HISTORY

The Dakota Militia was organized in Bismarck prior to statehood in 1883. The first North Dakota Volunteers proved their mettle during the Spanish American War and Philippine Insurrection in 18981899 when nine Soldiers earned Medals of Honor.

In 1916, the 1st North Dakota Infantry Regiment served a year on the Mexican Border. Home for just 40 days, the 1st North Dakota Infantry Regiment, newly renamed the 164th Infantry Regiment, was ordered to active duty to serve in World War I with the 41st Division in France.

During World War II, the 164th Infantry Regiment became the first U.S. Army unit to offensively engage the enemy when it reinforced the 1st Marines on Guadalcanal in October 1942. The 188th Field Artillery Group and 188th and 957th Field Artillery Battalions landed on Utah Beach after D-day and fired over 120,000 artillery rounds against German forces. Besides World War II, North Dakota National Guard Members would also serve in the Korean War, Berlin Crisis, Desert Shield/Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism.

The Air National Guard will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2022, having spent much of that time providing front-line air interception during the Cold War. On Sept. 11, 2001, the Happy Hooligans scrambled three F-16 Fighting Falcons over Washington D.C. after the Pentagon was attacked. Since then, over 8,000 North Dakota Guard Soldiers and Airmen have mobilized in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

The National Guard has served the state in varied capacities. Over 100 years ago, the governor ordered the Guard to assist coal mining operations during a projected cold-weather shortage. In the 1930s, Guardsmen protected the partially constructed capitol building during a labor dispute. The National Guard has used helicopters to airlift hay to remote cattle operations during heavy snow; battled floodwaters state-wide; assisted communities to recover from snowstorms and tornadoes; fought wildfires on the ground and from the air; protected property during civil unrest; and most recently, supported North Dakotans during nearly two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The emergency management component of the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) can be traced to the Civil Defense Act of 1951. The statewide communications function was also established during the 1951 Legislative Session and State Radio became operational in 1952 at the Bismarck Airport. By 1968, State Radio was relocated to Fraine Barracks. The Division of Emergency Management and State Radio Communications were combined in 2003 to establish an integrated State Operations Center. Two years later, the 59th Legislative Assembly created the NDDES comprised of the Division of Homeland Security and State Radio Communications.

In addition to its disaster and statewide emergency communications roles, the department maintains homeland security responsibilities. It operates in a dynamic environment that encompasses an increasing number of natural disasters, prevention activities to deal with evolving security threats, and the ever-present need to improve state infrastructure to provide interoperable communications resulting in efficient and reliable public safety services. Its mission is to conduct planning, coordination, communications, and operations for the safety and security of all North Dakota citizens.

Working together, the men and women of the Office of the Adjutant General continue to provide a “Whole-of-Government” approach in assisting and supporting North Dakotans.

Soldiers of the 957th Engineer Company (Multi-role Bridge) pull an Improved Ribbon Bridge bay section into place before latching to an existing raft on the Missouri River during an Inactive Duty Training period, May 15, 2021.