Minnesota National Guard
The Minnesota National Guard is the military force of the U.S. state of Minnesota, comprising the Minnesota Army National Guard and Minnesota Air National Guard.
Last updated August 22, 2026
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Overview
The Minnesota National Guard is Minnesota’s component of the United States National Guard. It combines the Minnesota Army National Guard and Minnesota Air National Guard and serves under a dual federal and state mission. When federally activated, its personnel support national defense and overseas or domestic military operations under the authority of the United States government. When retained under state control, the force supports Minnesota authorities during emergencies, disasters, civil disturbances, major public events and other situations requiring organized military capabilities. The organization traces its institutional origins to the Minnesota Pioneer Guard, organized in St. Paul on April 15, 1856. Minnesota’s militia was reorganized under state law in 1858, creating a broader network of local companies. One of its earliest significant state missions came during the Wright County War, when Governor Henry H. Sibley mobilized militia forces in 1859 after local authorities were unable to enforce the law following a lynching and subsequent vigilante activity. Minnesota’s military tradition became especially prominent during the American Civil War. Governor Alexander Ramsey offered Minnesota troops to the Union immediately after the attack on Fort Sumter, and the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry became one of the state’s best-known units. Its sacrifice at Gettysburg, particularly the emergency bayonet charge on July 2, 1863, is central to the state’s military heritage. The Minnesota force also participated in later national conflicts, including the Spanish–American War, the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, the Cold War and the Gulf War. During the twentieth century, Minnesota developed permanent training and support infrastructure, including Camp Ripley, a major military training center established at the former Fort Ripley site. The state’s forces contributed personnel, aviation, logistics, medical, air-defense, public-affairs and transportation capabilities to domestic and overseas missions. Minnesota units served in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan-related operations and other missions associated with the post-September 11 security environment. The 34th Infantry Division, 34th Combat Aviation Brigade, 133rd Airlift Wing and 148th Fighter Wing are among the formations associated with the modern force. The Guard’s domestic role has remained equally important. It has assisted with flooding, severe weather, emergency logistics, security and public health operations. In 2020, Minnesota mobilized Guard personnel in response to civil unrest in Minneapolis–Saint Paul following the killing of George Floyd, supporting law enforcement and public safety authorities while the state addressed demonstrations, property damage and community disruption. The organization remains an active military institution rather than a commercial brand, with personnel distributed across communities throughout Minnesota.
History
The Minnesota National Guard developed from locally organized militia companies formed before Minnesota achieved statehood. The Minnesota Pioneer Guard was established in St. Paul on April 15, 1856, and other companies soon appeared in St. Paul, St. Anthony, Stillwater, Red Wing, Mankato, St. Cloud and other communities. The force was formally reorganized under Minnesota law in 1858. Early duties included ceremonial appearances, public events and the maintenance of a local military presence at a time when the young state had limited formal institutions. In 1859, militia units were called out during the Wright County War. Following the murder of assessor Henry A. Wallace, the acquittal of Oscar F. Jackson and Jackson’s subsequent lynching by a mob, Governor Henry H. Sibley declared that local civil authorities could not adequately enforce the law. Pioneer Guards, Stillwater Guards and St. Paul police participated in the state response. The episode demonstrated the militia’s early role in preserving civil order, although the failure to obtain indictments underscored the limits of nineteenth-century law enforcement. Minnesota’s most famous Civil War contribution was the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Governor Alexander Ramsey offered troops to the Union immediately after Fort Sumter, and the federal government accepted Minnesota’s offer. The regiment fought at Bull Run, Antietam and Gettysburg. At Gettysburg, the First Minnesota carried out a costly attack that helped delay a Confederate advance. More than seventy percent of the regiment’s men became casualties during the battle, and Private Marshall Sherman captured a Confederate battle flag and later received the Medal of Honor. Josias Ridgate King, an early First Minnesota enlistee who later served as a senior figure in the state military organization, became associated with the development of the modern Minnesota Guard. After the Civil War, Minnesota’s militia declined in organization and readiness. Reform efforts began in the late nineteenth century, including the creation of the Minneapolis Light Infantry in 1879 and recurring annual encampments from 1882 onward. Training locations included White Bear Lake, Lake Calhoun, Fort Snelling and Camp Lakeview near Lake City. The state later sought a larger permanent training area. During the 1920s, Adjutant General Ellard A. Walsh supported development at the former Fort Ripley site. The state acquired approximately 13,000 acres, and federal appropriations supported construction. This became Camp Ripley, which remains a principal training installation. Minnesota troops served in the Spanish–American War, including the 13th Minnesota Infantry, which fought in the Philippines. During the First World War, state forces were incorporated into the national mobilization. In the Second World War, Minnesota units were mobilized in February 1941 as international tensions intensified. Elements associated with the 34th Infantry Division fought in North Africa and Italy, while the 194th Tank Battalion served in the Philippines and endured the Bataan Death March. Minnesota aviation personnel also performed reconnaissance and other air missions. The Korean War brought another federal mobilization in 1951. Minnesota personnel served in training, replacement and overseas roles, while Air National Guard pilots participated in operations over Korea. During the 1961 Berlin Crisis, the 133rd Air Transport Wing entered federal service for eleven months. Although Minnesota Air National Guard units were not formally mobilized as a whole for the Vietnam War, they supported Southeast Asian operations through transport and supply missions, while fighter-interceptor units maintained air-defense alert duties. The Guard supported the Gulf War through the activation or volunteering of more than 600 personnel, including medical, maintenance and military-police units. In the 1990s, Minnesota formations contributed to operations in Germany, Bosnia and disaster relief after severe flooding in 1997. These missions expanded the Guard’s role beyond conventional combat to include peacekeeping, public affairs, medical assistance, search and rescue, shelter, logistics and civil support. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Minnesota Guard personnel helped protect airspace over Washington, D.C., and later supported security around Minneapolis events. Minnesota units deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo in 2003 and subsequently played major roles in Iraq. More than 8,000 Minnesota Guard soldiers and airmen served in Iraq over the course of Operation Iraqi Freedom. A major 2006 deployment lasted about twenty-two months in total, including sixteen months in Iraq. The state’s 34th Infantry Division headquarters later provided command and control for forces operating across several Iraqi provinces, while aviation, airlift, reconnaissance and medical units supported theater operations. In 2011, approximately 3,000 members of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team deployed to Kuwait and Iraq. In Minnesota, the force has continued to support state authorities during floods, severe weather, emergencies and civil disturbances. The 2020 mobilization following George Floyd’s killing was among the most visible recent domestic missions, with Guard personnel assisting public-safety operations in Minneapolis–Saint Paul and elsewhere. The modern Minnesota National Guard therefore combines historic militia traditions with a contemporary force structure serving both Minnesota and the United States.
