Europe deputy director. He praised TOPPERs as a premiere Army Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation event, as well as one of the largest and longest running festivals. The evening gala also featured eight musical numbers performed by cast members from musicals entered in the awards.

Alexander thanked all of the Soldiers, civilians and family members who provide thousands of volunteer hours putting on live theater events throughout the overseas military communities, and gave special recognition this year to an unsung group of supporters that help make it all possible – parents.

“Thank you to all the parents who spend countless hours helping their kids participate in our theater programs,” he said. “Between driving back and forth to rehearsals; helping memorize lines and music; working on the costumes, lights, props and sets; and so much more, these parents spend as much time as their kids at the theater. You are providing your child an incredible opportunity to learn life skills, confidence, make friends, and find a place to belong.”

He also lauded the volunteerism that helps improve the quality of life in overseas military communities.”

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of a ceremonial check for $4.3 million, which “represents the 119,737 volunteer hours given to U.S. Army Garrisons and Air Force Community Theaters in Europe from April 2025 to April 2026 by 18,743 military, civilian and family member volunteers,” said Winters.

“These hours were devoted to putting on live music and theater programs in their communities, which were attended by over 17,017 audience members at 470 live theatrical events,” Winters added. “Computed at the 2025 official rate for volunteerism, this equates to $4,328,492.55 in volunteer hours.”

Along with Winters, the two other TOPPERs awards judges were Andrea Huber and Jonathon Lamer. They watched the nominated shows in person to determine more than 50 technical and performance awards presented at the ceremony.

The awards event featured announcements of some winners via celebrity presentations on video, including from David Hyde Pierce, Carrie Preston, Harvey Feirstein, Tig Notaro, Mark Damon Espinoza, Mark Jacobson, Alexandra Metz, Dominic Burgess, and Stephen Flaherty.

In addition to the annual awards, two long-time Army Entertainment staff members were recognized for their enduring contributions spanning decades in theater – Victoria Hanrahan, the Ansbach Entertainment Director, who started in 1985 and Alan Buxkemper, the Stuttgart Entertainment Branch Director, who started in 1989.

A complete list of nominations, award winners and event photos is available at[2026 US Army IMCOM Europe Entertainment Tournament of Plays.](https://www.armymwr.com/programs-and-services/entertainment/europe-entertai/2026-us-army-imcom-europe-tournament-plays-toppers)

April 29, 2026

Justice Department Sues New Jersey Over Attempt to Regulate Federal Law Enforcement

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill, and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport challenging their unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers through the so-called “Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act.”

“The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect the privacy and safety of law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like New Jersey’s,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

Not only is the law an illegal attempt to regulate the federal government, but, as alleged in the complaint, the law threatens the safety of federal officers who have faced an unprecedent wave of harassment, doxing, and even violence. Threatening officers with prosecution for simply protecting their identities and their families also chills the enforcement of federal law and compromises sensitive law enforcement operations.

Acting Attorney General Blanche has instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in New York, New Jersey, and California.

April 29, 2026

Federal Jury Convicts ISIS-K Terrorist for Role in the Abbey Gate Bombing and Other ISIS-K Attacks

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A federal jury today convicted Afghan national Mohammad Sharifullah, a member of the terrorist organization the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), of participating in a nine-year conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Aug. 26, 2021, American and other Coalition military forces were conducting a non-combatant evacuation operation at the Abbey Gate of the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Thousands of civilians were at Abbey Gate for evacuation.

On Aug. 26, 2021, ISIS-K leadership tasked Sharifullah with surveilling a road to the Hamid Karzai International Airport to ensure it was clear of Taliban checkpoints. At about 2:00 pm, Sharifullah travelled his assigned route and communicated to ISIS-K leadership that the route was clear. At approximately 5:36 p.m., ISIS-K operative Abdul Rahman al-Logari, whom Sharifullah knew previously from their time together in an Afghan prison, detonated a body-worn suicide bomb at Abbey Gate, killing 13 U.S. military service members and approximately 160 civilians.

Additionally, on June 20, 2016, a suicide bomber acting for ISIS-K detonated a bomb targeting Nepali security guards protecting the Canadian embassy in Kabul. Prior to the attack, Sharifullah conducted surveillance to prepare the suicide bomber and later transported the suicide bomber toward the attack site.

Additionally, on March 22, 2024, a group of ISIS-K gunmen attacked Crocus City Hall near Moscow. On behalf of ISIS-K, Sharifullah shared instructions on how to use AK-style rifles and other weapons with attackers. The ISIS-K attackers used AK-style rifles to kill civilians in the attack.

In all, Sharifullah participated in over a dozen additional ISIS-K attacks from 2016 through his eventual apprehension in 2025. Throughout these attacks, Sharifullah was involved in various aspects of ISIS-K operations, including providing surveillance for attacks, transporting suicide bombers, transporting and cleaning armaments, communicating messages among ISIS-K personnel, and video recording explosions for ISIS-K propaganda purposes.

Sharifullah faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Gibbs, Avi Panth, and Reed Sawyers for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Ryan D. White for the Department of Justice’s National Security Division are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-00143.

April 29, 2026

Three Individuals Federally Charged with Assault and Intimidating Turning Point USA Journalist by Force

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

The Department of Justice today announced the unsealing of a federal grand jury indictment charging Christopher Ostroushko, Deyanna Ostroushko, and Paige Ostroushko with assaulting a journalist while she was reporting on an anti-ICE protest on federal property in St. Paul Minnesota on April 11, 2026. Christopher Ostroushko and Paige Ostroushko are also charged with willfully and forcefully injuring and intimidating that journalist.

“These three individuals were indicted by a grand jury for allegedly assaulting journalist and Turning Point USA contributor Savannah Hernandez, while she was lawfully reporting on anti-ICE protests outside a federal building in St. Paul,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

“Hernandez was allegedly surrounded, physically assaulted, and shoved to the ground — simply because she was identified by the defendants as a conservative journalist. That is NOT ‘peaceful protest.’ These deplorable actions as charged in the indictment will not be tolerated in America, and this Department of Justice will always punish unhinged acts of political violence.”

“Political violence is a national scourge,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen, “and federal law enforcement will not tolerate it.”

FBI, HSI and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

April 29, 2026

DOJ and ATF Announce Regulatory Reforms to Reduce Burdens on Law-Abiding Gun Owners and Businesses

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is releasing this week 34 notices of final and proposed rulemaking following a comprehensive review of existing regulations conducted in accordance with Executive Order 14206, Protecting Second Amendment Rights. Consistent with ATF’s commitment in 2025 to rebuild trust with Federal Firearms and Explosives Licensees (FFLs/FELs) and industry stakeholders, this review included a consideration of industry and expert feedback and concerns. This landmark release is the first in a series of regulatory updates ATF plans to issue.

The resulting rules are an effort to reduce unnecessary burdens on law-abiding citizens and businesses while modernizing regulatory frameworks that no longer reflect current law, agency practice, or court precedent. The aim is simpler, clearer regulations that do not compromise ATF’s ability to perform its critical missions to protect American communities from violent crime.

“The Second Amendment is not a second-class right,” said U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This Department of Justice is ending the weaponization of federal authority against law-abiding gun owners. We will continue to vigorously defend their rights as the Constitution demands.”

Robert Cekada, who was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate as ATF Director, also emphasized the need to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens and businesses. “ATF’s mission is to protect public safety and enforce the law – and these reforms reflect our commitment to doing that through regulations that are clear, legally sound, and narrowly tailored to that purpose.” He added, “Our enforcement focus from here on out is on willful violators and criminal actors, not inadvertent compliance issues by responsible owners and licensees.” 

Summaries of the rules will be uploaded at atf.gov. ATF encourages broad public participation in its regulatory process and invites input on the proposed changes. The agency is committed to reviewing input in a timely manner and ensuring consideration of significant feedback into the final rules.

Clear instructions for submitting comments may be found via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at Regulations.gov and in each NPRM. The comment periods will generally be open for 90 days from the date of publication, but may vary. Please pay attention to the “DATES” section in each proposal for details.

April 29, 2026

Defense News in Brief: Decoding the Battlefield: NPS Students Develop Solution to Support Urgent U.S. and NATO Need

Source: United States Navy

Adversarial soldiers, vehicles, drones, and other assets communicating wirelessly — whether stationary or on the move in the battlefield — emit electromagnetic (EM) signals that can be detected and recorded. Because deciphering signals that are mixed together can be extremely difficult, oftentimes information about their sources is unknown.