Category: MIL-OSI

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Defense News: Rubber meets road: Pennsylvania Guard trains on Infantry Squad Vehicle

Source: United States Army

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. — Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team conducted training June 17-18 on the new vehicle they will use for movement to and from mission locations.

The Infantry Squad Vehicle, or ISV, is a light, unarmored vehicle capable of transporting an infantry squad of nine Soldiers and their gear over rugged terrain, emphasizing speed and agility over armor and firepower. The ISV is the primary vehicle used by the Army’s relatively new mobile brigade combat teams.

Staff Sgt. Jordan Briggs, the battalion master driver, led the initial training on the ISV, training the trainers for each company. Briggs walked through each step of the preventive maintenance checks and services for the vehicle, a vital step in caring for and maintaining each vehicle to remain mission-ready and capable.

1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S Soldiers with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team were introduced to the Infantry Squad Vehicle June 17, 2026, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. The Soldiers learned how to properly perform PMCS and operate the new vehicle, and completed a short driver’s course designed to introduce them to the vehicle’s mobility capabilities. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S Soldiers with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team were introduced to the Infantry Squad Vehicle June 17, 2026, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. The Soldiers learned how to properly perform PMCS and operate the new vehicle, and completed a short driver’s course designed to introduce them to the vehicle’s mobility capabilities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S Soldiers with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team were introduced to the Infantry Squad Vehicle June 17, 2026, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. The Soldiers learned how to properly perform PMCS and operate the new vehicle, and completed a short driver’s course designed to introduce them to the vehicle’s mobility capabilities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S Soldiers with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team were introduced to the Infantry Squad Vehicle June 17, 2026, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. The Soldiers learned how to properly perform PMCS and operate the new vehicle, and completed a short driver’s course designed to introduce them to the vehicle’s mobility capabilities. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL

He then walked them through the vehicle’s capabilities and how to operate it. Each Soldier then completed a driving course around Fort Indiantown Gap.

“The companies’ representatives performed exceptionally well throughout the course, demonstrating strong technical proficiency disciplined execution, and a clear commitment to safety,” Briggs said. “The training not only met but exceeded expectations, producing confident and capable ISV operators ready to support mission requirements.”

The next training was conducted by the companies to develop confidence in the vehicle platform.

“I thought the training was very thorough,” said Spc. Nathan Breitenstein of A Company. “It addressed everything from walking up to the vehicle not knowing anything about it to being comfortable driving it. I feel confident in operating it based on our training.”

1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S Soldiers with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team were introduced to the Infantry Squad Vehicle June 17, 2026, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. The Soldiers learned how to properly perform PMCS and operate the new vehicle, and completed a short driver’s course designed to introduce them to the vehicle’s mobility capabilities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S Soldiers with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team were introduced to the Infantry Squad Vehicle June 17, 2026, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. The Soldiers learned how to properly perform PMCS and operate the new vehicle, and completed a short driver’s course designed to introduce them to the vehicle’s mobility capabilities. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S Soldiers with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team were introduced to the Infantry Squad Vehicle June 17, 2026, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. The Soldiers learned how to properly perform PMCS and operate the new vehicle, and completed a short driver’s course designed to introduce them to the vehicle’s mobility capabilities. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell) VIEW ORIGINAL

Sgt. Connor Vaughan, also with A Company, has experience driving several military vehicle platforms. He praised the training as well, explaining that it was very easy to understand the ISV’s purpose and capabilities.

“I’m looking forward to the implementation into the company, to see their scope and how we will use them in the field,” Vaughan said. “I think they’re pretty slick.”

The 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team had been a Stryker brigade for 20 years before converting to a mobile brigade combat team in March. As a Stryker brigade, it was centered around eight-wheeled, armored Stryker vehicles.

Several ISVs arrived at Fort Indiantown Gap earlier in 2026 for driver training. The remainder of the brigade’s ISVs are expected to begin arriving in 2027.

The battalion plans to continue training Soldiers on the ISV throughout annual training to build a strong base of confident drivers, fully capable of operating the vehicle during any mission.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard

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FBI Arrests Two More Men in Washington and Missouri in Connection with Planned Attack on Government Officials at White House UFC event

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Washington Defendant Allegedly Conspired with Others to Procure and Fly Explosive-Laden Drones; Missouri Defendant Allegedly Possessed Weapons and Agreed to Produce Drone Parts for Use in the Plot

Two more men have been arrested by the FBI since Friday in a fast-moving FBI investigation of a plot to attack the June 14 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event at the White House.

William Lee Spartacus Falkner was arrested midday Friday, June 19. Falkner is charged by criminal complaint in the Western District of Washington with conspiracy to commit murder. He appeared in U.S. District Court in Tacoma at 2:00 pacific time today.

Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of St. Joseph, Missouri, was arrested Sunday, June 21. Rincker is charged by criminal complaint in the Western District of Missouri with conspiracy to commit murder. He appeared in U.S. District Court in Kansas City at 2:00 central time today. 

“Law enforcement continues to do what it does — move to disrupt and hold accountable those allegedly plotting to do harm on the White House Grounds on June 14,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Each and every day, the FBI and their federal, state and local law enforcement partners, along with U.S. Attorneys offices across the country, safeguard American communities and our nation’s security.”  

“These arrests are the latest result of the FBI, teaming up with our great partners, to identify and apprehend those who allegedly wanted to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event — a threat this FBI and our partners prevented,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “In just over a week we have executed a multi-state operation that could not have been possible without our Justice Department prosecutors, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, Secret Service, and our state and local law enforcement partners to once again stop a potentially deadly plot before alleged criminals could act. This collective resolve demonstrates to anyone who threatens the lives of American citizens — this FBI and our partners will find you no matter where you hide, and you will face justice.”

“These latest arrests reflect the rapid progress of our investigation into the alleged plot targeting the UFC event at the White House — an apparent attempt to destabilize the U.S. government,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security (NSD) John A. Eisenberg. “NSD will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that all individuals who sought to carry out this potential attack are identified and brought to justice.”

“I commend the work of the FBI for their effective investigative work on what was clearly a plot to murder members of the federal government at the highest levels,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd for the Western District of Washington. “This was a geographically wide-ranging conspiracy, and the investigation has required round-the-clock coordination to identify and arrest those responsible. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the FBI and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office moved swiftly and carefully to ensure any threat to the public was neutralized.” 

“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of our law enforcement partners and U.S. Attorneys working together to prevent violence before it can take place,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price for the Western District of Missouri. “We will continue taking decisive action against those who seek to endanger national security and threaten the safety of Americans. By staying proactive, we will disrupt their operations, break apart their networks, and hold those responsible accountable under the law.”

William Falkner

According to the detailed complaint filed in the Western District of Washington, law enforcement first learned of the plot to attack the UFC White House event when the parents of a co-conspirator in Ohio, Tycen C. Proper, alerted police to their son’s purchase of weapons and concerning online activities. As investigators reviewed cell data and online communications, they identified a number of coconspirators including Falkner. The communications indicate that Falkner has experience with drones, both manufacturing and piloting them. In the communications, he discussed loading explosives on the drones and how to configure and fly them for maximum destructive impact.

The plan apparently called for the drones to attack the event on one side to force those in attendance to try to exit from the other side of the event where they could be shot by coconspirators with sniper rifles and other weapons.

Falkner and another had been discussing their “Work trip” prior to the scheduled UFC fight. After the arrests of some of the co-conspirators, Falkner and others communicated that the “work trip” was cancelled.

One of those arrested in this case said the goal of the conspirators was to cause enough chaos to bring about the overthrow of the U.S. government.

Conspiracy to commit murder is punishable by up to life in prison.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Wynne for the Western District of Washington is prosecuting the case, working closely with the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.

Jordan Rincker

In the criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Missouri, it is alleged that Rincker accepted $1,200 in cash from co-conspirator, Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, to disperse payment to other co-conspirators involved in the UFC event attack plot. The complaint alleges that with this money Rincker sent Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California, $100 through CashApp, for gas to drive from California to Washington, D.C., to pick up the “drone operator” for the attack. Both Alvarez and Roa were arrested and charged last week for their involvement in the plot to kill government officials during the UFC event at the White House.   

Rincker allegedly communicated with co-conspirators on an encrypted messaging application. According to court documents, Rincker also gave a 12-gague pump action shotgun to Alvarez during an in-person meeting in Omaha. During this meeting, Alvarez gave Rincker a ballistic plate, face shield, 3D printer, 3D printing filament, night vision goggles, binoculars, a “wire checker,” and a minicomputer. Alvarez allegedly gave Rincker the 3D printer to make drones. The complaint also states Rincker “traded” the 12-gauge pump action shot gun with an ammunition-filled bandolier.

While executing a search warrant of Rincker’s home and storage unit, investigators found: 

  • FN Reflex 9mm pistol with a magazine and loose 9mm rounds;
  • FMK AR1 eXtreme multi-caliber rifle;
  • A Remington 597 .22 LR caliber rifle;
  • 3D printed Glock-style pistol with 3D-printed magazine and 3D-printed ammunition;
  • Gas mask with cartridge;
  • Night vision goggles;
  • Multiple electronic devices; 3D printer (Ender brand)
  • 3D printer and filament; 
  • 3D printed gun parts;
  • Shield;
  • Strike Face Level III ballistic plate;
  • Plate carrier with plates inside;
  • Thermal imaging scope;
  • A mini-Mac computer; and 
  • Muzi Works off grid mesh network (a network that uses rugged, pre-built and specific devices to send secure text messages and share locations without cellular service or the internet; it relies on long-range, low-power radio frequencies, like 900MHz LoRa, to hop messages between devices, creating a decentralized communication grid owned by its users).

The FBI is investigating the case. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Brackett, Trey Alford, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson for the Western District of Missouri are prosecuting the case, working closely with the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. 

The charges contained in a complaint are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Mesa Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Fentanyl Overdose Death

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Edgar Giovany Baca-Anaya, 27, of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 120 months in prison, followed by 96 months of supervised release. Baca-Anaya previously pleaded guilty to Distribution of Fentanyl and admitted that the distribution resulted in the death of another person.

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U.S.–Israeli Citizen Extradited from Norway Is Arraigned in Orlando on Indictment Alleging Threats to Jewish Community Institutions

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Orlando, FL — Michael Ron David Kadar, 27, a dual citizen of the United States and Israel, was arraigned today on an indictment from the Middle District of Florida charging him with hate crimes and obstruction of the free exercise of religion committed against Jewish institutions throughout Florida, including schools and community centers. In addition, Kadar faces charges in the District of Columbia for threats made against the Israeli Embassy and the Anti-Defamation League Washington, D.C. offices and in the Middle District of Georgia for cyberstalking and conveying false information to police dispatch regarding an alleged hostage situation at a residence in Athens, Georgia.

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Defense News: National Guard Counterdrug Program adapts to evolving criminal threats

Source: United States Army

ARLINGTON, Va. — Drug trafficking networks often cross state and international borders, and analysts with the National Guard Counterdrug program are helping law enforcement officials identify trafficking routes and connect investigations across jurisdictions in order to disrupt and stop the flow of illicit drugs.

“Borders serve as the main line of defense for preventing drugs from entering the U.S., but threats posed by illicit drug trafficking do not stop there,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Laurie Rodriguez, National Guard Bureau Counterdrug division chief. “They exist in all states.”

In one recent investigation, Guard analysts identified text-based communications tied to a fentanyl trafficking network operating across six states. Their work contributed to the seizure of 196,000 fentanyl pills and additional narcotics arrests, said Rodriguez.

The investigation was one of thousands supported each year by the program, which provides analytical, reconnaissance, operational, and training support to law enforcement agencies throughout all 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. Congress authorized the program in 1989. Since then, the mission has expanded well beyond its early efforts focused on marijuana eradication.

“What once focused primarily on local and state marijuana eradication missions has expanded into disrupting activities and dismantling drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations,” Rodriguez said, adding that the program is structured differently in each state based on local needs, threats, and law enforcement partnerships.

Nationwide, nearly 3,000 Guard personnel support those efforts as part of the program. All serve on Title 32 status and remain under control of their governors while supporting federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

Rodriguez said today’s drug trafficking organizations operate more like sophisticated criminal enterprises than isolated local groups, using communications, financial, and transportation networks that often span jurisdictions and international borders.

Much of the program’s mission now centers on criminal intelligence analysis and interagency coordination.

Guard analysts assigned to High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, state intelligence hubs known as fusion centers, and multi-agency task forces help law enforcement investigators identify trafficking routes, communication patterns, financial links and organizational structures connected to larger criminal networks.

“Analysts act as a force multiplier and bridge gaps between local, state and federal law enforcement partners,” Rodriguez said.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matt Howard, head of the Georgia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, said Guard personnel often help connect agencies and investigative efforts that may otherwise operate separately.

“I think we are sometimes the bridge between elements or agencies where we can get folks to kind of work together,” he said. “I think we’re really the trusted brokers.”

Beyond analysis, the Counterdrug program provides military-unique capabilities many law enforcement agencies cannot sustain independently, said Rodriguez. Reconnaissance teams use fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft and specialized equipment to identify trafficking corridors and illegal drug activity, while other personnel provide communications, transportation, engineering and language translation support.

“I’ve worked with law enforcement agencies that have like 12 people, counting the secretary,” said Howard. “They don’t have helicopters. They don’t have an analysis person.”

The Counterdrug program brings those capabilities, said Rodriguez.

The program also operates five schools that train Guard members, law enforcement personnel, and community organizations in areas including criminal intelligence analysis, ground reconnaissance, and partnership development.

