Minnesota Army National Guard
The Minnesota Army National Guard (MN ARNG) is the Minnesota arm of the Minnesota National Guard, along with the Minnesota Air National Guard. The U.S. Constitution gives the National Guard dual state and federal roles: it can operate in a state status to handle emergencies, and it can be called into federal service by the President or Congress.
About 11,000 soldiers serve in the Minnesota ARNG, spread across 58 communities in the state. When federalized, the President becomes the Commander-in-Chief and the mission is to provide trained and equipped units for war, national emergencies, or other needs. At the state level, the Governor can call Guardsmen to respond to emergencies or special situations under state law.
The State Defense Force (SDF) is Minnesota’s authorized state militia and can take over the Guard’s state mission if the Guard is mobilized. The SDF is made up of retired service members and volunteers.
National Guard units are part of the U.S. Army. National Guard forces nationwide make up a large portion of the Army’s combat power and some of its support forces. Coordination happens through the National Guard Bureau, and Minnesota Guardsmen wear the same ranks and insignia as other Army members and can receive U.S. military awards. Minnesota Guards can receive both federal and state awards.
National Guard units can be mobilized at any time by the President to support regular forces, and by the Governor for state emergencies. Guardsmen typically serve as part of a unit rather than as individuals, though some individuals may be activated for certain assignments. Historically, Guardsmen served “one weekend a month, two weeks a year,” but deployment rules limit total active-duty time, aiming for a cap of about 24 months in a six-year period.
The Minnesota Army National Guard was formed in 1856 and became part of the National Guard system with the Militia Act of 1903.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 13:39 (CET).