- 2020
George Floyd unrest response
[1]Minnesota mobilized Guard personnel to support civil authorities during unrest in Minneapolis–Saint Paul.
- 2011
Largest postwar Minnesota deployment
[1]About 3,000 members of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team deployed to Kuwait and Iraq.
- 2006
Major Iraq deployment begins
[1]Approximately 2,600 Minnesota personnel deployed to Iraq after mobilization in 2005.
- 2003
Balkans deployments
[1]Minnesota Guard units deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo in support of international peacekeeping and NATO operations.
- 2001
Post-September 11 security missions
[1]Minnesota personnel supported airspace and domestic security operations after the September 11 attacks.
- 1997
Flood relief operations
[1]Minnesota Guard personnel supported search and rescue, shelter, security, medical and logistics operations during severe flooding.
- 1961
Berlin Crisis activation
[1]The 133rd Air Transport Wing entered federal active service for eleven months during the Berlin Crisis.
- 1951
Korean War mobilization
[1]Minnesota Guard personnel were mobilized following the expansion of the Korean War.
- 1941
Second World War mobilization
[1]Minnesota units were mobilized as the United States prepared for global war.
- 1929
Camp Ripley site selected
[1]The former Fort Ripley area was selected for a larger Minnesota training center, later developed as Camp Ripley.
Products and positioning
A dual-mission state and federal military force focused on readiness, national defense and support to Minnesota communities during emergencies.
Army component · 1856
Minnesota Army National Guard
The Army component provides ground forces, command, aviation, engineering, medical, logistics, military-police and civil-support capabilities. Its formations have served in major federal deployments, including operations in Iraq and the Balkans, while also supporting Minnesota during disasters and public emergencies.
Air component · 1920
Minnesota Air National Guard
The Air component provides airlift, fighter, reconnaissance, air-defense, aeromedical evacuation, maintenance and transportation capabilities. Units based in Minnesota have supported domestic air security, overseas operations and the movement of personnel and equipment.
Military training installation · 1929
Camp Ripley
Camp Ripley is a major Minnesota military training center developed on the former Fort Ripley site. It supports training and readiness for Minnesota units and other military organizations, while also serving as an important state military installation.
Marketing campaigns
- 2020George Floyd civil-support mission
Minnesota
Minnesota activated Guard personnel to assist civil authorities during protests and unrest following George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis.
Outcome. The Guard supported public safety and state emergency operations during the unrest and related proceedings.
- 2006Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment
Iraq
A major Minnesota deployment entered Iraq after mobilization in 2005. The deployment was extended during the 2007 troop surge and lasted approximately twenty-two months in total.
Outcome. The troops returned in 2007 after one of the longest National Guard deployments in Iraq at that point.
- 2003Balkans peacekeeping deployments
Bosnia and Herzegovina · Kosovo
Minnesota units deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo in support of international peacekeeping and NATO missions.
Outcome. Personnel completed missions associated with Operation Joint Endeavor and NATO’s Kosovo Force.
- 1997Minnesota flood relief
Minnesota
Guard personnel assisted communities affected by severe flooding, providing search and rescue, security, shelter, medical support and logistics.
Outcome. The force supported state and local response operations during the flood emergency.
Brand decisions
2020
Activate Guard forces for civil supportOtherBackground
Widespread protests and unrest after George Floyd’s killing placed substantial demands on Minnesota civil authorities.
Action taken
The state activated Minnesota National Guard personnel to support public safety and emergency operations.
Aftermath
Guard members assisted authorities during unrest in Minneapolis–Saint Paul and associated security requirements.
2011
Deploy the 1st Armored Brigade Combat TeamStrategyBackground
Continuing requirements in Iraq and Kuwait created a need for a large armored brigade deployment.
Action taken
Approximately 3,000 Minnesota personnel deployed to Kuwait and Iraq.
Aftermath
The deployment was described as Minnesota’s largest Guard deployment since the Second World War.
2005
Mobilize a major force for IraqStrategyBackground
The post-September 11 national mobilization required National Guard units to provide substantial forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Action taken
Minnesota activated approximately 2,600 personnel, with deployment beginning in 2006 and later extended during the Iraq troop surge.
Aftermath
The deployment lasted about twenty-two months in total and became a defining modern overseas commitment for the Minnesota Guard.
1929
Develop a permanent large-scale training centerStrategyBackground
Senior Minnesota military officials concluded that Camp Lakeview and earlier temporary encampments were inadequate for the Guard’s growing training requirements.
Action taken
The state selected and acquired the former Fort Ripley site, with federal funding supporting construction of a permanent training center.
Aftermath
The site developed into Camp Ripley, a continuing center for military training and readiness.
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