Indiana National Guard
The Indiana National Guard (INNG) comprises the Army National Guard and Air National Guard units of the U.S. state of Indiana, functioning as both a state militia under the governor's command for domestic emergencies and a federal reserve force deployable by the president for national defense.[1][2] Its origins trace to 1801, when militia companies were formed in the Indiana Territory to protect settlements from threats, evolving into a structured organization that has supported state responses to natural disasters, civil unrest, and federal military operations.[3] Headquartered in Indianapolis, the INNG maintains armories statewide and training facilities like Camp Atterbury, enabling readiness for missions ranging from homeland security to overseas combat.[4][5] Key units include the 38th Infantry Division of the Army National Guard, which has roots in World War I and served prominently in World War II campaigns in the Pacific Theater, and aviation elements that conduct full-spectrum operations in support of division-level commands.[2][6] The Guard's personnel, numbering in the thousands, have mobilized for significant deployments, such as Company D, 151st Infantry (Rangers) in Vietnam—the only National Guard infantry unit to serve there—and more recent rotations to the Middle East under Operation Spartan Shield for partner capacity building, as well as peacekeeping in Kosovo.[3][7][8] These efforts underscore the INNG's dual-role efficacy, though state activations for border security missions have extended durations and costs, reflecting ongoing debates over resource allocation in non-combat domestic support.[9]
Role and Functions
State Missions and Emergency Response
The Indiana National Guard operates under the command of the Governor of Indiana for state active duty missions, providing rapid response to natural disasters, civil emergencies, and threats to public safety. These responsibilities include emergency relief during events such as floods, tornadoes, and severe storms; search and rescue operations; support for vital public services; and assistance to local law enforcement and first responders when requested. With approximately 14,000 personnel, equipment, and facilities distributed across the state, the Guard enables swift mobilization to mitigate damage and restore order.[1] Specialized capabilities enhance the Guard's effectiveness in emergency scenarios. The Indiana Hazardous Assessment and Response Team (IN-HART), a multi-agency partnership incorporating National Guard members and credentialed civilian rescue technicians, focuses on urban search and rescue in hazardous environments, conducting monthly training for chemical, biological, or structural collapse incidents. The Indiana Army National Guard's Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team performs hoist operations and swift water rescues, often in coordination with local teams like the South Bend Swift Water Rescue Team. Additionally, the Guard maintains an emergency response task force prepared for natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or mass casualties, emphasizing interagency integration through exercises such as Operation Down and Dirty in January 2020 and Homeland Defender in August 2021, which involved over 500 Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian responders simulating coordinated disaster mitigation.[10][11][12] Historical activations demonstrate the Guard's role in addressing Indiana-specific crises. In April 2025, following severe storms impacting 41 counties, Governor Mike Braun activated approximately 50 Guardsmen for Operation Sandcastle, focusing on flood prevention, sandbagging, and recovery in southern Indiana communities. For a deadly tornado in July 2025, over 150 Army and Air National Guard troops were deployed on state active duty for search and rescue, debris removal, and traffic control. During widespread tornado outbreaks in March 2025, more than 350 personnel supported similar operations across affected midwestern areas, including Indiana. In January 2025, amid severe winter weather, 122 Guardsmen from seven armories assisted first responders with road patrols, motorist rescues, and welfare checks, including 34 troops in the Evansville region. The Guard also mobilized over 360 members under state orders during the COVID-19 pandemic for testing site operations, vaccination distribution, and logistical support.[13][14][15][16][17][18][19]Federal Mobilization and National Defense
The Indiana National Guard's Army and Air components fulfill federal missions under Title 10 of the United States Code when mobilized for active duty, placing them under the command of the President and the Department of Defense for national defense operations, including overseas combat deployments and support to joint forces. These activations enable the Guard to contribute combat, sustainment, and intelligence capabilities to U.S. military objectives, distinct from state-controlled duties under Title 32. Mobilizations have historically supported major conflicts, with units integrating into active-duty formations for training and operations.[20] Early federal activations included the 1916 mobilization for Mexican Border service, where Indiana Army National Guard elements deployed to secure the U.S.-Mexico border amid tensions with Pancho Villa's forces.[20] In 1917, following U.S. entry into World War I, the entire Indiana National Guard was federalized, with infantry regiments such as the 150th, 151st, and 152nd contributing personnel and structure to the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, though the full 38th Division formation occurred later.[20] During World War II, the Guard was called to federal service on January 17, 1941, with the 38th Infantry Division undergoing intensive training before deploying to the Pacific Theater, participating in campaigns including the liberation of the Philippines.[6][21] Post-World War II mobilizations included the 1951 activation of Indiana Air National Guard units for the Korean War, with squadrons stationed at Stout Field for air defense and support roles during federal service.