The Minnesota National Guard: Largest Domestic Deployment in 164 Year History
The Minnesota National Guard is “All In”
Overnight, Governor Tim Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard to activate an additional 1,000 soldiers to support civil authorities.
Last night, an additional 200 soldiers were activated, bringing the total to more than 700 soldiers and airmen on state active duty just before midnight.
May 30, 2020 (SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – Announced during a morning press conference by state leadership, Governor Walz authorized the National Guard to “fully activate.”
The Minnesota National Guard is an organization of more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen. A full activation authorizes the guard to activate all those that are medically fit, and not deployed to support the mission to quell civil unrest. Initial estimates are that could include between 7000-10,000 Soldiers and Airmen. That will include nearly 2,500 by tonight to support the Saturday evening missions. The remainder will muster and become available during coming days.
“We are ‘All-In’,” stated Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General. “We are ‘All-In’ for the people of Minnesota.”
The Minnesota National Guard continues to maintain a presence in the Twin Cities in support of local civil authorities. Our citizen-soldiers and airmen prepared to support missions throughout the Minneapolis, Saint Paul and its surrounding communities.
May 29, 2020 (ST. PAUL, Minnesota) – Governor Tim Walz signed Executive Order 20-64 yesterday afternoon at 4:00 p.m., activating the Minnesota National Guard to provide safety and protection to the people of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding communities.
“Our troops are trained to protect life, preserve property and ensure people’s right to peacefully demonstrate,” said Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General.
Overnight soldiers supported multiple missions with Minneapolis Fire Station Six, provided security around the St. Paul Capitol Complex, and assisted the State Patrol with civil disturbance support.
Soldiers and Airmen of the 34th Military Police Company in Stillwater, 257th Military Police Company in Monticello, 1-151st Field Artillery Battalionheadquartered in Montevideo, 147th Human Resources Company in Brooklyn Park, 224th Transportation Company in Faribault, and 133rd Airlift Wing were directed to immediately report for State Active Duty in-processing and information briefings,” said Task Force Commander Lt. Col. Troy Fink.
The in-processing of soldiers and airmen onto State Active Duty continued throughout the night, with nearly 500 soldiers and airmen in position to support rotating missions by morning.
The Minnesota National Guard is prepared to protect life, protect property and restore order. This includes patrols, manning control points, and assisting firefighters in accomplishing their life saving mission by providing security.
This represents the largest domestic deployment in the Minnesota’s National Guard’s 164-year history.
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 soldiers and airmen who serve in 61 communities across the state. The citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.
– About the Minnesota National Guard –
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 soldiers and airmen who serve in 61 communities across the state. The citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil