Washington National Guard shifts units in Walla Walla

By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA — The Washington Army National Guard has launched a sweeping statewide reorganization, a modernization effort that will include changes in Walla Walla as units relocate to meet the demands of high-tech, mobile warfare.

The transformation, announced by Brig. Gen. Paul Sellars, marks a pivot for the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The brigade is retiring its signature Stryker vehicles in favor of lighter Infantry Squad Vehicles, transitioning into a mobile brigade designed for rapid deployment.

As part of this geographic reshuffle, Detachment 1, Bravo Company, First Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, is scheduled to move from its longtime home in Walla Walla to the new Richland Readiness Center. The move is designed to consolidate the unit’s formations and streamline operations.

The Guard expects the full fleet of new vehicles to be delivered by early 2027.

While the First Battalion will be relocating, the Guard isn’t leaving Walla Walla, as a not yet disclosed unit will be moving in. The Guard says the transformation will take a while.

Photo of the Washington National Guard Walla Walla Armory