
In this special Year in Review episode (recorded late 2025), retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham sits down with the Minnesota National Guard’s command team:
- Major General Shawn Manke, Adjutant General
- Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Rost, Command Senior Enlisted Leader
They discuss leadership dynamics, 2025 accomplishments, domestic and international missions, and exciting plans for 2026.
Key Highlights from 2025
- Force growth and high readiness levels (nearly 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen strong)
- Domestic support: Wildfire response on the North Shore and cyber assistance in St. Paul
- International partnerships: Deepened ties with Croatia (29 years) and Norway (including the 52nd troop exchange)
Looking Ahead to 2026
- 53rd Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) in February
- 30th anniversary celebrations with Croatia, including joint training
- Upcoming deployments and returns (e.g., 34th MP Company, 148th Fighter Wing)
- Modernization: New C-130J aircraft arriving for the 133rd Airlift Wing
- New facilities opening, including the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum
The leaders emphasized trust, community connections (“We live here, we work here, we serve here”), and pride in the Guard’s motto: Always Ready, Always There
Interested in joining? As CSM Rost says: “This is a great time to be part of this team—we need leaders for the next generation.”
For more information or to explore service opportunities: MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil




