NMCentennialBlueBook

and returned from supporting the Narco-Terrorism/Counter Drug effort in South America.
Army National Guard soldiers were an important part of Active Duty Air Force base
security operations at all NM Air Force Bases. They have provided the command and
control headquarters at White Sands Missile Range for many force protection missions for
all States West of the Mississippi.
Our soldiers and airmen also provide technical expertise, advice and specialized
equipment to local first responders in NM cities and towns in dealing with Weapons of
Mass Destruction training and preparation.
Since 1989 the New Mexico National Guard has provided some 1200 soldiers and airmen
to homeland security missions such as “Operation Jump Start,” in support of Customs and
Border patrol, on our southern border with our neighbors in Mexico. It is anticipated this
number may be reduced in 2012.
The Guard also provides technical expertise and equipment to local first responders in our
cities and towns in biological and chemical disaster detection and remediation.
They are involved in drug demand reduction programs like the “Stay on Track Curriculum,”
currently implemented in over 28 New Mexico schools. This national award winning
program, known as “Youth Challenge,” is in its twelfth year in New Mexico and is serving
young people throughout the state. The Guard established and operates a Youth Training
Academy for "at-risk" students as part of this project.
The New Mexico National Guard has established and operates a Youth Training Academy
that is providing effective alternatives to "at risk" youth in achieving their education. This
is a national award-winning program serving young people from throughout the State.
The Guard continues to support the Governor in remediation of emergencies and at
the same time, is redesigning itself for the future. Under General Montoya, the Guard
is reorganizing to prepare itself for the missions of the 21st Century. A national urban
warfare-training center is in the design phase and the development of a Guard unique
Homeland Defense military occupational specialty is being developed.
The New Mexico National Guard is working to be an integral piece of the communities
in which it is a part. Located in over 30 communities, Guardsmen are preparing to be
soldiers and airmen capable of meeting the needs of our nation and state and at the same
time, being mentors and role models to the youth of our communities.
It is the goal of the New Mexico National Guard to be a flexible, viable, and relevant
community oriented military force immediately deployable for state and federal missions
here and abroad. In addition to the war related activities, they are called into action as
needed on the home front of this state to respond to fire, snow and water emergencies
continuously throughout the year.
In order to better cover all these duties, the Guard completed a most significant and
complete transformation of its force structure. This includes Infantry, Military Police,
Engineers, and a Combat Support Brigade that were added to the existing Combat Support
Units in the state. Our members embody the warrior spirit, always physically fit, trained,
combat ready, values based, and consistently performing beyond the standard. They
will continue to strive to be a nationally recognized leader in urban warfare training and
homeland security, able to conduct a full spectrum of missions in a joint environment.
The young men and women who personally volunteer to protect their families and country
do so with a commitment that is a strong drive to insure the values of this country are
upheld and harm not brought to their families or land. In return they receive valuable
training and education that they might not otherwise be able to obtain.
For those who choose to join the National Guard as it has been done by many for over 400
plus years, they insure the New Mexico National Guard will continue to answer our state
and nation’s call to duty with distinction and the “Esprit de Corps.” This stemming from a
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