CAMBRIDGE, Md. – To enhance their effectiveness in combating drug-related crime and to stay at the forefront of best practices, 53 service members from the District of Columbia, Delaware, and New Jersey National Guard Counterdrug Programs are gathering in Cambridge, Maryland, for joint annual training from August 27-29, 2024. Hosted by the D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Program, the event brings together analysts and drug demand reduction outreach civil operators from the Air and Army National Guard.

“We joined forces with New Jersey and Delaware Counterdrug Programs,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Nelson Brothers, senior analyst, D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Program. “It’s been a benefit to D.C., because we get a wider scope and understanding of program best practices. We get to network with other analysts and drug demand reduction civil operators to enhance individual programs and how to improve the counterdrug program overall.”

The annual training is a pivotal opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge and refine their skills. It features a comprehensive agenda including Safety/Risk Management briefs, operational security (OPSEC) sessions, and drug demand reduction outreach (DDRO) highlights. This year’s training also included a Mid-Level Investigation session led by Barry Ragsdale, a seasoned veteran from the Dallas Police Department Narcotics Division.

The partnership between New Jersey, Delaware, and D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Programs, established in 2020, rotates hosting duties each year. This collaborative approach ensures that all participating states benefit from shared experiences and insights. With a total of 17 service members from D.C., nine from Delaware, and 27 from New Jersey in attendance, the event underscored the importance of inter-state cooperation in the fight against drug-related crime.

“Collaboration between states is extremely important, especially in the Counterdrug Program,” said U.S. Army Capt. Amanda Perry, counterdrug coordinator, Delaware National Guard Counterdrug Program. “The ability to pull in resources from our neighboring states/territories promotes information and skills sharing along with different perspectives that can lead to more creative solutions. This turns into a greater national impact on combating drug trafficking and reducing the demand for drugs in our communities.”

Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim), D.C. National Guard, addressed the attendees on Aug. 27, helping kick-off the training. Maj. Gen. Andonie emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and alignment with state and government leadership.

The training not only bolsters individual skills but also enhances the collective effectiveness of the National Guard’s Counterdrug Program efforts.