Minnesota National Guard

The Minnesota National Guard is under state jurisdiction and can be used by the governor to assist the state during disasters and other state emergencies. In times of war or international conflict, Minnesota National Guard Soldiers and Airmen can be called into federal active service with the president of the United States as commander in chief.

More than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen serving in communities across the state stand trained and ready to support federal, state, and community missions.

In addition to local and national support, the Minnesota National Guard plays a key role in advancing peace and security around the globe by participating the Department of Defense State Partnership Program. As part of the State Partnership Program, the Minnesota National Guard provides support with common, shared issues such as homeland defense, civil response, disaster response, humanitarian assistance, support to civilian authorities, peacekeeping operations, border security and, most recently, cyber security.

A partnership between Minnesota and Croatia was formed in 1996 when Croatia was still considered a combat zone for Soldiers who travelled there.

Minnesota and Norway boast the U.S. Department of Defense’s longest-running troop exchange. In 2023, the state and nation celebrated the 50th year of the Norwegian/United States Reciprocal Troop Exchange and Norway was declared an official partner of Minnesota under the State Partnership Program.

Whether fighting floods in the Red River Valley, supporting civilian authorities in times of civil unrest, offering aid to the community during a public health crisis, or being called to action in an overseas deployment, the service members of the Minnesota National Guard stand “Always Ready, Always There.”