Other elements of the Counterdrug program work with anti-drug coalitions and community organizations to help communities develop long-term prevention strategies and responses tailored to local conditions.

“The Guard is already connected to these communities,” Rodriguez said. “The trust is already there.”

Rodriguez said the program continues adapting alongside law enforcement partners as criminal organizations evolve their methods and operations.

In fiscal year 2025, the Guard Counterdrug program supported more than 2,800 law enforcement agencies and contributed to narcotics-related seizures valued at approximately $15 billion, according to NGB figures.

Rodriguez said those operations are not only removing narcotics from communities, but also disrupting the financial networks that sustain larger criminal organizations.

“We’re denying these cartels and high-priority targets the revenue that they would have otherwise,” she said.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard

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Defense News: Idaho Army Guard battalion transitions to mobile infantry

Source: United States Army

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Army National Guard’s 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion reorganized as a mobile infantry battalion June 18 in a ceremony at Gowen Field, part of a strategic modernization effort designed to strengthen the military’s capabilities in response to emerging global threats.

“The nature of warfare is evolving, and so too must we,” said Lt. Col. Jared Mckie, executive officer of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team (Mobile Brigade Combat Team). “Defeating the adversaries of tomorrow requires a force that is more agile, more deployable and capable of operating across vastly different, complex terrain.”

During the ceremony, the unit was reorganized as the 2nd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment (Mobile Infantry). Its two armor companies and one mechanized infantry company were redesignated as mobile infantry companies; a newly formed multi-purpose company was activated; and its logistics support company was reorganized as a combat logistics company.

The reorganization is part of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team’s transition from an armor brigade to a mobile brigade combat team as part of the U.S. Army’s Transformation Initiative. The modernization effort is designed to strengthen the military’s capabilities by adapting fighting formations and integrating new technologies to prepare units and Soldiers to fight on the battlefield of the future.

The regiment has turned in its Abrams Main Battle Tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles for Infantry Squad Vehicles, which are based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 platform and can carry up to nine Soldiers.

“The tools we fight with are changing, but the mission remains the same: to find the enemy, fix them and destroy them,” Mckie said. “The vehicles we fight on will change, but the lethality, the discipline and the proud heritage of the 2-116th will remain intact.”

The unit’s headquarters and headquarters company will remain in Caldwell. A Company will relocate from Emmett to Burley. B Company will remain in Nampa. C Company will remain on Gowen Field. D Company, the newly formed multi-purpose company, will be located in Emmett and provide the regiment with organic strike, reconnaissance and sensing capabilities.

G Company, 145th Brigade Support Battalion, was reorganized as C Company, 145th Light Support Battalion and will remain on Gowen Field. The event also featured a change-of-command ceremony for all the battalion’s company commanders and a change-of-responsibility ceremony for all its first sergeants.

Earlier this month, the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team (Mobile Brigade Combat Team)’s engineer battalion was inactivated, and a signal, engineer and military company were each reactivated as part of the brigade’s transition to a mobile brigade combat team. In July, the Idaho Army National Guard will activate the 1st of the 116th Cavalry Regiment (Mobile Infantry), which will be headquartered in Lewiston. Logistics and engineer companies in northern Idaho will convert to infantry units.

In August, the 145th Brigade Support Battalion will relocate from Lewiston to the new Jerome Readiness Center and become the 145th Light Support Battalion. The Jerome Readiness Center will be dedicated to former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne on June 29.

Units in Twin Falls and Jerome were already scheduled to relocate to the Jerome Readiness Center later this summer and will now become logistical support units. Elsewhere in the Magic Valley region, the field artillery battery in Burley will relocate to Boise.

In eastern Idaho, the 1st of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment’s headquarters will remain in Pocatello. The region will gain an infantry company in Saint Anthony and gain nearly 275 additional part-time Soldiers. Following the transition, which is expected to be completed by the end of September, Idaho Army National Guard units will be located in 19 communities across the state.

Outside Idaho, subordinate battalions of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team from the Montana and Oregon Army National Guards converted to infantry battalions and ceased affiliation with the brigade. The 1st of the 221st Cavalry Regiment, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, will remain affiliated with the brigade and convert to a mobile infantry battalion.

The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team (Mobile Brigade Combat Team) will retain its cavalry lineage and designation following its transition.

The brigade traces its lineage to the 1st Cavalry, which was constituted on March 4, 1920, and organized throughout Idaho’s Snake River Valley. The unit was redesignated as the 116th Cavalry on Oct. 12, 1921, and has been headquartered in Boise since Dec. 9, 1930. Elements of the brigade and its predecessor organizations have served in every major conflict since 1891, including the Spanish-American War, the Mexican Border Campaign, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard