Maryland National Guard armorers help Fort Meade restore weapons compliance

by Maj. Benjamin Hughes

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. — When the Logistics Readiness Center – Fort
Meade, found itself with a backlog of more than 1,000 weapons in need of maintenance
in December of 2025, it called on the state’s National Guard.

Within weeks, a team of five Maryland Army National Guard armorers and equipment
readiness specialists arrived on-site to complete the mission.

The team, which is a part of the Guard’s Surface Maintenance Combined Support
Maintenance Shop at the Havre de Grace Military Reservation, treated the request as
an immediate safety issue, said Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Hawley, 1729th Support
Maintenance Company.

“Ensuring every Soldier and law enforcement officer can safely execute their duties is a
no-brainer,” said Hawley. “When there’s concern about operator safety, that becomes
the top priority.”

As top priority, it took the team just three days to inspect and service the M4 rifles, M17
pistols, M500 shotguns, M249 squad automatic weapons, and M240B machine guns
that made up most of the backlog. Tasks included preventive maintenance checks,
gauging and inspections, parts replacement, minor repairs, and closing out safety and
maintenance action messages.

The assistance could be the difference between life and death, said Carlos W. Hill,
maintenance division chief, LRC-Fort Meade.

“Small-arms maintenance directly affects a Soldier’s ability to fight and safely perform
daily missions,” said Hill. “The Guard ensured our weapons were compliant and ready,
which is critical for Fort Meade units that carry weapons during daily operations.”

After addressing the immediate needs of LRC-Fort Meade and those who depend on
them, the National Guard team also helped prepare LRC-Fort Meade for a critical
inspection scheduled by Army Sustainment Command twice a year. The next inspection
is set to take place this summer.

The Guard Soldiers focused on training and collaboration while here, as the newly hired
weapons specialist was unable to perform small-arms repair and services because they
were awaiting a slot at the armament school.

Hawley is proud of his team and believes they personify the motto of the National Guard
“Always Ready, Always There.”

“They didn’t just show up to do a job,” said Hawley. “They shared their knowledge,
taught inspections and on-the-spot repairs, and acted as a force multiplier.”

George S. Yokas, a logistics management specialist with LRC-Fort Meade, said their
assistance even helped the newest employee at LRC-Fort Meade get some experience.

“The LRC is extremely grateful for the incredible support,” said Yokas. “They closed out
all of our safety messages and helped our new small-arms repair specialist by taking
the time to teach and mentor.”