120 Arkansas National Guard troops deployed to Texas border for 13-month mission, replacing current units.

Nearly 120 Arkansas National Guard troops deployed on October 5, 2025, to the southern border in Texas for a 13-month mission supporting U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The unit, including four UH-72 Lakota aircraft and support personnel from the 1st Battalion, 114th Security and Support Aviation Regiment, will first go to Fort Hood before being assigned to border locations. They are replacing current National Guard units and are expected to return in November 2026. Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges commended the troops for their readiness and dedication.