U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Travis Johnson, survey alpha team chief, and U.S. Army Sgt. Joseph Boyer, survey bravo team chief, both with the 81st Civil Support Team, 68th Troop Command North Dakota Army National Guard, detect radiation levels along the rail track leading up to a derailed subway car during a training exercise at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, April 1. Rail-line measurements help the team identify potential hot spots and establish safe approach routes before moving personnel and equipment deeper into the simulated metro hazard area.
81st CivIl Support Team trains on complex CBRN scenarios at Guardian Center
U.S. Army National Guard Story and Photos by Staff Sgt. Tyler Wall, 116th Public Affairs Detachment Soldiers and Airmen with the North Dakota National Guard’s 81st Civil Support Team conducted multi-day chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response training at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, March 30 to April 1. The training immersed the 81st CST in realistic, scenario-driven exercises designed to sharpen the unit’s ability to identify hazardous substances, assess threats, establish protective measures and support civil authorities during emergencies. Guardian Centers is a disaster preparedness and tactical training center that supports first responders and military organizations with exercise planning, certification training and logistics support for natural and manmade disaster response. The North Dakota National Guard’s 81st Civil Support Team is a 22-member homeland defense unit made up of Soldiers and Airmen who specialize in CBRN analysis. The unit supports federal, state and local agencies by identifying hazardous materials, assisting during natural disasters, countering weapons of mass destruction and helping protect communities across North Dakota and the nation. Throughout the multi-day event, the team trained on multiple complex scenarios that mirrored the kinds of incidents the unit could face during a real-world response. Training objectives included recognizing potential health and safety hazards, recommending risk-control measures, selecting proper personal protective equipment, identifying unknown substances and understanding the capabilities and limitations of specialized detection equipment. One scenario placed the team in support of federal law enforcement after agents executing a search warrant at a suspected terrorist site discovered unusual clandestine lab activity. Another scenario involved local law enforcement encountering a robust laboratory at an abandoned trailer park, where one officer suffered respiratory distress and irritation to the eyes, lungs and mucous membranes after exposure to an unknown substance. A third scenario required the team to respond to a simulated improvised explosive device detonation on a subway system, where responders detected elevated radiation readings and requested assistance identifying the radiological hot zone.
U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Christopher Radke, survey team member, 81st Civil Support Team, North Dakota National Guard, checks radiation levels inside a subway rail car. The team used radiological monitoring to identify hot zones and support safe operations in the simulated metro rail environment.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn Markovic, commander of the 81st CST, said the training gave the team valuable experience across a wide range of hazards in an environment built to replicate real incidents. “We’re in Perry, Georgia at the Guardian Center, and it’s a disaster preparedness facility that the first responders and the military utilize for preparation for any type of natural or manmade disaster,” Markovic said. “The last few days have been really a multitude of things. We’ve dealt with some chemical scenarios, radiological scenarios, and also getting some updates on some biological scenarios. It’s been just an excellent week of training for us.” U.S. Army Sgt. Elise Fettes, survey team member, said the training was important because the unit must be prepared to respond to incidents that may be unfamiliar. “This training is important for us because we can be utilized in any situation,” Fettes said. “And sometimes we get called for situations that we’ve never encountered, so it’s important that we just try everything and get training on all sorts of different scenarios so that we have at least some preparations and we’re not going in blind to situations.”
U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Elise Fettes, survey team member, assigned to the North Dakota National Guard’s 81st Civil Support Team, secures a chemical sample during training at Guardian Centers, March 30, as Sgt. Christopher Radke, survey team member, assists. Properly secured samples help confirm what substance is present so leaders can recommend the right protective measures and keep responders safe during a simulated FBI response to suspected clandestine lab activity.
U.S Army Staff Sgt. Travis Johnson, survey team chief, said the event provided an opportunity to evaluate how the team’s equipment performs against actual hazards rather than only training aids and common substitute chemicals. “This training kind of builds on one of our jobs,” Johnson said. “The civil support team is tasked with responding to the FBI police if they need our assistance in identifying unknown materials used in some of their setups. So, coming down here and being able to see how our equipment responds to some of these actual drugs and other chemical agents, versus just running simulants or off-the-shelf chemicals that you can buy at a local store is a big advantage.”
Johnson said the training also reinforced the importance of understanding what the team’s equipment can and cannot detect before responding to an actual incident. “It’s important to know the limitations of your equipment: what it won’t be able to detect versus what it will,” Johnson said. “That way, if you ever encounter these substances on a real mission or call-out, you have a better understanding of what to expect.” Markovic said one of the most significant aspects of the week was the team’s first exposure in training to actual radiological devices, giving members an experience that will carry forward into future missions.
“This had been the first time that our team has been exposed in a training environment, dealing with actual radiological devices,” Markovic said. “So, it was excellent training and was something that I think the team will never forget.”
U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Radke, survey team member, assigned to the North Dakota National Guard’s 81st Civil Support Team, documents and photographs a substance found during a suspected drug lab training scenario. The scenario replicated a response after law enforcement encountered a robust laboratory and an officer experienced respiratory distress following exposure to an unknown substance.
Reaction Force trains for future missions
North Dakota National Guard conducted training with Air and Army personnel for the National Guard Reaction Force at Camp Grafton Training Center near Devils Lake, North Dakota, March 9–13. The National Guard Reaction Force is a specialized, rapidly deployable unit of Army and Air National Guard personnel within each state to respond to emergencies, civil disturbances, and infrastructure protection missions.
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Leaders join Ghana partners at African Land Forces Summit
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, the North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, and Ghana Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, the chief of army staff of Ghana, join for a photo with senior leaders of the Ghana Armed Forces during the African Land Forces Summit in Rome, Italy, March 23. The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa hosted the African Land Forces Summit 2026 in Rome from March 22–24. The event brought together senior African military leaders, global industry innovators, and investors to strengthen regional security through new partnerships and technologies. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy, U.S. Army Southern Command European Task Force, Africa)
Senior Warrant Officer Godson Dogbatse, Ghana army, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Magnuson, senior enlisted leader, North Dakota National Guard, listen during the Senior Enlisted Leader Forum breakout session, “The Senior Enlisted Leader Role in Driving Transformation and Innovation for the Modern Battlefield” at the African Land Forces Summit 2026 in Rome, Italy, March 24. SELF runs concurrently with ALFS and features specialized sessions for senior enlisted leaders across Africa, the U.S. and Europe, dedicated to topics related to developing and leading enlisted Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by John Garcia, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa)
What is it COSTING You?
Story by JJ Fankhanel, 119th Wing April has been recognized as National Financial Literacy Month. Setting financial goals begins with completing a thorough analysis of your monthly income and expenses. Once you have completed this process you have essentially done all the easy work to build a budget. The hard work starts when you must start making cuts to monthly expenses and being disciplined to your budget. There are many ways to cut expenses. Cutting back on unused subscriptions, gym memberships, buying in bulk and meal planning, negotiating or shopping for less expensive insurance to name a few. The other means of saving is changes in behavior. Below I have laid out in detail how much many spend on coffee and alcohol annually.
As you can see, the habit of grabbing a morning coffee or consuming three drinks per day can range from a significant annual expense of nearly $2,000 to a substantial financial commitment of almost $20,000 or more. By making habit changes coupled with an in-depth analysis of your household spending you can quickly find thousands of dollars in annual saving. If this feels overwhelming know that military members can speak to a financial counselor for free utilizing Military One Source.
Safe and Beautiful mission
North Dakota National Guard Supporting District of Columbia Mission
Approximately 60 North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers will support the District of Columbia National Guard under Joint Task Force-DC starting in April to help increase safety in the nation's capital. “Safeguarding the citizens, federal workers and elected leaders in our nation’s capital is a matter of national security, and we appreciate these Soldiers volunteering for this important mission,” said North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong. “We know they will represent our state with the skill and professionalism that military leaders everywhere have come to expect from the North Dakota National Guard.” Most Soldiers are from the 131st Military Police Battalion, which is headquartered in Bismarck. “I am extremely proud of our Soldiers who took on this mission,” said. U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitch Johnson, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general. “They will assist the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and Federal law enforcement partners. Our North Dakotans will be part of a great team with fellow Guardsmen from other states.” Starting on Aug. 11, 2025, several states activated members of their National Guards to support local and federal law enforcement in the District of Columbia. This initiative supports the President’s Executive Order 14333, which declared a crime emergency in the District of Columbia. The support is a federal mission under the command of the D.C. National Guard, which supports civilian agencies and local law enforcement to reduce crime and minimize property damage. Their mission is expected to last three months.
Grand Forks AFB celebrates April as Month of the Military Child
Story and photos By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier, 319th Public Affairs
Parents and leaders from the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, 119th Wing Fargo Air National Guard and 91st Missile Wing assigned to Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, joined representatives from the North Dakota Governor’s office and North Dakota Department of Public Instruction to celebrate April being designated as Month of the Military Child at the Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School gymnasium, April 7. Month of the Military Child recognizes and honors the resilience of military-connected children and the unique challenges they face including separation through deployments, temporary assignments and frequent moves. Leaders from the state’s Department of Education honor military-connected children with a ceremony annually that rotates locations between the North Dakota Capitol, Minot AFB and Grand Forks AFB. Levi Bachmeier, superintendent of public instruction for the state of North Dakota, thanked all in attendance as one of the keynote speakers. “Thank you for the work that you do as part of the team here at Grand Forks Air Force Base,” said Bachmeier. “Each and every one of you have skills, perspectives and contributions that are making our United States military strong to ensure that we remain the greatest defensive and fighting force on earth.” Mary Christy, field representative for the Governor of North Dakota, attended the event and spoke on behalf of Kelly Armstrong, Governor of North Dakota. “Each of you serve, you serve through your sacrifice, you serve through your resilience and you serve through your unwavering support to your moms and dads in uniform,” said Christy. “Thank you for the vital role you play in supporting those who defend our freedom and protect our communities. We salute you and we will always support you.” The ceremony ended with a reading of the proclamation signed by Governor Armstrong officially designating April 2026 as Month of the Military Child in North Dakota in honor of the 7,500 military-connected children residing in the state.
Photo of Levi Bachmeier, superintendent of public instruction for the state of North Dakota and Mary Christy, field representative for the Governor of North Dakota, present Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School with a proclamation declaring April as Month of the Military Child at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, April 7. The proclamation serves to honor the 7,500 military-connected children residing in the state and to recognize their contributions to the community.
Children from the Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School fill the gymnasium during a Month of the Military Child ceremony at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, April 7. Month of the Military Child recognizes and honors the resilience of military-connected children and the unique challenges they face including separation through deployments, temporary assignments and frequent moves.
U.S. Air Force Col. Alfred Rosales speaks during a Month of the Military Child ceremony at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, April 7. Rosales emceed the ceremony and guest speakers included Levi Bachmeier, superintendent of public instruction for the state of North Dakota and Mary Christy, field representative for the Governor of North Dakota who attended the event on behalf of Kelly Armstrong, Governor of North Dakota.
Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile secured for Military Museum
A press conference was held on Tuesday, March 31 in the Russell Reid Auditorium at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum. U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, announced he has secured a decommissioned Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which will be a prominent addition to the museum’s new Military Gallery, now under construction and scheduled for completion in late 2027. Dale Lennon discussed the four-week Military Gallery Caravan, a statewide outreach tour making 48 stops designed to build awareness of the new gallery. Bill Peterson shared updates on the Military Gallery’s ongoing construction and highlight large-scale artifacts, including a helicopter, drone, and bridge boat. U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchel Johnson, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share the story of the North Dakota National Guard. He referenced a quote by President Ronald Reagan, stating, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."
Da Guards - Ep. 29 Let's meet our Chief of Staff - Col. Patrick Flanagan
Let's meet our North Dakota Army National Guard chief of staff, U.S. Army Col. Patrick Flanagan! Flanagan enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1989 and later commissioned in 2000 as a medical service officer. He also served as a nuclear medical science officer as a member of the Civil Support Team, commander of the Medical Detachment, and later returned to the CST as the unit's commander. He was the commander during North Dakota's response to COVID-19. He also served as the executive officer for 68th Troop Command, the North Dakota National Guard State Family Program director, deputy director of personnel, chief information officer, and finally the NDARNG chief of staff. Flanagan reflects on his career after more than 36 year of service.
Army Guard Recruiting delivers in the State Basketball tournaments
Not every basketball game starts from the rafters. This past weekend at the Bismarck Event Center, Rappel Masters from the North Dakota Army National Guard took that mission to new heights, rappelling from the rafters and delivering the game ball. These highly trained leaders inspect every rope, knot, and anchor point to ensure every descent is safe and controlled. Training, precision, and trust… even when thousands are watching.
1-112th Aviation trains with 10th Special Forces Group and Marines at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center
Story by U.S. Army Sgt. Zachary Myers, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) High in the mountains, where the thin air and unforgiving terrain challenge even the most seasoned troops, Delta Company 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, trained with Green Berets assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the Marine Corps in a demanding joint exercise focused on building lethality and combat effectiveness in extreme cold-weather environments. At elevations up to 12,000 feet, routine tasks become demanding. Deep snow, and steep icy slopes reduced oxygen levels, challenging endurance and mobility while forcing Soldiers and Marines to maintain mission focus. The mountain environment itself serves as an instructor. Harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and rapidly changing weather replicate the austere conditions forces may face in real-world operations, requiring adaptability and resilience. “This environment creates its own challenges,” said a Special Forces officer. “The terrain, weather, and altitude make even simple tasks more difficult, forcing you to rely on your training and your team.” The training emphasizes an exchange of expertise. Marines provide instruction on cold-weather survival, avalanche awareness, and mountain mobility, while Green Berets contribute their experience in unconventional warfare, small-unit tactics, and problem-solving in complex environments. “It’s important to come prepared with the right equipment and mindset,” said the team operations sergeant. “Listening to Marine Corps instructors is key, they provide valuable insight on operating in this environment.” Throughout the exercise, participants conducted movement to contact, mountain rappelling, casualty evacuation, and sustainment operations in cold-weather conditions, reinforcing coordination and teamwork. Beyond technical skills, the shared hardship builds trust and cohesion between the units critical in high-risk environments where every decision matters. The training enhances compatibility between the Army and Marine Corps, ensuring both forces are better prepared for future missions. By operating in such demanding conditions, Soldiers and Marines leave more capable, resilient, and ready to succeed in any of the world’s most challenging environments. Delta Company, conducted around 50 flights in the exercise with 40 Soldiers attending the training.
U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, observe a U.S. Army UH-72 Lakota assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, North Dakota Army National Guard during a simulated casualty evacuation during Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-26 on Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, March 9. MTX is a one-month-long exercise designed to prepare units to survive and strengthen expeditionary warfare tactics in cold-weather mountainous environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dominic Trujillo)
U.S. Army National Guardsmen with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, North Dakota Army National Guard, transport a simulated casualty to a medical tent as part of a simulated casualty evacuation during Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-26 on Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, March 12. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dominic Trujillo)
A U.S. Army UH-72 Lakota assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, North Dakota Army National Guard lands during a simulated casualty evacuation during Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-26 on Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, March 9. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dominic Trujillo)
U.S. Army National Guardsmen with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, North Dakota Army National Guard, carry a simulated casualty as part of a simulated casualty evacuation during Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-26 on Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, March 12. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dominic Trujillo)
A U.S. Army UH-72 Lakota assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, North Dakota Army National Guard lands during a simulated casualty evacuation during Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-26 on Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, March 9. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dominic Trujillo)
Prairie Knights Casino and Resort signs statement of support
Chuck Murphy, manager of Prairie Knights and Grand River Casinos, signed the statement of support. The SOS was proudly received. Chuck's father was a Vietnam Veteran. Prairie Knights Casino & Resort is located in Fort Yates, North Dakota and employs about 350 full-time employees but up to about 500 during peak seasons. 60% of staff are from the local Standing Rock area with up to 40% from other areas including Bismarck and Mandan area. The Standing Rock Sioux Reservation is situated in North and South Dakotas. The Standing Rock Agency was established at Fort Yates, 1873. The reservation extends north to the Cannon Ball River in North Dakota since 1889. The people of Standing Rock, Sioux, are members of the Dakota and Lakota nations.
Rosie the Riveter recognized by North Dakota congressional delegation
Photos by Shirley Olgeirson, North Dakota National Guard historian Irene Sprague was honored for her lifelong commitment to doing what needed to be done helped strengthen her family, her community, and her country.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchel Johnson, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, United States Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Kramer with Rosie the Riveter award winner Irene Sprague.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchel Johnson, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general and Rosie the Riveter award winner Irene Sprague on April 11.
131st conducts Peacemaker Ride
North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers from the 131 Military Police Battalion conducted a peacemaker ride visiting many locations in North Dakota including Kindred, Walcott, Wahpeton, Lakota, Wyndmere, Cavalier, Langdon, Minnewaukan, Grafton, Hillsboro, Mayville, Richardton, Killdeer, Napolean, and Steele. More to follow next TAG Line.
131 Military Police Battalion Headquarters operate the Operation Center during mission. (U. S. Army National Guard Photo by Maj. Vanessa Lennick, North Dakota National Guard Visual Information Office)
Guardsmen to help bolster the state’s wildland fire program
U.S. Soldiers from the North Dakota National Guard will be supporting the North Dakota Forest Service (NDFS) by providing wildland fire certified guardsmen to help bolster the state’s wildland fire program this spring. This partnership is in keeping with the Governor's Public Safety Subcabinet's goal of increasing the state's surge capacity to reinforce local response when called upon. In the past, NDNG ground crews have been deployed to fight fires during times of response, but this activation is the first example of a proactive wildfire prepositioning using ground crew guardsmen. NDFS and NDNG will be based out of western ND but will remain mobile and travel as necessary to meet the public safety objectives and local fire department support. This activation is a short-term mission to meet the needs of the spring wildfire season.