RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Recruitment for Nevada’s National Guard jumped this year for the third time in a row and exceeded recruiting goals mandated by the Department of War, according to data released Thursday.
“Our state’s youth do not get enough credit for their dedication to service,” said Brig. Gen. D. Rodger Waters, Nevada Adjutant General. “Our recruitment levels continue to underscore the health of our organization and widespread support in the Silver State. With free college tuition and broad training opportunities, the Nevada National Guard provides unmatched employment benefits and unique opportunities to serve our state and nation here in Nevada.”
Data compiled from the Nevada Army and Air National Guard recruiting offices was used to show the uptick since 2023.
The Guard says that, in total, 388 soldiers enlisted in the Nevada Army National Guard in the fiscal year 2025, which ended on Sept. 30. That number exceeded the federally designated goal of 363 new recruits.
Advertisement
The Nevada Air National Guard saw an even larger year over year surge, with 165 incoming airmen out of a goal of 130.
“Our entire staff worked hard all year to reach our highest recruiting numbers in recent history,” said Capt. Vicenza Dall, Nevada Air Guard recruiting manager. “For instance, Technical Sergeant Victoria Baalam completed the Directors Challenge with 20 recruits in the last quarter (July-September) of the fiscal year. She also enlisted 12 people in the month of September. This highlights our community support and their willingness to serve.”
In total, the Nevada Army National Guard includes 3,318 uniformed soldiers, while the Air National Guard includes 1,158.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada above 5,000 feet and Yosemite National Park, above the Valley floor, from late tonight until Wednesday afternoon.
Heavy snow is forecast.
The snow levels will initially start out between 6,000 to 7,000 feet tonight, before lowering to 5,500 to 6,500 feet on Tuesday, and then down to 4,500 to 5,500 feet on Wednesday.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Advertisement
Minor accumulations of up to two inches is possible down to 4500 feet. The total snow accumulations above the 7,000 foot elevation, will range from three inches to as much as two feet.
Southwest winds could gust as high as fifty to seventy-five mph along the highest peaks. Such strong winds could cause tree damage.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Persons should delay all travel if possible. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below a quarter of a mile due to falling and blowing snow. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.
Persons in the Watch Zone are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
