New York National Guard Office of the Adjutant General

Drill is Sacred, Love Your Unit, Have Fun

Command Message By Brigadier General Jason Lefton,
Commander, 53rd Troop Command

For three decades, I have had the honor of serving alongside the Soldiers of the National Guard of New York.

I began my career in the 1st Battalion, 156th Field Artillery before becoming an aviator and commanding at every level in the 42nd Combat Aviation brigade.

I’ve deployed in support of our nation, leading Soldiers through challenging missions in Iraq. I’ve, also responded to domestic emergencies here in New York and in Puerto Rico.

I am proud to have served with all the amazing Soldiers who work every day within our aviation units and flight facilities. I trust those Soldiers with my life, and I will forever be proud to be an Army Officer and Army Aviator.

Those experiences shaped my leadership philosophy and reinforced my belief that our greatest strength has always been our people.

Now, I am immensely proud and humbled to serve as the commander of the 53rd Troop Command.

This organization represents some of the most capable, resilient, and dedicated Soldiers in our force.

Every unit within the 53rd Troop Command brings unique skills and capabilities that are essential to our state and national missions.

Whether responding to emergencies here at home, supporting communities during times of crisis, or preparing for federal mobilization, our Soldiers answer the call with professionalism and pride.

As we move forward together, I ask every Soldier, NCO, warrant officer, and officer to remain ready.

Readiness is not simply about equipment or training schedules — it is a mindset.

It requires discipline, physical and mental toughness, and a commitment to excellence every day. We must continue building resilient formations capable of adapting to any challenge placed before us.

I also expect every Soldier to maintain a strong Warrior Spirit, be ready and if need be; be lethal.

Our profession demands aggressive action in accomplishing the mission while never compromising safety.

We can and will execute difficult missions successfully, but we will do so through disciplined leadership, sound risk management, and accountability at every level. Mission accomplishment and safety are not competing priorities — they go hand in hand.

There are three things I always tell Soldiers: Drill is sacred. Love your units, and have fun”.

I absolutely consider drill sacred. The limited time we spend together each month matters tremendously.

Drill weekends are where we build readiness, strengthen teams, mentor young leaders, maintain standards, and reinforce the bonds that make our units successful.

I encourage every Soldier to approach drill with energy, professionalism, and purpose. Ensure your employers, friends and family understand the commitment and return that by sharing your successes. Live the Army Values and be Proud, Ready and Resilient.

Love your units. Take pride in your uniform, maintain and master your equipment, weapons and care for Soldiers serving with you.

Great units are built on trust, teamwork, discipline, respect and genuine care for one another. When Soldiers truly care about their unit, people and equipment, there is no mission they cannot accomplish.

Finally, have fun.

Serving can be tough. Find opportunities to truly enjoy your training. Have a positive attitude and recognize it is ok to love being a Soldier.

The best memories of your time as a Soldier will be the laughs you share with your buddies during tough times. Make your training challenging, tough, innovative and fun. I have yet to see an order removing fun from the Army.

The New York Army National Guard has a proud history of service and sacrifice. We also have a tremendously positive reputation.

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