U.S.
Arkansas National Guard troops deploy to southern border for 13 months
Stars and Stripes
October 5, 2025
Deploying Arkansas National Guard members stand at parade rest during a departure ceremony here Oct. 5, 2025. (John Oldham/Arkansas National Guard)
Nearly 120 Arkansas National Guard troops departed Sunday from Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock, Ark., for a 13-month deployment to the southern border in Texas to support U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
The troops departed with four UH-72 Lakota aircraft from 1st Battalion, 114th Security and Support Aviation Regiment, 77th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade.
They will be replacing National Guard units currently serving along the border, and are expected to return home in November 2026, according to a service news release.
“I am immensely proud of our ready Arkansas National Guardsmen as they answer the call to serve our state and nation,” said Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, the adjutant general of the Arkansas Guard.
The troops will travel first to their mobilization station at Fort Hood, Texas. From there, they will disperse to various assigned locations along the border with Mexico.
Mobilized troops include UH-72 pilots, crew chiefs, mechanics, flight operations personnel, fuelers and battalion staff from Alpha Company and the Headquarters and Headquarter Company.
“Their unwavering dedication, exceptional skills, and profound professionalism are a true testament to the strength and commitment of Arkansas,” Bridges said. “They embody the very best of our state as they undertake this critical mission.”