Alaska National Guard develops National Guard Response Force capability in alignment with national guidance

The Alaska National Guard (ANG) is developing a 100-person National Guard Response Force (NGRF) capability, consistent with National Guard Bureau guidance, ensuring the organization maintains a standardized team aligned with national-level requirements, according to a ANG news release date November 18.

The team will consist of Alaska Army and Air National Guard personnel trained in mission sets that may include site security, roadblocks and checkpoints, civil disturbance control, critical infrastructure protection, and personnel security. All training activities are integrated into existing unit schedules and do not alter the organization’s operational commitments.

The NGRF is not a new mission--it has existed for two decades as a rapid response capability designed to support civil authorities while operating under the command and control of its home state, territory, or the District of Columbia.

Each state organizes its NGRF as a temporary task force under state authority, structured to respond quickly to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.

Several media outlets, including the Alaska Beacon and the Anchorage Daily News, have reported that back in October, the Pentagon ordered all states to prepare the National Guard to be trained for “civil disturbance operations,” according to an internal directive first reported by the Guardian, and that a spokesperson has said the Alaska National Guard has received the directive to prepare a 350 member “quick reaction force” by January 1, but said the state’s National Guard has not begun any specific training outside typical readiness training.

Meanwhile, 200 members of the ANG have been deployed to western Alaska to assist with recovery and response efforts in the wake of Typhoon Halong.

At the request of Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, members of the Alaska NGRF will activate to Washington, D.C., in March 2026 to support Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, a federally coordinated effort that brings together National Guard elements, civic leaders, and partner agencies to enhance safety, stewardship, and community engagement. Participation in this mission strengthens interagency coordination and supports the Department of War’s broader efforts to build resilient and connected communities across the nation.

The Alaska National Guard continues to meet all state and federal mission requirements throughout the development and training of this capability.