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WASHINGTON STATE GUARD
LOCATION: CAMP MURRAY PERSONNEL: 103
Col. Brad Klippert Commander
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MISSION
The Washington State Guard is an all-volunteer unit organized under the Military Department of the State of Washington. Its members come from all walks of life. They normally serve without remuneration and meet monthly, or more often as needed, within organized units stationed at strategic locations throughout the State.
The mission of the Washington State Guard is to provide organized units that are equipped and trained in the protection of life or property and the preservation of peace, order and public safety under competent orders of State authorities.
The Washington State Guard serves at the direction of the state’s Adjutant General. It is always ready to provide trained personnel to support civil government authority, provide for the protection and preservation of life or property during natural or manmade disasters or civil emergencies, and rapidly and effectively respond to search, rescue, or recovery operations. Additionally, the members of the Washington State Guard effectively execute State Homeland Defense missions and participate as active members and contributing citizens of our local communities.
1st Class Robert Mick, 2nd Brigade, works a Spokane food bank on October 16, 2020. After completing 12 weeks of State Active Duty on Task Force Kokanee contact tracing, Mick joined the Task Force Columbia food bank distribution in his hometown of Spokane. (Courtesy Photo)
2020 HIGHLIGHTS
2020 was the most active year in modern history for the Washington State Guard, commanded by Col. Bradley Klippert and Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Stickney. Major missions included COVID-19 contact tracing staffing food banks, and support of 2020 election cyber security.
Beginning in June 2020, a total of 35 Washington State Guard soldiers were placed on State Active Duty to serve with Washington Air and Army National Guard for COVID-19 contact tracing and other duties in Task Force Kokanee. Washington State Guard soldiers remained on Task Force Kokanee through October then rolled onto other mission assignments under Task Force Parr. In addition, a smaller number of Washington State Guard soldiers rotated off Kokanee to augment National Guardsmen at food banks in eastern and western Washington. Individual Washington State Guard soldiers deployed for durations of one to seven months. As measured by total person-hours, the Washington State Guard’s SAD deployment on Task Force Kokanee constitutes the single largest deployment of Washington State Guard assets since World War II. Total person-hours served exceeds 30,000 hours.
2020 was, of course an election year, and the Secretary of State once again tapped the considerable cyber security expertise within the Washington State Guard. The Washington State Guard cyber warriors helped ensure the integrity of the state’s election process. The Washington State Guard Cyber Protection Team deployed for a combined total of 92 days on State Active Duty. This service spanned four elections-specific missions, as well as an assess-and-protect mission for a local public utility. Of three joint-forces personnel serving with the Secretary of State’s office during the November 2020 elections, two were Washington State Guard Cyber Protection Team operators.
The Washington State Guard’s many amateur (“HAM”) radio operators stayed active throughout 2020. Throughout the year these FCC-licensed operators grew their capacity and specialization in field-portable VHF/UHF and HF radio communication. Due to COVID-19, the planned improvement operations for National Guard armories were put on hold.
Currently the J6 section is staging for the reintroduction of these operations. We have also been tasked to provide additional support for communications activities through the JOC and will engage once it is safe to do so.
Washington State Guard’s current personnel includes 27 officers, 7 warrant officers, and 46 enlisted members, for a total of 80 uniformed personnel. Washington State Guard is augmented by 23 Volunteer Support Group (VSG) members.
