Fires are raging across Oklahoma and Texas and National Guard Bureau officials say they have Air Guard and Army Guard helicopter crews on alert in both states to provide assistance. States officials have said the fires are the worst in the region in five years. As of Dec. 28, blazes had broken out in 12 counties in Oklahoma and 39 in Texas. NGB leaders also pressed Louisiana Guard members into action, sending some helos and crews to Texas.
Unit commanders are being told to separate service members who can’t shave their cheeks and chin for medical reasons for more than a year, according to new guidance from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
