Equipping Our National Guard

South Dakota has a strong legacy of military service. With over 72,000 veterans and nearly 4,200 enrolled members of the National Guard, our state understands the importance of answering the call to serve. Time and time again, our South Dakota National Guard is recognized nationally as an example to the nation for readiness, efficiency, and excellence.

The SDNG's Adjutant General, Major General Mark Morrell, leads nearly 4,200 Army and Air National Guard members and approximately 1,000 full-time federal and state employees, making sure our National Guard is trained and ready to respond to all state and federal missions at all times.

Year after year, hundreds of Soldiers and Airmen are mobilized to support federal commitment worldwide. Since 9/11, the SDNG has deployed more than 9,900 Soldiers and Airmen in support of various operations throughout the globe. The recent pandemic, which resulted in the South Dakota National Guard’s longest continuous activation in the State’s history, civil unrest and natural disasters have once again seen the South Dakota National Guard provide outstanding support to the citizens of South Dakota. Time and time again, they have shown they are always prepared, always professional, always there.

Working with General Morrell, I look forward to further strengthening the SDNG. We've already made great progress.

Since taking office, I worked with the legislature to acquire to acquire the necessary state funding, matched by federal dollars, for the construction of an Army Aviation Readiness Center in Rapid City, the Sioux Falls Readiness Center, and armory renovation and construction of cold storage facilities. These facilities are matched by federal dollars totaling almost $37 million. These new and renovated readiness centers provide the South Dakota National Guard the tools they need to train, prepare, and best serve and protect our state. Projects like these are only enhancements of an already great organization of excellence that has been recognized throughout our region, in our country, and around the world.

Never in the history of the United States has the National Guard been more ready, more relevant, and more relied upon than today. Each and every day, the South Dakota National Guard is answering our nation and state’s call. We can only do this because of the service and sacrifice each and every one of our Airman, Soldiers, and their families.

Because of the men and women who serve, our United States continues to be a shining beacon of freedom to the world. As Commander in Chief for our South Dakota National Guard, I'm committed to enhancing the readiness and success of our Soldiers and Airmen. They are the best asset our state has in protecting our liberties. I will continue to support them.