The two week Annual Training normally is conducted at Ft. Companies have also traveled to England and Japan for training, and the entire 41st Brigade trained atJRTC in Louisiana in 1998. Though the 186th is less than 100 years old, its traditions go back to the mid 1800s. Militia units were formed as needed for the common defense, and this tradition continues in the State missions of the National Guard. Members of the 1st Battalion have been mobilized several times in the last few years to fight forest fires or provide assistance during floods.
Members are active in their communities, both in and out of uniform.
Bravo company is spending four months near Riyahd, Saudi Arabia, providing security for Patriot missile batteries. The opportunity for service will continue in the Oregon Army National Guard, and especially in the 186th Infantry.