📋 Tender Overview
From left, Command Sgt. Maj. Celso Leonen, Guam National Guards command senior enlisted leader; Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, SEA to the chief, National Guard Bureau; Edward Camacho, special assistant to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands governor for military affairs; and Harry Blanco, the CNMI, field representative under the Office of Insular Affairs, conduct a leader engagement at Saipans Department of Military Affairs, April 3, 2025. Raines and Leonen visited Saipan to gain a firsthand look at how Guard members serve their nation and collaborate with joint partners to meet mission requirements.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Pena)
SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands -- The National Guard serves in nearly every ZIP code -- from the southern U.S. border to remote islands in the western Pacific. For some Guard members, geographic distance adds unique challenges in executing their mission.
Such is the case for those serving in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, the top enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Celso Leonen, Guam National Guards command senior enlisted leader, visited Saipan April 3-4, 2025, to gain a firsthand look at how Guard members serve their nation and collaborate with joint partners to fulfill mission requirements.
Weve got more than 120 Army National Guard Soldiers on this small island, where sustaining readiness can be challenging, Raines said. I wanted to gain a better understanding of the unique issues these Guardsmen face -- whether its the cost and logistics of traveling to drill or securing medical care for them and their families.
Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, SEA to the chief of the National Guard Bureau right, talks to Staff Sgt. Cameron Petty, left, a U.S. Army Reservist assigned to the installation in Garapan, Saipan, April 3, 2025 where the Guard members on Saipan are partnering with the U.S. Army Reserve--which has a base on the island--to improve readiness. As part of the visit Raines and Command Sgt. Maj. Celso Leonen, Guam National Guards command senior enlisted leader, visited Saipan to gain a firsthand look at how Guard members serve their nation and collaborate with joint partners to fulfill mission requirements.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Pena)
Members of the 430,000-strong National Guard serve their state or territory under the command of the governor, and when federally activated, under the commander-in-chief.
However, U.S. territories like the Northern Mariana Islands do not maintain a separate state-level military force or National Guard due to their size. As a result, local residents who want to serve must enlist in the Guam National Guard. Guam is one of Saipans closest neighbors, but 130 miles of Pacific Ocean separate the two. Lodging and transportation can be difficult.
The question we have to ask is, how can we support these men and women so their service is as effective and fulfilling as possible? Raines asked. And how can we help build readiness locally, so Guardsmen here dont always need to travel back to Guam to meet requirements.
Readiness remains a top priority for military leaders at every level. Although it was Raines first visit to Saipan, it marked the second time in five months that he and Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief, National Guard Bureau, traveled to the Indo-Pacific region.
Our two priority theaters right now are the homeland -- which includes the southern border, where U.S. Northern Command is the lead military organization -- and the Indo-Pacific, Raines said.
Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, the top enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Command Sgt. Maj. Celso Leonen, Guam National Guards command senior enlisted leader, visited Saipan April 3 - 4, 2025, to gain a firsthand look at how Guard members serve their nation and collaborate with joint partners to fulfill mission requirements.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Pena)
In addition to the southern border, the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam are also potential entry points for undocumented migrants. In recent months, law enforcement reports indicate illegal entry schemes involving Chinese nationals have resulted in multiple arrests.
Its our responsibility to understand these challenges and to be part of the solution, Raines said. To project peace through strength, we first have to be strong ourselves. That means developing strategies that offer the greatest deterrence if our citizens are ever threatened.
Despite logistical hurdles, Guard members on Saipan are partnering with the U.S. Army Reserve -- which has a base on the island -- to improve readiness. During the visit, Raines andLeonen toured Saipans Department of Military Affairs and the U.S. Army Reserve armory, emphasizing the importance of sharing resources and working together.
Being able to use these facilities is one step toward ensuring every service member has the tools they need for a rapid and efficient response, Leonen said. I expect all my NCOs to lead from the front by building partnerships with the local community and government. Our formations in Guam are unique, and through a collaborative approach, we strengthen collective resiliency, build capacity and increase our ability to respond when needed.
Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, SEA to the chief of the National Guard Bureau and Command Sgt. Maj. Celso Leonen, Guam National Guards command senior enlisted leader, visited Saipan to gain a firsthand look at how Guard members serve their nation and collaborate with joint partners to fulfill mission requirements.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Pena)
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