[3] For Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991, while the 38th Infantry Division was not activated as a whole, numerous Indiana Guard soldiers and subunits mobilized individually or in detachments for logistics, aviation, and combat support in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.[22][23] In the Global War on Terrorism, Indiana National Guard units saw extensive Title 10 deployments, including elements of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Iraq in 2007-2008 under Operation Iraqi Freedom and to Afghanistan in 2009-2010.[24] The 1st Squadron, 152nd Cavalry Regiment deployed to Iraq in 2008, conducting reconnaissance and security operations.[24] More recently, the 38th Infantry Division headquarters supported missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan in 2015-2016, while in 2023-2024, Guard troops from the division served nine months in Iraq for base defense and training.[22][25] Approximately 600 soldiers deployed to the Middle East in September 2024 for Operation Spartan Shield, focusing on partner capacity building and regional security, with over 400 returning by August 2025 after conducting joint exercises.[26][27] The Indiana Air National Guard contributes to federal defense through units like the 122nd Fighter Wing, providing air sovereignty alerts and combat air patrols, and the 181st Intelligence Wing, which supports global intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations under federal tasking.[28][29] These assets remain poised for rapid mobilization to augment active-duty Air Force capabilities in contingencies.[30]Personnel Strength and Recruitment Trends
As of June 30, 2025, the Indiana National Guard comprised 12,173 personnel across its Army and Air components.[31] This figure reflects drilling members and excludes full-time active guard and reserve personnel, state employees, and other support staff, with the overall organization supporting approximately 14,000 individuals when including civilians and reservists.[1] The Indiana Army National Guard has historically struggled to achieve full authorized end strength, mirroring national Army National Guard shortfalls that left the component over 6,000 personnel below its 336,000 target in fiscal year 2022.[32] State-specific data indicate persistent gaps, with enlistment targets unmet since fiscal year 2019 and achievement rates as low as 80.6% in fiscal year 2021.[33] Recruitment trends improved markedly in fiscal year 2025, with Indiana enlistments rising 14% year-over-year amid legislative incentives like expanded tuition assistance and benefits for state active duty under House Bill 1111, enacted to counter prior declines.[31] [34] This recovery aligned with the broader U.S. National Guard surpassing its fiscal year 2025 goals, adding over 38,000 Army recruits nationally and projecting total end strength exceeding 433,000 across components.[35] Earlier challenges, including a lack of qualified recruits reported in early 2025, stemmed from factors such as declining enlistment rates and competition from civilian job markets.[36]Organizational Structure
Joint Force Headquarters
The Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) serves as the central command authority for the Indiana National Guard, integrating the operations of its Army and Air components under a unified joint structure.[1] Located at Stout Field on the west side of Indianapolis, with primary facilities at 2002 South Holt Road, the JFHQ coordinates state-level missions, administrative functions, and readiness for both domestic emergencies and federal activations.[1][37] Commanded by the Adjutant General of Indiana, the JFHQ is currently led by Brigadier General Lawrence M. Muennich, appointed on January 13, 2025, by Governor Mike Braun.[38][39] The Adjutant General holds ultimate responsibility for mobilizing and directing approximately 14,000 personnel, including soldiers, airmen, reservists, and civilians, in response to gubernatorial orders for state duties such as disaster relief, civil unrest support, and public health crises.[1] During federal service, the JFHQ facilitates transitions to active duty under Title 10 authority, ensuring seamless integration with U.S. Department of Defense commands.[1] Administratively, the JFHQ manages critical support areas including human resources, contracting, facilities maintenance, accounting, legal affairs, and youth programs, while prioritizing force readiness through oversight of training at installations like Camp Atterbury and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center.[1] Its structure includes the Adjutant General's Office for policy execution and interfaces with the Governor's office, local agencies, and federal entities to align Guard resources with broader security needs.[1][38] The headquarters also houses elements for recruiting, intelligence, and sustainment, enabling rapid deployment capabilities across Indiana's 92 counties.[40]Indiana Army National Guard
The Indiana Army National Guard (INARNG) constitutes the ground force component of the Indiana National Guard, functioning as both an organized state militia under the authority of the Governor of Indiana and a federal reserve component of the United States Army.[2] It executes missions ranging from domestic emergency response to overseas deployments, with personnel subject to activation under Title 32 for state duties or Title 10 for federal service. Headquartered at Stout Field in Indianapolis, the INARNG operates under the Joint Force Headquarters - Indiana, led by the Adjutant General.[2] The core organizational structure centers on the 38th Infantry Division, headquartered at Stout Field, which serves as the primary tactical warfighting headquarters.[22] This division oversees full-spectrum operations, commanding subordinate brigades including the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (headquartered in Lawrence), responsible for ground combat capabilities; the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade (Johnson County), providing rotary-wing aviation support; the 38th Division Sustainment Brigade (Kokomo), handling logistics and maintenance; and the 219th Engineer Brigade (Johnson County), focused on mobility, countermobility, and survivability engineering tasks.[22] The division's Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion includes specialized elements such as intelligence, sustainment companies, and the 38th Division Band.[22] Complementing the division are functional and support formations, including the 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade (Stout Field), which trains and advises foreign security forces to build partner capacity.[2] The 81st Troop Command (Stout Field) provides command and control for non-deploying units during training and steady-state operations, encompassing a variety of combat support and service support elements.[41] Additionally, the 138th Regiment (Combat Arms Training) at Camp Atterbury supports initial entry training and leader development for infantry and other combat arms soldiers.[2] As part of the broader Indiana National Guard, which maintains over 12,000 total soldiers and airmen as of recent reports, the INARNG contributes the majority of ground forces, enabling scalable responses to both state-level contingencies like natural disasters and federal requirements for national defense.[42]Indiana Air National Guard
The Indiana Air National Guard operates as the aviation arm of the Indiana National Guard, fulfilling dual roles in state-level disaster response and federal air operations under the U.S. Air Force. Headquartered at Stout Field in Indianapolis along South Holt Road, it coordinates air assets for missions including homeland defense, search and rescue, and contingency support.[43][37] Its primary flying and support units include the 122nd Fighter Wing at Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base and the 181st Intelligence Wing at Terre Haute Air National Guard Base, with additional elements in Indianapolis. The 122nd Fighter Wing, under Commander Colonel Scott Boatright, maintains combat readiness with F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, emphasizing air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities following a transition from A-10 Thunderbolt IIs completed by December 2024 with 21 F-16s integrated.[28][44][45] This shift enhances multirole fighter operations, building on prior F-16 service from 1991 to 2010.[45] The 181st Intelligence Wing specializes in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and cyber operations, supporting national-level analysis and contingency requirements through technical production and data processing.[29] Its functions include base-level reconnaissance and special mission support, integrating with active-duty Air Force intelligence networks.[46] Established on August 1, 1921, with the activation of the 137th Observation Squadron at Fagley Field in Kokomo, the Indiana Air National Guard evolved from early aerial observation roles to modern fighter and intelligence platforms.[47] Both wings trace lineages to this founding, with the 181st's base formalized in 1954 for tactical fighter operations before its intelligence realignment.[48] These units mobilize for federal activations, such as post-9/11 deployments, while routinely aiding state emergencies like floods and severe weather response.[30]
Major Units and Capabilities
38th Infantry Division and Ground Combat Elements
The 38th Infantry Division, headquartered at Stout Field in Indianapolis, Indiana, functions as a tactical warfighting headquarters within the Indiana Army National Guard, providing command and control for brigade combat teams and multi-functional brigades during decisive, shaping, and sustaining operations.[22] Known as the "Cyclone Division," it integrates units from Indiana and associated states to form deployable forces capable of state missions under Title 32 authority and federal activations under Title 10, with training focused on countering near-peer adversaries and regional threats.[22] The division headquarters includes a Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (HHB) comprising a Headquarters Support Company, intelligence and sustainment elements, and the 38th Division Band, supporting operational command across infantry, aviation, and sustainment domains.[22] Ground combat elements primarily fall under the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), the "Nighthawk Brigade," one of three maneuver brigades aligned with the 38th Infantry Division and headquartered in Lawrence, Indiana.[49] Active since 1963, the 76th IBCT serves as the division's core ground maneuver force, incorporating infantry battalions such as the 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment (featuring a Ranger-qualified company with extensive combat experience), 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment, enabling light infantry operations with rapid deployment capabilities.[50] Artillery support is provided by the 1st Battalion, 163rd Field Artillery Regiment, equipped for indirect fire in combined arms maneuvers, while reconnaissance elements include a cavalry squadron for screening and security tasks.[51] The 76th IBCT's structure supports modular operations, with approximately 3,000-4,000 personnel trained for high-intensity conflict, including annual training exercises like Pacific Pathways in the Indo-Pacific region, where it has led multinational task forces since at least 2017.[52] Recent activities include participation in Warfighter Exercise 24-4 in June 2024, involving over 2,000 troops simulating battlefield scenarios, and a deployment of about 600 division soldiers to the Middle East starting September 25, 2024, under Operation Spartan Shield for theater security cooperation.[53] [54] These elements enhance the division's readiness for federal mobilizations, as demonstrated in prior rotations like Task Force Spartan in 2019, where the 38th assumed command of U.S. Army Central forces.[55]