N.D. National Guard Biennial Report 2015-2017

NORTH DAKOTA Office of the Adjutant General

BIENNIAL REPORT 2015 — 2017

Letter From the

ADJUTANT GENERAL This report spotlights the accomplishments and activities of the Office of the Adjutant General, the North Dakota National Guard and the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services during the biennium period July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017.

Readiness remains our National Guard’s top priority as we continually prepare and execute our federal missions and stand ready to respond to state emergencies. The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, through its two components, Division of Homeland Security and Division of State Radio, continue to focus on serving the citizens of North Dakota with exceptional coordination of resources for disaster response, supporting local government agencies with training and maintaining statewide public safety communications capabilities.

Both our National Guard and the Department of Emergency Services were committed to the state’s efforts in supporting Morton County’s response to the protests associated with the Dakota Access Pipeline from Aug. 10, 2016, to March 31, 2017.

This domestic response by the N.D. National Guard employed the largest number of Guard members in this type of emergency since the support provided to the “Zip to Zap” operation in 1969.

Although the pace of units mobilizing for overseas duty in support of the Global War on Terrorism has slowed down, we did continue to see some deployments in support of U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, of both Airmen and Soldiers. In addition to overseas mobilizations, about 200 Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment were once again called to assist in the protection of the airspace over our nation’s capital.

Our Army Guard’s force structure was reduced from about 3,400 Soldiers to about 3,100 Soldiers. In the interest of efficiency, we consolidated the number of armories (training centers) for our Soldiers. In effect, we returned control of local armories back to the cities of Bottineau, Cando, Carrington, Grafton, Mott, Mayville, Oakes and Rugby.

2

Biennial Report 2015-2017

The 119th Wing, also known as the Happy Hooligans, received its 17th and 18th Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards (AFOUA) during this biennium. This award recognizes the best units within the U.S. Air Force components: active, reserve and National Guard and our Hooligans continue to be among the most decorated units in the nation. As we upgraded our remotely-piloted aircraft from the MQ-1 Predator to MQ-9 Reaper, we increased the Air Guard’s force structure from about 1,170 Airmen to about 1,195 Airmen.

The 81st Civil Support Team continues to train with and support civilian law enforcement and other response agencies throughout the state and across the nation. During this biennium, they were a successful team player in providing security at several high-level national events.

Our involvement in the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program continues to see a multitude of events, meetings and activities. We were the first National Guard to have regional partners: Ghana, Benin and Togo.

This past summer, we dedicated a $13 million maintenance shop and enclosed vehicle storage facility in Valley City. This project provides facilities for the 231st Brigade Support Battalion to support its increased inventory of combat and tactical vehicles.

Also, for the fourth consecutive time, the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute earned an accreditation of “Institution of Excellence” from evaluators from the U.S. Training and Doctrine Command, or TRADOC. This is the highest recognition possible for an Army schoolhouse.

I am especially proud of the accomplishments of the men and women of the North Dakota National Guard and the Department of Emergency Services as depicted within this report. I hope that you find this information informative and useful.

Respectfully,

Al Dohrmann Major General, N.D. National Guard The Adjutant General

www.ndguard.com

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4

06

NORTH DAKOTA NATIONAL GUARD

26

NORTH DAKOTA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

52

NORTH DAKOTA AIR NATIONAL GUARD

60 72

NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

Biennial Report 2015-2017

North Dakota National Guard History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Overseas and Stateside Deployments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Joint Executive Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Office of the Adjutant General Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Joint Force Headquarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 81st Civil Support Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

141st Manuever Enhancement Brigade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

426th Signal Network Support Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment . . . . . . . .

191st Military Police Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

231st Brigade Support Battalion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

817th Engineer Company (Sapper) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

815th Engineer Company (Horizontal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

188th Engineer Company (Vertical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

835th Asphalt & 897th Concrete Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . .

68th Troop Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support) . .

2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Assault Regiment . . . . . . . . .

Detachment 42, Operational Support Airlift . . . . . . . . . . . .

116th Public Affairs Detachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion . . . . . . . . . . .

119th Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operations Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Maintenance Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance Group . . . . . . .

Mission Support Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Civil Engineer Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

26 26 26 26 28 29 29 30 31 32 34 36 36 36 37

52 52 53 53 54 55

Department of Emergency Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Division of Homeland Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 State Emergency Operations Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Division of Facilities and Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 State Partnership Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Office of the Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Service Member and Family Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Military Funeral Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

132nd Quartermaster Company (Water Purification and Storage) .

133rd and 134th Quartermaster Detachments (Hoseline) . . . . . .

3662nd Maintenance Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

164th Engineer Battalion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

164th Engineer Battalion Forward Support Company . . . . . . . . .

769th Engineer Detachment (Survey and Design) . . . . . . . . . . .

816th Engineer Company (Horizontal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

818th Engineer Company (Sapper) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge) . . . . . . . . . . .

188th Army Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

814th Medical Company (Area Support) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1919th Contingency Contracting Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Camp Grafton Training Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

164th Regional Training Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recruiting and Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

37 38 39 39 40 40 40 40 40 40 43 43 44 44 46

119th Security Forces Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

219th Security Forces Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Medical Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recruiting and Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

56 56 59 59

. . . .

. . . .

Division of State Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 North Dakota Civil Air Patrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

AWARDS, FINANCIALS AND TRIBUTES Major Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 State Budgets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Economic Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Construction Budgets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Fallen Soldiers Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

www.ndguard.com

5

HISTORY

North Dakota National Guard

Beginning as the Dakota Territorial Militia in the 1860s, the Guard has changed and adapted, overcoming challenges and attaining success. The first federally recognized companies to serve the state were raised by Territorial Governor William Jayne and served during the Sibley-Sully campaigns in 1862-63. The militia grew to 1,000 Soldiers by 1885. When Dakota Territory split in 1889, North Dakota was authorized one infantry regiment with 10 companies.

Spanish-American War When the U.S. launched into the Spanish-American War, the 1st North Dakota Volunteer Infantry sent about 450 Soldiers to Manila, which surrendered 13 days later, on Aug. 13, 1898. North Dakota Soldiers then began occupation duty. On April 12, 1899, they experienced their most deadly day of combat in the Philippines; eight Soldiers were killed and two wounded. In recognition of his heroic efforts that day, Pvt. Thomas Sletteland became the first North Dakota Soldier to receive the Medal of Honor.

Mexican Border Incident With passage of the National Defense Act of 1916, the National Guard was guaranteed permanent service as a reserve for the Army.

Soon thereafter, every state’s National Guard went on federal duty on the Mexican border. North Dakota Soldiers trained in Texas for six months, then were sent home.

World War I After only 40 days at home, the 1st North Dakota Regiment was again called up. Numerous reorganizations took place as the mission changed, until the 1st North Dakota was renamed the 164th Infantry Regiment, which activated under the 41st Division and became one of the first divisions to go to France.

About 3,700 North Dakotans served in the war, and 278 members died. About 650 others were wounded in battle.

World War II President Roosevelt federalized the Guard again in 1941.

The 188th Field Artillery Regiment joined the 164th Infantry Regiment, resulting in 3,222 North Dakota Guardsmen on federal active duty. On March 18, the 164th left the U.S. bound for New Caledonia, where they would protect naval supply lines and position against a potential Japanese attack on the island.

On Oct. 13, 1942, the 164th landed at Guadalcanal where the unit became the first U.S. Army unit to take offensive action against the enemy in the Pacific. The battle at Henderson Field resulted in 1,700 Japanese dead. The 164th lost 26 Soldiers and 52 were wounded. Patrols continued until the Japanese began to evacuate Guadalcanal in February 1943.

At the same time, the 188th was being restructured and the new

6

Biennial Report 2015-2017

units left in December 1943 for Great Britain where they continued to train until June 1944, when they moved to Utah Beach. Both battalions were attached to other divisions to support offensives through the end of the war. The 164th wrapped up the war on Bougainville and Leyte.

Korean War In July 1950, North Dakota’s 231st Engineer Battalion was activated, followed by the 164th and 188th and then the Air National Guard. All three Army units remained on active duty in the United States. The Air Guard served in Georgia and California before being selected individually for service in Korea or at U.S. and European bases. More than 2,600 North Dakota Guardsmen served during the war. About 800 went overseas and 16 died in combat.

Berlin Airlift The 164th Engineer Battalion served 10 months at Fort Riley, Kan., while the 818th Engineer Company was stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., during the partial mobilization call the fall of 1961.

Gulf War In 1990, the 136th Quartermaster Battalion, the 132nd Quartermaster Company, and the 131st, 133rd and134th Quartermaster Detachments were activated to purify, supply and distribute water for Operation Desert Shield/Storm. The 191st Military Police Company assisted with security and POW processing, and the 818th Medical Battalion provided command and control for medical companies.

Operation Joint Guardian Several Guard units have served in Operation Joint Guard over

the past 20 years. The 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment sent four teams to Bosnia in 1996-97 to provide public outreach and public affairs support. The 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion’s Company B mobilized in October 1999 to Kosovo to provide construction support.

In all, more than 4,500 Soldiers and more than 2,800 Airmen have mobilized in support of the Global War on Terrorism since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America.

Operation Noble Eagle Guardian Guardsmen, including members of the 141st Engineer Battalion, were deployed to various airports and Air Force bases to augment security between September 2001 and November 2004.

Operation Enduring Freedom The North Dakota National Guard has played a major role in OEF. Detachment 42 Operational Support Airlift mobilized first, followed by five separate rotations from the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment during the five-year period of 200510. Operations in the Balkans also became part of OEF. About 650 North Dakota Soldiers deployed to Kosovo from 2009-10, serving as the command element for a multinational peacekeeping effort there.

Operation Iraqi Freedom In what was the largest mobilization of North Dakota Guardsmen in decades, the 142nd Combat Engineer Battalion and the 957th Multi-Role Bridge Company deployed to Iraq in 2003. Many more units of the North Dakota National Guard were to follow. www.ndguard.com

7

DEPLOYMENTS

Overseas & Stateside

As the 2015-2017 biennium came to a close, the North Dakota National Guard had about 310 Soldiers and Airmen deployed for overseas missions.

About 70 Soldiers, who serve with the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), formerly based in Devils Lake, North Dakota, first traveled in January 2017 to Fort Hood, Texas, for additional training before serving in Afghanistan. Lt. Col. Brock Larson, of Bismarck, North Dakota, led the mission and Command Sgt. Maj. Cory Everson, of Devils Lake, was the unit’s senior enlisted leader.

In Afghanistan, the 136th CSSB provided command and control structure for assigned or attached logistical units. The unit was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division’s Sustainment Brigade and commanded multiple detachments comprised of Soldiers from across the nation, including two movement control teams, a mortuary affairs detachment and 10 Department of the Army Civilian Expeditionary Workforce members.

Domestically, more than 200 members of the North Dakota Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery (1-188th ADA) Regiment contributed to Operation Noble Eagle, starting in the spring of 2017, in the Washington, D.C., area.

8

Biennial Report 2015-2017

The unit’s mission involves collaborating with other Department of Defense agencies as part of the integrated air defense system designed to protect the airspace around the National Capital Region.

Lt. Col. JoDee Aubol, of West Fargo, North Dakota, commands the unit and Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Entzel, of Bismarck,is the senior enlisted leader. The unit is headquartered in Grand Forks with units in Bismarck and Fargo, although the deployed Soldiers hail from communities across North Dakota, as well as cities in Minnesota, California, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

This was the 11th deployment for the 1-188th ADA since 2004, which makes it the most-deployed unit in the North Dakota National Guard. The 1-188th ADA supported the Operation Noble Eagle mission once before from July 2013 to April 2014.

Additionally, about 150 Airmen from the 119th Wing are deployed to locations around the world in the summer of 2017. This was the third largest deployment for the North Dakota National Guard since the Global War on Terrorism began. For the N.D. Air National Guard, it was the largest number of Airmen it has mobilized simultaneously since the Korean War.

DEPLOYMENTS

Global War on Terrorism IRAQ/KUWAIT

142nd Engineer Combat Battalion January 2003-March 2004

Detachment 42, Operational Support Airlift September 2004-March 2005

957th Multi-Role Bridge Company February 2003-May 2004

1-188th Air Defense Artillery ( JLENS/RAID I) November 2005-February 2007

141st Engineer Combat Battalion December 2003-March 2005

1-188th Air Defense Artillery (Security Forces) December 2005-April 2007

1-188th Air Defense Artillery, F Battery June 2004-December 2005

1-188th Air Defense Artillery (RAID II) November 2006-January 2008

Company A, 164th Engineer Combat Battalion August 2005-November 2006

1-188th Air Defense Artillery (RAID III) December 2008-December 2009

34th Engineer Brigade March 2007-March 2008 132nd Quartermaster Company May 2007-April 2008 Headquarters, 164th Engineer Battalion June 2007-May 2008 817th Engineer Company (Sapper) June 2007-June 2008 191st Military Police Company January 2008-January 2009 119th Civil Engineer Squadron May 2009-July 2009 119th Security Forces Squadron February-August 2009 1-188th Air Defense Artillery (Sentinel Radar) November 2009-December 2010 Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Assault Regiment October 2009-September 2010 188th Engineer Company (Vertical) August 2011–August 2012

AFGHANISTAN

119th Civil Engineer Squadron February 2002

1-188th Air Defense Artillery (Sentinel Radar) November 2009-December 2010 1-188th Air Defense Artillery (RAID IV) November 2009-December 2010 119th Civil Engineer Squadron December 2011-July 2012 119th Logistics Readiness Squadron January 2012-July 2012 818th Engineer Company (Sapper) April 2012–April 2013 119th Security Forces Squadron March 2013-October 2013 Detachment 42, Operational Support Airlift February 2013 (expected through February 2014) 814th Medical Company (Area Support) January 2014 - November 2014 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion January 2017 - November 2017

CENTRAL COMMAND

1-129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment April 2006-June 2007 119th Airlift Squadron May-August 2009 1919th Contingency Contracting Team December 2012-October 2013

231st Brigade Support Battalion, Logistical Support Element September 2014 - July 2015 119th Wing Summer 2017

BALKANS

Engineer detachment (15 Soldiers) 34th Infantry Division July 2003-April 2004 Engineer detachment (5 Soldiers) February 2004-September 2004 112th Command Aviation Battalion (23 Soldiers) November 2005-October 2006 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade; 231st Brigade Support Battalion; 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artilliery; 957th Liaison Monitoring Teams; 116th Public Affairs Detachment; and Task Force Falcon Headquarters (about 650 Soldiers) August 2009-July 2010 1-112th Aviation Regiment September 2011 – September 2012 Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Regiment November 2013 - December 2014

DJIBOUTI

Detachment 42, Operational Support Airlift April 2009-April 2010

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

191st Military Police October 2012-September 2013

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 1-188th Air Defense Artillery May 2013 - May 2014

1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery March 2017 - (expected to return in early 2018)

www.ndguard.com

9

ORGANIZATION President Commander in Chief Donald Trump

National Guard Bureau U.S Army

(FEDERAL)

U.S. Air Force

(STATE) Personal Staff Senior Enlisted Leader Government Affairs Inspector General

Deputy Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Robert Becklund

State Administration

Command Chief Warrant Officer

Assistant Adjutant General - Army

Senior Army Advisor State Command Sergeant Major

State Chaplain State Surgeon Staff Judge Advocate Division of Facilities & Engineering (including Veterans’ Cemetery) Environmental Services Protocol

North Dakota Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann

U.S. Property & Fiscal Office State Aviation Officer/ Operational Support Airlift

Special Staff

North Dakota Governor Commander in Chief Doug Burgum

Assistant Adjutant General - Air

Air Command

Army Command

Safety Office

Chief of Staff

119th Wing (A5/8) Headquarters & Headquarters Detachment

Major Commands 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade 68th Troop Command 164th Regional Training Institute

State Command Chief

Personnel (G1) Training and Mobilization (G3)

Medical Group

Operations Group (A3/4)

Mission Support Group (A1/6/7)

Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Group (A2)

Regional Training Site

Logistics (G4) Civil Air Patrol

State Medical Detachment

Wing Command Chief

Recruiting & Retention Office

Department of Emergency Services

Homeland Security

State Radio

Camp Grafton Training Center

Personnel (J1)

10

Biennial Report 2015-2017

Intelligence (J2)

Support/Plans, Programs & Requirements/Operations & Training (J3/5/7)

Logistics (J4/8)

Strategic Plans and Outreach (J5/9)

Command, Control, Communications & Computers (J6)

JOINT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann Adjutant General

Assistant Adjutant General – Air

Brig. Gen. Robert Fode

Army Commander

Col. Britt Hatley Commander, 119th Wing

Chief of Joint Staff

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Nelson

Command Sgt. Maj. Brad Heim

Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Muehler

Chief Master Sgt. Duane Kangas

Brig. Gen. Robert Becklund

Brig. Gen. Ronald Solberg

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Shelly Sizer

Deputy Adjutant General

Command Chief

Senior Enlisted Leader

State Command Sergeant Major

Col. Paul Harron

Command Chief, 119th Wing

State Command Chief

STATIONING

*Information for the Joint Executive Council and Office of the Adjutant General locations was current as of July 1, 2017.

(-) indicates that the entire company is not at that location

164 ENGINEER BATTALION HEADQUARTERS 164 EN BN FORWARD SUPPORT COMPANY 818 ENGINEER CO. (-) (SAPPER) 219TH SECURITY FORCES SQDN.

CAMP GRAFTON TRAINING CENTER 164 REGIMENT REGIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE 3662 MAINTENANCE CO. 835 UTILITIES 897 CONCRETE

MAGIC CITY COMPOSITE SQDN.

MINOT

WILLISTON

HEADQUARTERS & HEADQUARTERS BATTERY, 1-188 AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY B/1-188 AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY D/1-188 AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY 1/191 MILITARY POLICE CO. GRAND FORKS COMPOSITE SQDN.

DEVILS LAKE

GRAND FORKS

1/818 ENGINEER CO. (SAPPER)

JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS — ARMY ELEMENT 68 TROOP COMMAND DET. 42 OPERATIONAL SUPPORT AIRLIFT 81ST CIVIL SUPPORT TEAM STATE MEDICAL DET. RECRUITING & RETENTION DET. 116 PUBLIC AFFAIRS DET. 136 COMBAT SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT BN. DET. 1, 174TH CYBER PROTECTION TEAM 816 MILITARY POLICE CO. (-) 957 ENGINEER COMPANY STATE MEDICAL DET. DICKINSON 3/891 JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL 1-112 AVIATION BN. 2-285 AVIATION CO. ROUGHRIDER 1/816 MILITARY POLICE CO. COMPOSITE SQDN. A/1-188 AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY DET. 7 C/2-245 AVIATION REG.

JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS

231 BRIGADE SUPPORT BN. A/231 BRIGADE SUPPORT BN. JAMES VALLEY COMPOSITE SQDN.

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES DIVISION OF STATE RADIO DIVISION OF HOMELAND SECURITY

BISMARCK

817 ENGINEER CO. (SAPPER)

ND WING CAP HEADQUARTERS BISMARCK COMPOSITE SQDN.

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

2/815 ENGINEER CO. (HORIZONTAL)

815 ENGINEER CO. (-) (HORIZONTAL) 1/815 ENGINEER CO. (-) (HORIZONTAL)

JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS

JAMESTOWN VALLEY CITY

AIR NATIONAL GUARD

141 MANEUVER ENHANCEMENT BDE. C/1-188 AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY 188 ARMY BAND CO. D/1-112 AVIATION 191 MILITARY POLICE CO. (-) CO. A, 231 BRIGADE SUPPORT BN. (-) FARGO CO. B, 231 BRIGADE SUPPORT BN. (-) 426 SIGNAL CO. 119TH WING

WISHEK

EDGELEY

LISBON

RED RIVER VALLEY SENIOR SQDN. 119TH ANG CADET SGDN.

WAHPETON 188 ENGINEER CO. (VERTICAL)

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

CIVIL AIR PATROL www.ndguard.com

11

JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS

12

The Bismarck-based Joint Force Headquarters ( JFHQ) provides command and control of all National Guard forces in North Dakota. The unit is comprised of about 180 Soldiers and Airmen and provides support to deployed North Dakota National Guard units. It also acts as an information channel to the National Guard Bureau and combatant commanders, and as a joint headquarters during national-level or contingency response efforts.

For small operations, task force functions are performed by the adjutant general using existing JFHQ staff, without any augmentation, and with small troop elements such as transportation or aviation units, or the state’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team.

to assist the N.D. Forest Service in controlling potential wild fire events in the state. The 2-Soldier teams can assist a Forest Service team by using a HUMMWV with a mounted water tank and pump unit. The National Guard team is can provide the additional assistance in rough terrain when fires break out.

In August 2017, the Domestic Operations Section participated in exercise “Devils Breath” with the Utah-based Homeland Response Force (HRF) for Region 8 at Camp Grafton Training Center. The exercise reinforced relationships with civil and military agencies. The emergency response exercise simulated an F4 tornado’s effects on the City of Devils Lake.

Support to Civil Authorities (Domestic Operations) The state’s governor is given the ability, under the Constitution of the United States to call on members of the National Guard in time of state emergencies or need. To ensure is continued preparedness to support the governor’s needs, the National Guard adheres to the following mission: “When directed by the Governor of North Dakota, the National Guard will provide resources (personnel and equipment) in support of local civil authorities’ efforts to minimize the impact of all hazards on the people, property and environment of North Dakota.”

During the biennium, Joint Force Headquarters’ Domestic Operations Section conducted multiple training events and exercises to ensure the National Guard is able to meet the needs of the governor and state. DOMS exercised and published a revision of the 2014 All Hazards Plan, including an Immediate Response Annex and provided guidance to small units geographically located throughout the state to provide a more rapid response to local authorities. Additionally, JFHQ restructured the North Dakota National Guard’s Regional Response Platforms, dividing the state into four geographical areas to allow for greater command and control and escalation of resources throughout the state.

The National Guard in September 2016 responded to the governors’ call to provide support to Morton County during the Dakota Access Pipeline protest. The North Dakota National Guard — both Army and Air — responded with more than 1,400 servicemen and women, who served over a period of seven months amounting to more than 38,000 mandays during the course of the event. Soldiers and Airmen performed various tasks, including administrative and logistical operations, traffic control points, observation posts, crowd control and transportation. By carrying out these missions, the Guardsmen allowed law enforcement to focus on their primary duty of ensuring a safe and secure environment for all North Dakota citizens.

To further working relationships with other civil support agencies, JFHQ also developed Ground Fire Suppression Teams

81st Civil Support Team The 81st Civil Support Team (CST) is comprised of 22 full-time Soldiers and Airmen whose primary mission is to support civil authorities at the direction of the Governor. The unit responds to domestic chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive, or CBRNE, incident sites by identifying agents/substances, assessing current and projected consequences, advising on response measures, and assisting with requests for additional support. CSTs also respond to any unknown hazards, assist with training local HAZMAT personnel, and provide active and passive monitoring during large scale events.

During the biennium, the 81st CST supported local authorities, augmented CSTs across the country and participated in the State Partnership Program in Ghana, Africa.

In June 2016, the 81st CST was called to assist the Bismarck Fire Department to identify an unknown gas causing respiratory issues to home owners and responding firefighters. The unit’s personnel advised on response measures, identified the unknown gas and provided guidance on treatment. In November 2015, the 81st CST was requested to assist the North Dakota Department of Health Microbiology Lab and FBI with screening suspicious packages.

Along with the Bismarck Bomb Squad, the unit’s survey section prescreened the packages and ruled out any immediate threat. The 81st CSTs analytical section then assisted the State Lab in opening and identifying the contents of the suspicious packages.

The 81st CST also supported local authorities by performing active and passive monitoring for high profile events across the state, including the North Dakota Petroleum Conference, at which then-presidential nominee Donald Trump spoke, and the Regional NCAA Hockey Tournament in Fargo, North Dakota. In addition to responding for “real-world” mission, the 81st CST has conducted 28 exercises with local authorities across North Dakota this biennium, participated in Operation Orca in Anchorage, Alaska, conducted an air load, and completed over 300 hours of CBRNE specific unit training.

Biennial Report 2015-2017

www.ndguard.com

13

During the past two years, North Dakota’s CST has consistently augmented other teams to support National Special Security Events (NSSE). The unit has assisted in over a dozen NSSEs, including the 75th Sturgis Bike Rally, 2016 Republican National Convention, 2016 and 2017 Boston Marathon, 2017 Ryder Cup, 2017 Mardi Gras, Pope Francis’ 2017 visit to the U.S., 2017 Travers Stakes, and the 2017 Presidential Inauguration.

The 81st Civil Support Team continues to support local authorities, augment teams across the country and has begun participating in the State Partnership Program by assisting with the development of HAZMAT operations in Ghana, Africa.

Division of Facilities and Engineering The Division of Facilities and Engineering (DFE) is responsible for the organization, control and accomplishment of facilities engineering, housing and environmental management activities within the Office of the Adjutant General. The DFE serves as the primary point of contact and principal advisor to the adjutant general on all aspects of the National Guard’s real property, facilities engineering, construction, and environmental management programs.

During the biennium, the DFE was reorganized to become a primary directorate under the adjutant general and chief of staff, rather than being consolidated under the adjutant general’s Special Staff (see organization chart on page 10). As part of this reorganization, the Environmental Office was included, under the DFE. The mission of the DFE is to provide, sustain and manage state-of-the-art installations that facilitate all activities required to support North Dakota National Guard federal and state missions. The Environmental Office is charged with environmental enhancement and protection of the training lands, unit activities and maintenance functions of the North Dakota Army National Guard. The DFE also oversees operations of the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

The DFE, including the Environmental Office, has 58 fulltime personnel working at nine locations across the state. The staff oversaw engineering operations; which included troop construction programs and coordination of self-help programs, engineering plans and services, buildings and grounds; including sustainment, restoration and modernization construction projects, utilities, environmental, natural and cultural resources management and public works projects.

Office Budgets In FY2016, the DFE budget was $10.53 million, including the environmental operating budget of $907,700, and in FY2017, it was $13.32 million, including $1,151,800 for the Environmental Office; a substantial increase compared to the previous biennium.

The increase in the federal budget allowed the DFE to execute additional maintenance and repair projects, and also bolstered the Environmental Office to do more work in conservation programs, which had been reduced as a result of decreased funding.

The DFE state budget was severely cut during the winter of 2016, due to the state allotment for the remainder of the biennium.

This caused cuts in staff and reallocation of funds for maintenance projects without any state funding share. DFE made the decision to defer maintenance in order to meet the allotment budget requirements.

14 Biennial Report 2015-2017

Military Construction Projects During the biennium, DFE completed a $2.1 million addition/ alteration project at the Fargo Field Maintenance Shop. The 7,500-square-foot addition and 11,300-square-foot shop alteration project was started in the previous biennium and construction was completed in 2016. The project provided additional space for personnel and upgraded the maintenance area to better support work on modern equipment.

The DFE also completed a $12.1 million National Guard field maintenance shop in Valley City, which was a FY2015 Military Construction, or MILCON, Project. Construction on the 30,005-square-foot vehicle maintenance shop and 15,296-squarefoot unheated enclosed vehicle storage facility began in July 2015 and was completed in December 2016, several months ahead of schedule. The facilities replace an older 3,230-square-foot vehicle maintenance shop, which was built in 1960, and now will support the maintenance requirements for the North Dakota Army National Guard units in Valley City, Jamestown, Lisbon, Edgeley and Wishek.

The DFE also initiated design on a $32 million National Guard readiness center project in Fargo. The FY2019 project includes a 99,000-square-foot readiness center and 62,700-square-foot unheated equipment storage building, along with parking, fencing

and other site amenities. The facility is proposed to be sited west of the current Fargo readiness center and construction is planned to begin in spring 2019.

North Dakota Veterans Cemetery The North Dakota Veterans Cemetery was established by an act of the 1989 Legislative Assembly. Opened in 1992, it is located 6.5 miles south of Mandan on Highway 1806 on a 35-acre tract of land in the southwest corner of Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.

Additional land acreage was acquired during the previous biennium, doubling the size of the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. The land has been surveyed and DFE is initiating plans for designing the layout for the area and meeting required environmental clearances. This land will allow for cemetery expansion well into the future.

During this biennium, the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery staff completed 1,006 interments, with two consecutive months during the timeframe reaching more than 60 interments each.

Environmental Inspections During the past biennium, three North Dakota National Guard locations underwent inspections from various regulatory agencies.

These inspections looked at operations of petroleum storage tank systems, air quality and other environmental aspects requiring organizational compliance. During these inspections, no apparent violations were noted or observed.

A fuel spill occurred on May 16, 2017 at Camp Grafton Training Center, which eventually entered Devils Lake. The North Dakota Army National Guard promptly reported the spill and took all necessary action for containment and clean-up efforts.

Representatives from the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDOH) were on Camp Grafton for two days, observing the

clean-up operations. Following clean-up, NDDOH determined that no further remediation was required and that the North Dakota Army National Guard had appropriately addressed the spill.

The North Dakota Army National Guard continues to improve its fuel handling and management operations in order to prevent future spills.

Lead Dust DFE completed several lead dust removal projects across the state during the biennium. This national effort to remove lead dust — caused by indoor ranges in National Guard readiness centers — is ongoing, and annual testing will occur into the future.

Conservation Work Studies were initiated to determine the presence/absence of threatened and endangered species on North Dakota National Guard training areas. Completion of these studies will allow continued training on organizational training lands without impacting threatened and endangered species.

Leafy Spurge Controls After many attempts to introduce flea beetles on Camp Grafton training areas, there are now populations present there, which supports plans to capture and transplant beetles to other locations.

This is significant, even though the controls the beetles provide are having minimal effects.

Another study was undertaken to use raffinate molasses as a sweetener to entice consumption of leafy spurge by deer and/or cattle. Research results from 2016 have shown that 38 percent of plants sprayed with raffinate were consumed by cattle. The study is being repeated during 2017 with the hope that cattle will learn to graze spurge not sprayed with raffinate molasses. www.ndguard.com

15

STATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM The State Partnership Program (SPP) between North Dakota and Ghana began in 2004. In 2017, North Dakota celebrated 13 years of partnering with Ghana and three years with both Togo and Benin. North Dakota’s support to the three West African established the only regionally-aligned partnership within the SPP. The purpose of the SPP is to foster mutual interests and establish habitual long-term relationships across all levels of society. The program as a whole encourages the development of economic, political and military ties between the states and partner nations.

The National Guard functions as a role model in demonstrating how a military organization can interact with the citizens and their government while reinforcing the concept that the military is subordinate to that nation’s civil authorities. The National Guard program began in 1993, with three Baltic nations. It has grown to include partnerships with 73 countries.

Biennium Overview During the past biennium, 67 events took place through North Dakota’s SPP. The events were organized under four lines of operations that include: defense support to civilian agencies, command programs, professional military education, and peacekeeping operations. The engagements included senior leader engagements; horizontal, vertical and combat engineer operations; advanced military police operations; gender integration and professional noncommissioned officer development.

North Dakota’s partnership with Ghana, Togo and Benin focuses on four key goals: 1. Educate and train North Dakota National Guard forces for conducting security cooperation activities with partner nations.

2. Sustain and strengthen enduring partnerships and build partner capacity.

3. Advance the security cooperation goals of the U.S. AFRICOM (Africa Command) commander and U.S. ambassadors to Ghana, Togo and Benin.

4. Posture to adeptly respond to future global scenarios by ensuring the program is synchronized with national, Department of Defense and joint strategies.

The top priority for the N.D. National Guard through its SPP is to maintain enduring relationships with Ghana, Togo and Benin to provide for U.S. strategic access, sustained U.S. presence, and enhanced defense capabilities for all partners involved.

The second priority is to build and sustain partner capacity through low-cost, high-impact, small-footprint security cooperation activities in support of AFRICOMs Theater Campaign Plan — as well as Ghana, Togo and Benin’s country plans — while supporting the North Dakota adjutant general’s readiness goals.

The third priority is to bolster regional and multilateral engagements to improve Department of Defense and partner country

16

Biennial Report 2015-2017

interoperability and expeditionary capability.

North Dakota’s SPP has established a robust disaster preparedness program, integrating a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach. The inherent dual mission of the N.D. National Guard requires citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen to frequently work alongside their state interagency and civilian counterparts during peace and times of crisis. Through the Disaster Preparedness Program, these relationships are leveraged to enhance security cooperation activities, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response with our partner nations by incorporating appropriate subject matter experts into each SPP event. Experts from agencies, such as the North Dakota Departments of Emergency Services and Department of Health, have been brought in to enhance the Disaster Preparedness Program. This approach not only brings National Guard Soldiers and Airmen together with their civilian counterparts to conduct a joint engagement, it also brings Ghana, Togo and Benin’s interagency network together to form a joint audience. This helps the partner nations to build the capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a natural or manmade disaster.

Program Outlook The SPP is a testament to the N.D. National Guard’s ability to build and sustain enduring relationships with the Ghana, Togo and Benin Armed Forces and Emergency Response organizations.

Significant changes in language within Chapter 16 of the National Defense Authorization Act (fiscal year 2017) recognizes the SPP as a strategic enabler, which has emerged as a proven security cooperation capacity builder. This model is strategically positioned to play an increasingly important role during the coming biennium as our defense posture realigns toward new geographic areas of focus and sustains presence with enduring partner countries. Also, there is an increased emphasis placed on implementing low-cost, small-footprint, innovative and rotational engagement programs across the globe.

With the increasing strategic importance of Africa, the SPP has never been more relevant to the U.S. Government than it is today.

North Dakota will continue to build on program successes to keep its SPP a key security cooperation tool for the Department of Defense for years to come. www.ndguard.com

17

OFFICE OF THE CHAPLAIN Chaplains, chaplain assistants and licensed counselors work together to provide — in their respective areas — religious and spiritual support, as well as emotional and mental health support, to Soldiers, Airmen and their families. Military members of the National Guard (current/former) and their families are eligible to receive support. Office of the Chaplain staff also are available to support members of other service branches who request assistance.

Biennium Highlights During this biennium, the North Dakota Air National Guard chaplaincy achieved a significant milestone in June 2016 when Master Sgt. Jarrett R. Permann became the first full-time federal technician chaplain assistant assigned to the 119th Wing. With this new development, the unit now has a permanent chaplain and chaplain assistant to provide religious support for Airmen of the 119th Wing.

Additionally, in 2016, Chaplain (Capt.) Dellas Herbel was the first chaplain to attend “Top Knife” at Holloman Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico. “Top Knife” is an annual symposium for U.S. Air Force medical and psychological professionals assigned to units flying unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Herbel returned to the event as an instructor in 2017 to give a presentation on spiritual health and resiliency.

In August 2016, Permann was selected to support activities for United States Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa (USAFEAFAFRICA) at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He travels there periodically to support USAFE-AFAFRICA readiness and provides exercise support and surge capabilities. In March 2017, Permann was presented the Minuteman Award after being named the 2016 Outstanding Air National Guard Chaplain Assistant of the Year. He received the honor from U.S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Dondi Costin at the Chaplain Corps Summit in San Antonio, Texas.

N.D. Air National Guard chaplains have traveled abroad for some notable overseas missions during the biennium, to include: Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Leo Moenkedick to Aviano Air Base, Italy, in 2016 and Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, in 2017.

Chaplain (Lt. Col) James Cheney traveled to Eielson AFB, Alaska in 2016 and Staff Sgt. Nathan Wilke supported NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, in 2017.

The N.D. Army National Guard chaplaincy also achieved a significant milestone during this biennium by acquiring additional personnel to minister to the force. In 2017, a lieutenant colonel position was added to the ministry team at the state level with plans to add a sergeant first class position as assistant. With the addition of these two positions, the N.D. Army National Guard chaplaincy’s unit ministry teams will have an open career path to compete for senior positions within the state.

18

Biennial Report 2015-2017

Some of the key deployments undertaken by the N.D. Army National Guard chaplaincy members during this biennium include: In 2017, Chaplain (Capt.) Scott E. Noyes and Staff Sgt. Rick Bryant, chaplain’s assistant, deployed with their unit, the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, to Afghanistan to provide religious support. Likewise, Chaplain (Capt.) Yacob Makonnen deployed with his unit, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, in support of a National Capital Region mission to Washington, D.C. North Dakota’s chaplaincy also supported the State Partnership Program (SPP) in July 2016. Chaplain (Col.) David L. Johnson and Chaplain Herbel took part in an SPP engagement to Ghana, Togo

and Benin where they discussed combat stress and deployment cycle support ministry. In 2017, Johnson also attended an AFRICOM planning event for the state chaplains and their African counterparts. The event was held to help plan future chaplain engagements for the SPP program within the state’s respective countries.

North Dakota’s chaplains continue to work together as a team to meet religious support needs within the state, including providing religious support for N.D. National Guard operations during the Dakota Access Pipeline Protest. Seven N.D. National Guard chaplains and seven chaplain assistants provided support for more than six months.

New Chaplains/Chaplain Assistants/Counselors since 2015 Army National Guard • Staff Sgt. Christopher Coombs (new Joint Force Headquarters chaplain assistant) • Spc. Billy J. Payne (new full-time chaplain assistant) • Sgt. Chad Franson (new 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion chaplain assistant) • Spc. Stephanie Fuchs (new 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment chaplain assistant) • Pfc. Jordan Benth (new 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense

Artillery Regiment chaplain assistant) Air National Guard • Staff Sgt. Nathan Wilke (new chaplain assistant at the 119th Wing) • Master Sgt. Jarrett R. Permann (new full-time chaplain assistant at 119th Wing) • Senior Airman Michael D. Prazak (new 119th Wing chaplain assistant) Human Relations Counselors • Bernadette Ternes, licensed social worker, Bismarck • Ann Stark, counselor, social worker and marriage and family therapist, Fargo Services Provided to Military and Families Religious Support and Pastoral Care Counseling and Referral Crisis Intervention Support to Families (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) Deployment and Reintegration Support Connect Military/Family to Resources Strong Bonds Relationship Training (marriage, single, family)

www.ndguard.com

19

SERVICE MEMBER & FAMILY SUPPORT Service Member and Family Support The Service Member and Family Support (SMFS) Division’s No. 1 goal is to enhance the quality of life for all service members, veterans and their families across the state. The SMFS does this by connecting its customers with services and resources — both within and outside the North Dakota National Guard — to assist them throughout the entire deployment cycle — before, during and after. To carry out its mission, the SMFS staff is geographically positioned in five key areas throughout the state: Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot and Devils Lake (Camp Grafton), including two Military Service Centers (one in both Bismarck and Fargo).

This allows the SMFS to effectively reach out and serve its customers.

Military Service Centers Military Service Centers (MSC) consolidate an array of SMFS services under one roof to provide a “one-stop shop” for customers.

Centrally located in North Dakota, the Bismarck MSC houses the majority of the SMFS’s service representatives and serves as the division’s headquarters facility at Raymond J. Bohn Armory.

The Fargo MSC is located in the Armed Forces Reserve Center.

Because of Bismarck’s and Fargo’s large metropolitan populations, along with concentration of the state’s units and military population, these cities were ideal locations for the facilities. The MSC staff provides services to and referrals for service members, family members, retirees, and dependents from all service components. The staff includes Family Assistance Center specialists, Child and Youth Program coordinators, a Family Readiness Support assistant, Military Outreach specialists, Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program specialists, a transition assistance advisor, a Military OneSource representative, a personal financial counselor, and a DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) identification card system with multiple operators. These services are

MILITARY SERVICE CENTERS Bismarck Military Service Center 4200 Miriam Drive 701-333-3800

Fargo Military Service Center 3920 31st Str. N. 701-451-6018

available to all military members from all components, their family members, veterans and retirees. During this biennium, the Fargo MSC supported more than 6,400 customers at its facility, while the Bismarck MSC had more than 5,300 customers use its services.

Military Outreach Team The state-supported Military Outreach Program is designed to serve all North Dakota veterans, service members and their families.

Outreach specialists make personal contact with veterans and their families to ensure that they are aware of their rights, services and benefits. As members of a Military Outreach Team (MOUT), they are available to assist veterans of any era, any conflict, and any service branch. MOUT members this biennium contacted more than 10,000 veterans and family members and assisted more than 1,100 veterans and family members. They provided a range of support, including helping veterans navigate the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs benefits and services, locating housing assistance, finding mental health support and accessing military records.

MOUT members continue to augment existing veteran support systems already in place. Their mobility allows them to cross over to areas not readily covered by other services.

Family Assistance Centers North Dakota has Family Assistance Centers (FACs) located in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils Lake and Minot. These North Dakota National Guard-sponsored centers provide essential services to military members, veterans and their families, of all service components. These services include ID card and DEERS enrollment, information and referral on TRICARE, financial, crisis intervention, community resources, legal, and emergency financial assistance. During the biennium, FAC specialists worked 3,164 cases and provided information to more than 10,400 Soldiers, veterans and their families.

The majority of clients are from the Army National Guard, but FAC Specialists also have assisted those from all service components, regardless of status. During a unit or individual mobilization/ deployment, a FAC specialist contacts the service member’s identified primary family member. During the past two years, FAC specialists made over 13,600 outreach contacts with family members, including phone calls, emails, in-person visits and letters. These outreach calls may also result in cases where a variety of services can be provided.

Child and Youth Program The North Dakota Child & Youth Program has grown during the past biennium. More than 300 volunteers assisted with the www.ndguard.com

21

planning and execution of more than 50 events logging more than 3,000 hours of volunteer time. Additionally, more than 4,000 youths participated at Yellow Ribbon Reintegration events, camps, the State Youth Symposium, a Regional Youth Summit, Youth Council meetings and military appreciation events. To continue the success of the Child & Youth Program, coordinators have partnered with local agencies and organizations, such as the Military Child Education Coalition, YMCA, Operation Military Kids, 4-H, Red Cross, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Lure’em for Life and North Dakota State University.

Family Readiness Support Assistant The mission of the Family Readiness Support assistant is to maintain continuity and stability within Family Readiness Groups as units undergo changes in volunteers and leadership.

Operationally, the assistant provides administrative and logistical support to commanders, rear detachment commanders and volunteer Family Readiness Group leaders. Taking administrative burdens off of volunteers allows Family Readiness Group leaders the time to concentrate on performing outreach to Guardsmen and their families, which helps preserve stability on the home front, especially during periods of deployment.

119th Wing Airman and Family Readiness Program The 119th Wing Airman & Family Readiness Program fosters family support and readiness for Air National Guard (ANG) members along with their dependents. The program fosters such support by communicating with and involving families. Advocating

22 Biennial Report 2015-2017

family readiness and support provides positive partnerships between the ANG and the members’ families. The Airman & Family Readiness Program provides products and services that support unit family readiness. They also provide support for the development and implementation of a family readiness and support program at the Wing. This objective also includes providing consultation and assistance to leadership in identifying and addressing family issues and demographic trends which impact mission readiness and retention.

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) is a Department of Defense-wide effort to promote the well-being of National Guard and Reserve service members, and those who support them, with dynamic and engaging delivery of information before, during and after deployments. YRRP events connect attendees with local information on health care, education/training opportunities, and financial and legal benefits. These resources help to prepare and guide attendees through the hardships of deployment, then enable service members to successfully reintegrate back into their families, communities and careers. Commanders and leaders play a critical role in assuring that National Guard and Reserve service members and their families attend Yellow Ribbon events. Each National Guard and Reserve component executes its own YRRP support services in the manner that best meets their unique missions and challenges. The N.D. Army National Guard YRRP provided services to more than 275 Soldiers and more than 332 family members through multiple reintegration events during this biennium.

Transition Assistance Advisor The transition assistance advisor is the statewide point of contact to provide information, support and direction to service members, veterans and their families about benefits and entitlements available through various federal and state agencies. The advisor helps them with their transition from military to civilian life. During this biennium, the transition assistance advisor assisted 1,512 service members, family members and veterans.

Personal Financial Counselor The Personal Financial Counselor program is funded through the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and is designed to provide financial counseling, education and personalized strategies for service members on personal financial readiness, money management and budget management. This enables military members and families to maintain or reach financial readiness and sustainment. Due to OSD program changes in 2014, the personal financial counselor service was only available for 90-day surge assignments. In October 2016, the position changed once again to a full-time position. During this biennium, North Dakota’s personal financial councelor conducted more than 2,100 face-to-face consultations and gave presentations to more than 3,500 other service and family members across North Dakota.

Military OneSource Military OneSource is a Department of Defense-funded program that’s both a call center (800-342-9647) and a website (www.militaryonesource.mil), providing comprehensive information on every aspect of military life that is free to active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members, their families and survivors.

Information includes, but is not limited to, deployment, reunion, relationships, grief counseling, spouse employment and education,

parenting and child care and much more. During this biennium, the Military OneSource state consultant provided direct and indirect support to 9,035 service and family members from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, Army Reserves, Marine Corps Reserves and Navy Reserves during 660 activities.

The program aims to improve the quality of life for military families and enhance the overall effectiveness of the military community.

Military Family Life Consultants The Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC) program is funded through the OSD and is designed to provide shortterm, solution-focused counseling to service members and their families. The program serves all military branches with anonymous, confidential support. The MFLC also provides psycho-educational presentations, briefings and counseling for Yellow Ribbon events, drill weekends and family events. The topics include deployment, reintegration, communication, grief and loss. Due to OSD program changes in 2014, the MFLC service only is available as a requested, on-demand basis with no permanent MFLC positions residing within the N.D. National Guard.

DEERS/RAPID System The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) maintain personnel and benefits information for active, Reserve, and retired military members and their eligible family members, as well as civilian Department of Defense contractors and Civil Service personnel. They are used to issue identification cards to eligible military members, their families, retirees and their family members and to several other federal agencies who require the use of the military Common Access Card. Using these systems, the Service Member and Family Support office has issued more than 1,500 identification cards during this biennium. www.ndguard.com

23

MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS “The ceremonial paying of respect and the final demonstration of the country’s gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our nation.”

Members of the funeral honors detail sound Taps, fold, and present the American flag to the veteran’s survivor. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, enacted Oct. 5, 1999, sets out the requirements for funeral honors. Prior to this law, military honors were provided by the military services as resources allowed.

Every state has a Military Funeral Honors state coordinator to develop, maintain, organize and execute the Military Funeral Honors program within the state. At a minimum, a funeral honors detail consists of two members of the Armed Forces, at least one of which is a member of the veteran’s military service branch. When available, funeral honors details may be augmented with volunteers who are military veterans and members of veterans’ service organizations, such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

During the 2015-2017 biennium, North Dakota’s Military Funeral Honors program provided funeral honors for 2,017 veterans.

The Authorized Provider Partnership Program authorizes members of the veterans’ service organizations to participate with the military services in providing funeral honors. It allows a majority of the veterans to have full honors, including a firing party, TAPS and ceremonial folding and presenting of the American flag.

Volunteers can participate as firing party members, pallbearers and buglers, among other duties. The National Defense Authorization Act for FY2000 allows for reimbursement of authorized expenses for the providers and also offers the necessary

24 Biennial Report 2015-2017

training. The Military Funeral Honors program recognizes each veterans’ organization with a certification plaque.

Who is eligible for military funeral honors?

Personnel on active duty; former members who served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable; members of the Selected Reserve; former members of the Selected Reserve who served at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable; and former members of the Selected Reserve who were discharged due to a service-related disability.

Veterans are ineligible if they are convicted of federal or state capital offenses and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole or receive the death penalty. They also are ineligible if they were discharged from the military under dishonorable conditions. These conditions include dishonorable discharge, bad conduct discharge, dismissal from the service awarded by court-martial, other than honorable discharge and, for officers, resignations of the good of the service in lieu of courts-martial, which results in a discharge characterization of other than honorable conditions.

Background The current program has the state divided into four regions with full-time Guardsmen in each region, augmented by traditional North Dakota National Guard Soldiers. Regularly scheduled training is conducted throughout the state to anyone willing to attend to build confidence in members. Funding comes from the National Guard Bureau.

The North Dakota Military Funeral Honors program began in October 2006.

www.ndguard.com

25

NORTH DAKOTA

Army National Guard 141st Manuever Enhancement Brigade The Fargo-based 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), with its headquarters company and various subordinate elements across North Dakota, serves as a rear-area security and support element when called upon for division-sized maneuver units in times of armed conflict or during peacekeeping operations, including domestic response within the state. With an authorized strength of 195 Soldiers and a total of 42 military occupational specialties, the 141st MEB’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) is the largest unit in the North Dakota National Guard.

In August 2015, HHC, 141st MEB, commanded by Capt.

Jonathan Fankhanel, participated in a training event at the Maneuver Training Center in Camp Dodge, Iowa. Unit members incorporated training and input provided by civilian subject matter experts to formulate a war-fighting exercise in which HHC, 141st MEB maintained command and control of subordinate units in a notional war-time scenario. The Fargo-based 231st Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) also participated in the exercise to provide directlevel logistical support to HHC, 141st MEB. As the higher headquarters for over two-thirds of the North Dakota Army National Guard’s units, the transition of leadership is crucial in ensuring the continuity of training and maintaining a stable force. On Feb. 26, 2016, during a change of responsibility ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. David Lien assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Nelson and now serves as the highest-ranking enlisted leader for the 141st MEB and its subordinate units.

426th Signal Network Support Company Communication capabilities are critical in order for the 141st MEB to plan and participate in the war-fighting exercises and maintain command and control of subordinate units. The Fargobased 426th Signal Company has about 40 Soldiers and is commanded by Capt. Luke Eberle. It is an organic element of the 141st MEB that has the capabilities to support tactical and state networks. Additionally, the 426th Signal Company provides operational elements in order to engineer, install, operate, maintain and defend the network and extend network services to elements operation in the mission area. In March and December of 2016, the 141st MEB and 426th Signal Company conducted communications exercises (COMEX) at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Fargo to ensure that the brigade was trained and prepared to successfully launch and execute a tactical command post, establish and maintain communication with convoy operations, and actively exercise all sections.

The 426th Signal Company and HHC, 141st MEB collaborated for a natural-disaster relief training exercise in June 2017 at the

26 Biennial Report 2015-2017

Camp Grafton Training Center. The 426th Signal Company personnel established a communications network in order for HHC, 141st MEB to run a tactical operations center and provide command and control during a simulated reaction and response mission.

1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment The Headquarters and Headquarters Battery of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery (1-188th ADA) Regiment includes about 120 Soldiers in Grand Forks trained to provide command and control to subordinate Avenger/Sentinel batteries as well as a maintenance detachment. Avenger/Sentinel batteries assigned to headquarters are comprised of about 60 Soldiers each with Battery A in Bismarck, Battery B in Grand Forks and Battery C in Fargo.

Detachment D, which includes about 50 Soldiers, also in Grand Forks, works to maintain the regiment’s equipment.

In March 2017, more than 200 Soldiers from the 1-188th ADA mobilized to Washington D.C. for Operation Noble Eagle. The unit’s mission involves collaborating with other Department of Defense agencies as part of the integrated air defense system design to protect the airspace around the National Capital Region (NCR).

The NCR mobilization marked the 11th deployment for the 1-188th ADA since 2004, which makes it the most-deployed unit in the N.D. National Guard during the Global War on Terrorism.

The 1-188th ADA supported the Operation Noble Eagle mission once before from July 2013 to April 2014. Prior to its National Capital Region mission, the unit deployed to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping mission, and air defense Soldiers also have deployed six times to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq.

191st Military Police Company About 160 Soldiers serve in the Fargo-based 191st Military Police Company and its detachment in Grand Forks. The unit specializes in law enforcement activities, mobility support operations, area security, detention operations, and criminal investigations in support of joint contingency efforts worldwide.

It also executes domestic operations with emphasis on police and detention operations in support of state and civil authorities.

About two dozen Soldiers from the 191st Military Police Company were part of the initial National Guard response in support of law enforcement during the Dakota Access Pipeline protest. The unit's members initially manned traffic information points and conducted moral and welfare checks with local rachers and residents in the community. The 191st Guardsmen continued to volunteer for State Active Duty throughout the 7-month mission and assumed a number of roles and duties, including training other North Dakota National Guard units in crowd and riot control.

www.ndguard.com

27

In September 2016, about 30 members of the 191st Military Police Company received an alert notification for possible mobilization to Afghanistan in early 2018. The decision to mobilize the unit has not yet occurred, but upon a final decision, an official U.S. Army mobilization order will be published. The unit is led by Capt. Jacob Danduran, of Fargo, and 1st Sgt. Jennifer Gowan, of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Soldiers in the unit hail from nearly 70 communities across North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota. During the previous bienium, about 30 Soldiers from the 191st Military Police Company were welcomed home after serving for about a year at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from 2012-2013.

231st Brigade Support Battalion More than 230 Soldiers serve in the 231st Brigade Support Battalion’s (BSB) units in southeastern North Dakota.

Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment Soldiers serve in Valley City and provides command and control for organic and attached units assigned to the BSB. Detachment 1 of Company A’s Soldiers also serve in Valley City, while the remaineder of Company A and Company B are located in Fargo. Company A provides

28 Biennial Report 2015-2017

transportation and supply support, while Company B provides field maintenance support.

In August 2015, Soldiers from the 231st BSB traveled to the Maneuver Training Center at Camp Dodge, Iowa, to support the Fargo-based 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in preparing for and executing a war-fighting exercise there. The exercise gave unit members opportunities to increase their capabilities and skills and to better work together. The Soldiers were able to improve upon products, processes and communication in order to provide the logistical support needed for a command and control element in a war-fighting scenario.

During its two-week annual training period in June 2016, Company A conducted numerous logistical package, or LOGPAC, missions to help support the North Dakota Army National Guard’s 164th Engineer Battalion, 426th Signal Company, 188th Engineer Company (Vertical), as well as Soldiers in its own battalion. By carrying out these missions, the unit provided food, water, fuel ammo, and other supplies to maintain Soldier readiness during annual training.

Company B also performed its missions during annual training, enhancing the skills of its members who serve in an array of

positions, which include wheeled vehicle mechanics, general service equipment mechanics, communications and electronics repairers, and armament repairers. Over the two weeks at Camp Grafton Training Center, the Soldiers used their military skill sets at the Combined Services Maintenance Shop on post, completing 42 work orders.

817th Engineer Company (Sapper) About 100 Soldiers serve with the 817th Engineer Company (Sapper), which is based in Jamestown. Sappers specialize in mobility, counter-mobility and survivability missions in support of maneuver forces. They are combat engineers who support “frontline” infantry and armor forces.

During the biennium, in May 2017, Soldiers of the 817th Engineer Company trained at Fort LeonardWood, Missouri, on route reconnaissance and route clearance patrols.

815th Engineer Company (Horizontal) Responsible for horizontal construction, such as road building,

the 815th Engineer Company (Horizontal) encompasses about 70 Soldiers in its Headquarters in Edgeley and another 100 across two detachments: Detachment 1 in Wishek and Detachment 2 in Lisbon.

Soldiers from the unit refining their military skills during annual training in June 2017 by making enhancements to the Wishek Municipal Airport. The work was completed through the National Guard’s State Civil-Military Construction Program, which provides Guardsmen with realistic training in their respective military occupational specialties, or MOSs, while providing local nonprofits and governmental agencies with needed assistance.

About 40 Soldiers from the Wishek-based Detachment 1 began work on the project by clearing debris and hauling about 60,000 cubic yards of fill dirt to grade and expand the airport’s hangar apron. The upgrade allowed for additional hangars to be built there to accommodate increased traffic at the facility. Additionally, the unit constructed an access road running to the apron, as well as a parking lot across from the airport terminal.

Later in the month, another 30 Soldiers from the unit’s Edgeley detachment used their heavy equipment to build a new 2,500-foot taxiway in Wishek. Lorren Henke, a board member for the Wishek www.ndguard.com

29

Municipal Airport, said the work done by the N.D. National Guard will help to enhance safety and help enable the airport’s future growth.

“I’ve enjoyed every time I’ve been out there to visit the airport.

(The Soldiers) are helpful people; they’re really concerned about doing a good job and they take pride in what they do,” he said this summer. “They wanted a quality project and want people to come by (the airport) and be able to say ‘this is what our Guard can do.’”

The 815th Soldiers also had opportunities to interact with the community. While in Wishek, the Guardsmen hosted a pinochle tournament, softball game, golf scramble and flag ceremony to show their appreciation.

188th Engineer Company (Vertical) A construction unit, the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical) is based in Wahpeton with about 160 Soldiers. The unit consists primarily of carpenters and masons, plumbers, electricians and mechanics.

During the biennium, the unit was responsible for the completion of more than 20 constructions projects. Some of its

30 Biennial Report 2015-2017

significant construction contributions on North Dakota Army National Guard training sites include showers, latrines, guard towers and a water tower at the Tactical Training Base at Camp Grafton’s southern training lands, near McHenry. The Soldiers also made improvements to the state command sergeant major’s billets on Camp Grafton Training Center (CGTC), as well as provided electrical improvements for four buildings there. Another construction project the Soldiers undertook at CGTC was completing the “slide for life” obstacle for the post’s confidence course.

The unit also completed projects in Fargo, including the construction of a storage building at the North Dakota National Guard industrial park facility. The Soldiers also paved sidewalks and a parking lot at the Field Maintenance Shop located at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Fargo.

During the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical) was one of the initial North Dakota Army National Guard units called to state active duty. The Soldiers primarily were responsible for the set-up and construction of the Forward Operating Base, near Fort Rice, which was used by Guardsmen and local law enforcement during the protest response.

835th Asphalt Team & 897th Concrete Team About 40 engineers specializing in asphalt make up the Carrington-based 835th Asphalt Team, while a dozen Soldiers comprise the 897th Concrete Team, who also drill in Carrington, and specialize in concrete.

In June 2016, both units completed a parking lot project at the American Veterans, or AMVETS, Club Post #20 in Steele.

They were able to assist the veterans organization through a state civil-military construction project. The program provides Soldiers with realistic training while providing community nonprofits and governmental agencies needed assistance.

The 835th and 897th Soldiers spent a unit drill weekend in May 2016 clearing the AMVETS parking lot site by using their inventory of earth-moving equipment, including graders, skidsteers, dump trucks, light medium tactical vehicles and rollers.

The Guardsmen then began pouring concrete for the facility’s new 75-by-135-foot parking lot, as well as additional gutters and driveways.

Sgt. 1st Class Joel O’Neil, of West Fargo, served as the units’ noncommissioned officer-in-charge and acting commander during

the project. He said his Soldiers typically spend their annual training periods doing concrete work at Camp Grafton Training Center. The AMVETS project gave the units the opportunity to train in their respective military occupational specialties, or MOSs, which include heavy equipment operators and concrete/asphalt equipment operators.

“The project has given us the chance to do some convoy training and mobilize the equipment we need, as well as conducting planning for the project. In general, (the project) is bigger than what we usually do; and it’s extremely interesting. It seems a lot more important to the Soldiers because it serves a community organization,” O’Neil said during construction. “(The community) has been awesome and really great to us. We have people stopping by and saying ‘thanks’ all the time. We even had a little kid who wanted to bring us ice cream, so he brought it for all of us. They’ve been really good to work with.”

Soldiers from the units also completed a number of construction projects in 2017 at Camp Grafton Training Center, including concrete work and abutments on a Bailey bridge on a post training area.

www.ndguard.com

31

68th Troop Command The Bismarck-based 68th Troop Command is a command and control headquarters unit responsible for the oversight of about 800 Soldiers who serve within two battalions, one company, and four separate units. The primary mission for the 68th Troop Command is to support all training, administrative, logistical and mobilization requirements for subordinate units. The 68th Troop Command also provides command and control for emergency operations in its geographically-assigned area, operationally known as a Regional Response Platform (RRP). The unit oversees one of four RRPs designated throughout the state for domestic operations and includes multiple counties in central and south central North Dakota.

During this biennium, the 68th Troop Command was involved in preparation and training for emergency operations in its RRP. This included training events in operations, administrative, logistical and maintenance. The unit also participated in a major disaster planning exercise with the North Dakota National Guard’s Joint Operation Center, further preparing for emergencies. The exercise required coordination with Soldiers and civilian personnel from Joint Force Headquarters, Burleigh County Emergency Management and the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.

Soldiers used this training for State Active Duty response for protest activity involving the Dakota Access Pipeline from September 2016 – April 2017. The 68th Troop Command provided command and control, as well as support for units activated for National Guard operations during the protest. This

32 Biennial Report 2015-2017

support included providing pay for personnel, organizing lodging, organizing health and welfare for Soldiers and acquiring equipment for the sometimes volatile environment and harsh winter weather conditions.

The 68th Troop Command also was involved in direct support missions for the deployment of the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, which deployed to Afghanistan in 2016. The 68th Troop Command conducted all of the unit’s premobilization training and provided logistical and administrative support to prepare the Soldiers for deployment.

Major reorganization and restructuring of North Dakota National Guard units occurred across the state during the biennium, primarily units organized under the 68th Troop Command.

Several units deactivated because of the Budget Control Act. These deactivations balanced the N.D. National Guard’s end strength with its force structure allowance, which increased organizational readiness. Units which were deactivated included the: 1919th Contingency Contracting Team, 814th Medical Company (Area Support), 134th Quartermaster Detachment, 133rd Quartermaster Detachment and 132nd Quartermaster Company. However, one unit was activated, the 174th Cyber Protection Team.

Future missions for the 68th Troop Command will be determined based on state and federal requirements.

Col. Scott Fontaine, 68th Troop Command commander, of Grand Forks, and Command Sgt. Maj. David Lien, of Bismarck, led the unit during the biennium.

www.ndguard.com

33

Army Aviation Support Facilities The North Dakota Army National Guard uses the Army Aviation Support Facilities (AASF) in Bismarck and Fargo to provide support for Army aviation units assigned to the state.

The AASFs provide helicopter flight support, conduct flight training for pilots and non-rated crewmembers to maintain individual proficiency, and satisfy the Army’s regulatory flying hour and readiness requirements. Personnel at the facilities also are responsible for performing all required maintenance and inspections on the assigned UH-72A Lakota and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, as well as a fixed wing aircraft, the C-12 Huron.

The Bismarck AASF is located at the south end of the Bismarck Airport and currently hangars up to 14 aircraft on a daily basis. The Fargo facility currently is operated out of leased space on the east side of Hector International airport and houses three aircraft during normal operations.

These two facilities allow the North Dakota Army National Guard to recruit, train and support aviation personnel and perform flight operations in both the east and west regions of North Dakota and provide emergency response to their supported communities.

Forty-six full-time federal technicians are employed between the two facilities. Their positions include responsibilities as instructor pilots, mechanics, fuelers and other operational support personnel required for the aviation mission. In addition to their daily duties, the Guardsmen are often the initial response force for state emergencies requiring aviation assets. Federal technicians also serve

34 Biennial Report 2015-2017

as traditional Guardsmen in a military capacity as members within the state’s aviation units.

During the biennium, the AASF’s employees provided maintenance actions, flight support and training to meet the needs of all individual crews, their units and the state. During this twoyear period, the Army Aviation Support Facilities achieved more than 5,500 accident-free flight hours, which adds to their more than 144,000 hours without a Class A or B accident. This safety record extends back to 1958.

The flight hours flown during this period required more than 300,000 gallons of jet fuel to be purchased from local vendors and through Defense Fuel Contracting. The AASFs continue to operate on an annual budget of more than $750,000 for repair parts and fuel to support the National Guard annual training program.

1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support) The 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (1-112th) operates and maintains UH-60 Black Hawk and UH-72A Lakota helicopters. Four units fall within the Battalion, located in Bismarck: Company A of the 1-112th; Company H of the 1-112th; Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment (Assault) (2285th) and Company D, 1-112th Aviation Battalion MEDEVAC, which is stationed in Fargo. The units operate Black Hawks primarily for troop movement and internal/external transport. The Lakota is ideally-suited for logistics and missions in support of

homeland security, emergency response and medical evacuations.

In May 2016, the 1-112th and Company C, 2-285th participated in the Aviation Resource Management Survey (ARMS), which evaluates 13 functional areas within the training, logistics, aviation medicine, maintenance and support programs of aviation units throughout the U.S. Army. The 1-112th scored a combined average of 94 percent, while Company C scored a combined average of 91 percent.

Members of the 1-112th supported Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter’s visit to the Minot Air Force Base in September 2016. Three UH-60 Black Hawks and crews were responsible for transporting Carter with his security and staff, alongside four UH-1 Huey’s from Minot Air Force Base. The aircraft personnel conducted a reconnaissance flight of the Minot Air Force Base Nuclear Missile Field and control centers.

The 1-112th and Company C also enhanced their skills by using the Aviation Combined Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) simulator in Bismarck, which creates realistic collective training missions in a multi-aircraft environment. The AVCATT is a means to conduct realistic situational training exercises, mission rehearsals, M240 weapons familiarization fire and external helicopter load training. Also, three 40-foot semi-trailers combine to create four different parts. The first is a battle master control room where commanders and battle control operators can create countless different simulations to include different weather, terrain and battle situations. The reconfigurable manned models or simulated cockpits, which can be reconstructed to simulate several different types of helicopters, including the UH-60 Black Hawk, UH-72A Lakota and the cabin areas for each aircraft. Once an exercise using the simulator is complete, the aircrews can debrief in an operations center and evaluate every detail of the mission, ranging from radio calls, time on target to the percent of torque of each engine. They can evaluate and identify correct or improper maneuvers throughout the simulated mission and make necessary changes to standing operating procedures.

Headquarters & Headquarters Company The 1-112th and its Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) both saw changes of command in the last year. Lt. Col. Julie Thomas and welcomed and turned command over to Maj. Douglas Larsen. Capt. Eric Lothspeich relinquished duties as HHC commander to Capt. Justin Gall.

Company A, 1-112th Company A participated in a joint training operation October 2015 with the 81st Civil Support Team (CST) where live video feed was relayed from McLean Bottoms, south of Bismarck, to the Army Aviation Readiness Center (AARC). The CST was setup at the boat ramp area of Mclean bottoms and boosted and relayed the video signal, via their equipment, to the AARC. In February 2016 and January 2017, Company A also participated in the AVCATT, which simulates realistic collective training missions.

In May 2016, the unit was inspected by the Aviation Resource Management Survey team, in conjunction with the rest of the battalion, and received a better than average passing score. No major breakdowns in any functional area were recorded.

The unit also was inspected by the Department of Evaluations and Standards in February 2017 and again, no major breakdowns in any area were recorded. Multiple no-notice written and flight exams were given within the biennium and were passed to satisfaction.

Company A also had a successful annual training in which it bivouacked in Carrington for roughly 7 days in June 2017. During this time, many scenarios were presented to company aircrews and the Soldiers performed remarkably. The unit’s aviation maintenance and refueling sections performed remarkably as well, despite being short staffed. The unit also conducted a very realistic downed aircraft scenario on one of the last nights in Carrington.

Company D, 1-112th MEDEVAC Because of an aviation realignment in 2016, Company D, 1-112th was moved to Fargo, North Dakota, from Rapid City, South Dakota. The North Dakota Army National Guard’s main aviation element of Company D, 1-112th has two detachments, which are located within the Wisconsin and the Idaho Army National Guards. The unit’s mission is to conduct aeromedical evacuation and is comprised of a company headquarters, flight operations, automotive maintenance, medical evacuation flight platoon and aircraft component repair sections. The unit is assigned four UH-72A Lakota helicopters.

Company D was the first unit in the U.S. Army to be fully compliant with HQDA EXORD 149-17, which directed the Secretary of the Army to establish a department-wide standard by September 2012 that requires all in-flight medical care providers to be critical care flight paramedic-certified within three years.

The requirement was extended in 2013 for flight paramedics to be critical care flight paramedic-certified by fiscal year 2017. This directive was implemented across all three components of the U.S. Army. Company D is 100 percent compliant with this standard, as all five of the unit’s flight paramedics have acquired their certifications. The flight paramedic noncommissioned officers are required to have their National Registry paramedic certification, attend two months of critical care flight paramedic training and are allowed to take the flight paramedic certification exam. This certification is equivalent to a civilian Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).

During the unit’s 2016 annual training at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, Company D and its Wisconsin detachment, Detachment 2, Company D, 1-112th MEVEVAC, conducted live human hoist and SKEDCO litter hoist training.

This is the first time in more than 10 years the North Dakota Army National Guard has trained and performed this MEDEVAC mission.

The unit continues to enhance its readiness in base aviation and medical tasks during flight in order to be prepared for any mission in the future. One unique aspect of Company D personnel’s skill sets is the medical care the Army flight paramedics are able to give.

This care includes advanced life support medications and lifesaving equipment. Also included is the possible implementation of carrying blood aboard aircraft for transfusions. In-flight medical care in the U.S. Army today far exceeds the care service members have ever received before. This mainly is because of the length of training a critical care flight paramedic receives, which is about 60 weeks of training. In perspective, an initial entry rotary wing pilot receives 58.5 weeks of training. www.ndguard.com

35

Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment (Assault) Company C, 2-285th this biennium revitalized its Aerial Gunnery Program, conducting aerial gunnery for the first time since 2013. The unit works as a standalone task force with a full company, which uses 10 UH-60 Black Hawks and elements from flight operations (HHC), ground maintenance (Company E) and aircraft maintenance (Company D).

In May 2016, Company sent a ground convoy of five tactical vehicles and four UH-60 Black Hawks to Alberta, Canada, for annual training at Canadian Forces Base Suffield to train with British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in support of Operation Prairie Storm. In Canada, Company C integrated with 29 Flight, a British Gazelle helicopter unit, to support mechanized ground infantry battalions. Company C also worked with elite British commandos and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers to conduct night vision goggle live fire call-to-fire aerial gunnery missions.

Company C also conducted “Red Card” helicopter fire-fighting training with the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in order to respond to federal fire-fighting requests. In 2016, the training was conducted at Fort Totten and, in 2017, training was conducted at a training area south of Bismarck.

Also in 2017, the unit sent seven vehicles and three helicopters for a weapons-based live fire at annual training in Camp Guernsey, Wyoming. Company C qualified with crew served weapons, including the M240H machine gun, MK19 grenade launcher and M249 squad automatic weapon, or SAW. The Soldiers also conducted individual weapons qualification using the M9 pistol and M4 and M16 rifles. Company C also qualified 100 percent of its pilots and crew chiefs in aerial gunnery.

In November 2016, Company C responded to a large grass fire near the Dakota Access Pipeline protest site in southern Morton County to support firefighting operations there.

Detachment 42, Operational Support Airlift Agency Detachment 42, Operational Support Airlift Agency (OSAA) conducts personnel and cargo movement using fixed-wing aircraft throughout the contiguous United States and, when required,

36 Biennial Report 2015-2017

deploys to perform similar missions in regions throughout the world.

During the biennium, the unit underwent an organizational restructuring, which created two distinct units in which its members now serve. Two Soldiers continue to be assigned under Detachment 42, while the remaining Soldiers were moved to create Detachment 7, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment. The new force structure allows the state to continue to accomplish its day-today support mission while aligning the force structure with active units for ease of deployment.

Detachment 7 currently is alerted for a potential deployment during summer 2018. While this will be the first mobilization under the new Detachment 7 designation, the mission actually will be the fixed-wing unit’s fourth mobilization. Detachment 42 Soldiers previously served in Afghanistan in 2003 and 2005 and Djibouti, Africa, in 2009.

116th Public Affairs Detachment The 116th Public Affairs Detachment (PAD), of Bismarck, consists of eight military journalists who tell the North Dakota National Guard story. Assigned Soldiers support the North Dakota National Guard’s event and mission coverage requirements while training for their wartime mission. Their strategic communications involve providing timely information during times of crisis, and documenting North Dakota National Guard personnel, equipment and missions.

In 2016, members of the 116th PAD travelled to British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS), near Suffield, Alberta, Canada, to provide media support for exercise Prairie Storm, a joint, multinational, live-fire Army training exercise. 116th PAD Soldiers also supported North Dakota’s Civil Support Team during training at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, and at a training event in Chicago, Illinois, in support of the U.S. Department of Energy. As military journalists, the Guardsmen created and distributed news releases and photos about the exercises to traditional media outlets worldwide and on social media platforms, reaching thousands of readers and viewers.

Soldiers of the 116th PAD also continued to support North Dakota units from across the state in 2017 by covering Annual Training events at Camp Grafton Training Center this summer. The 116th PAD produced print media products for the North Dakota Guardian, the official publication for the N.D. National Guard.

136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion About 70 Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the Bismarck-based 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) are trained in providing command and control structure for assigned or attached units. The unit can provide sustainment with any configuration of modular units assigned or attached within their command and control structure to reach the commander’s intent.

In 2016, the unit received a “notification of sourcing” to deploy overseas and began training and preparing for an overseas mission in Afghanistan. The CSSB’s annual training focused on basic Soldiering skills and shifted into a robust training exercise at Camp Grafton Training Center in Devils Lake in preparation for the Soldiers’ future deployment.

In early 2017, the CSSB deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel to provide command and control structure for assigned or attached logistical units. The unit was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division’s Sustainment Brigade and

commanded multiple detachments comprised of Soldiers from across the nation, including two movement control teams, a mortuary affairs detachment and 10 Department of the Army Civilian Expeditionary Workforce members.

In addition to supporting a mission overseas, the CSSB was relocated from Devils Lake to Bismarck to increase organizational readiness.

132nd Quartermaster Company (Water Purification and Storage) Previously headquartered out of Grand Forks, with detachments in Bottineau and Rugby, the 132nd Quartermaster Company was comprised of about 160 Soldiers. The unit was capable of deploying platoons independently to purify, store and distribute as much as 240,000 gallons of potable water per day.

In June 2016, the 132nd Quartermaster Company participated in Operation Golden Coyote, a multi-state, multi-national exercise that took place in various locations in South Dakota, Wyoming and North Dakota. The Guardsmen’s mission was to purify, store and distribute potable water in support of units participating in the exercise. With half of the company stationed at Orman Dam, South Dakota, and half stationed at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming, the 132nd Quartermaster Company earned the distinction of being the only water purification unit to pass a “preventative medicine” certification test for potable water, becoming the sole provider of www.ndguard.com

37

water to all units participating in the exercise. During the exercise, the unit provided 107,700 gallons of purified water to units throughout South Dakota and Wyoming and logged over 74,000 mission miles. In addition to training for its water mission, the 132nd Quartermaster Company also conducted training on base camp security, convoy operations and several other warrior tasks.

The 132nd Quartermaster Company’s mess section also was stationed at Orman Dam and provided meals to exercise participants using their mobile kitchen trailer. The cooks prepared more than 3,200 meals over seven days. They also had the opportunity to supervise and work with Navy culinary specialists, who also were participating in the exercise.

Following Operation Golden Coyote, the 132nd Quartermaster Company began preparing to deactivate in an effort to balance the North Dakota Army National Guard’s force structure and increase organizational readiness. Within three months, more than 120 Soldiers had been transferred to new units, and within six months, the Bottineau and Rugby Armories had been emptied and returned to the respective cities. A small crew of Soldiers also completed inventories, inspections and turned in all remaining equipment for disposition.

133rd Quartermaster Detachment (Hoseline) The 133rd Quartermaster Detachment’s mission was to distribute potable water to corps and theater level units. It was stationed in Grafton with more than 20 Soldiers. The unit could transport as much as 720,000 gallons of water per day, by hoseline, as far as 10 miles.

38 Biennial Report 2015-2017

During annual training in July 2016, Soldiers from the 133rd Quartermaster Detachment traveled to Fort Story, Virginia, to participate in a training exercise where they purified salt water. Fort Story is the only salt water purification training site for training of reverse osmosis water purification. This practice is significantly different than purifying fresh water. The training gave the North Dakota Guardsmen the opportunity to refresh their skills on beach operations, as well as make modifications required to purify salt water.

Following annual training, the unit began the process of deactivating in order to balance state end strength. Within five months, the 133rd Quartermaster Detachment completed the transfer of its Soldiers to new units, turned in its equipment and turned over the Grafton Armory to the city.

134th Quartermaster Detachment (Hoseline) The 134th Quartermaster Detachment’s mission was to distribute potable water to corps and theater level units. It was stationed in Grand Forks with more than 20 Soldiers. Like the 133rd Quartermaster Detachment, the unit could transport as much as 720,000 gallons of water per day, by hoseline, as far as 10 miles.

The 134th Quartermaster Detachment conducted annual training in 2016 at Camp Grafton Training Center in Devils Lake. The Soldiers trained on and operated all parts of the Tactical Water Distribution System, to include running hoseline over a suspension bridge and through culverts.

While at Camp Grafton, the unit took advantage of several training opportunities, including convoy lanes training, using the

Hummvee Egress Assistance Trainer, land navigation course, hand grenade range and the leaders reaction course.

Following annual training, the 134th Quartermaster Detachment began preparing for deactivation to increase organizational readiness within the state. Within five months, the unit completed the transfer of its Soldiers to new units and completed the turn in of its equipment.

3662nd Maintenance Company The 3662nd Maintenance Company, of Devils Lake, is comprised of 140 Soldiers. The unit provides command and control of assigned platoons, modules and teams to provide maintenance.

The unit provides sustainment maintenance of automotive vehicle systems — both tracked and wheeled — as well as ground support equipment (power generation, utility, construction, quartermaster and chemical equipment), armament and fire-control equipment.

This biennium, the unit’s allied trades section fabricated, welded, repaired and worked on more than 62 different projects. The work included fabricating parts for the Bailey Bridge at Camp Grafton Training Center for use by students attending the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute. The maintenance Soldiers also built cattle-crossing equipment for local training areas near Camp Grafton.

The 3662nd’s Headquarters and Maintenance Control transitioned to a new logistical tracking program to prepare work orders, maintain drivers’ records and track monthly services. During this biennium, the 3662nd Maintenance Company logged over 18,000 hours of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.

In addition to maintenance, the company served on state active duty to respond to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in southern Morton County. More than 110 Soldiers with the unit supported multiple missions. The Guardsmen completed more than 1,600 hours of maintenance during state active duty. Additionally, the 3662nd performed more than 22 evacuation and recovery missions, which consisted of loading and unloading in extreme winter weather conditions and spanned over 1,700 miles driven without any accidents. Other state active duty missions included fueling equipment, daily services, manning traffic control points and assisting with security and logistics.

164th Engineer Battalion The 164th Engineer Battalion, based in Minot, commands units from across central and western North Dakota. Those units include Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Minot, the 164th Engineer Battalion Forward Support Company in Minot, the 816th Engineer Company (Horizontal) in Dickinson, which also has Detachment 1 in Mott; the 817th Engineer Company (Sapper) in Jamestown; the 818th Engineer Company (Sapper) in Williston with a detachment in Minot, the 957th Engineer Company (MultiRole Bridge) in Bismarck and the 769th Survey and Design Team in Minot.

During a change of command ceremony at Camp Grafton Training Center – South in October 2015, Soldiers in the unit welcomed new commander Lt. Col. Russell Wolf, who assumed leadership responsibilities for the battalion from Lt. Col. David Bruschwein. Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Binstock is the unit’s senior

www.ndguard.com

39

enlisted leader.

During the summer of 2016, the 164th Engineer Battalion’s command team led its units during a combined arms, multiechelon annual training period at Camp Grafton Training Center.

There, the Soldiers conducted battalion-level operations, focusing on the mission command of five subordinate companies engaged in a variety of engineering missions and projects ranging from horizontal work on Ritchie Slough and a perimeter road, Army bridging operations, mobility and counter-mobility operations and technical reconnaissance.

The 164th Engineer Battalion also tested its resolve during the Governor’s statewide call up of units to support state active duty in response to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Hundreds of battalion Soldiers participated, which included those activated within the 817th Engineer Company, the 957th Engineer Company and Headquarters and Headquarters Company.

818th Engineer Company (Sapper) More than 100 Soldiers serve as engineers with the 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), which is based in Minot and has a detachment in Williston. The company falls under the 164th Engineer Battalion.

During the biennium, the unit conducted an annual training at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. During their three weeks there, Soldiers focused on small unit tactics and integration with active-duty Army units, such as military police and armor. North Dakota Guardsmen were attached to the 588th Engineer Battalion, of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team.

The 818th was responsible for clearing obstacles to enhance the mobility and safety of friendly units. The Guardsmen also acted as a quick reaction force and worked with explosive ordinance disposal teams, and were tasked with providing security for military police during several a large-scale training operations.

164th Forward Support Company The 164th Forward Support Company’s primary mission is to provide habitual, sustained, logistical support to the 164th Engineer Battalion and its subordinate units. The Minot-based unit is comprised of nearly 80 Soldiers.

In 2015, the Forward Support Company conducted annual training at Camp Dodge, Iowa, where the unit performed technical proficiency training for every military occupational specialty held by its Soldiers.

957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge) Nearly 200 Soldiers serve in the Bismarck-based 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge), which falls under the 164th Engineer Battalion. The unit conducts bridging operations, including transportation, assembly, retrieval and maintenance of all standard U.S. Army bridging systems. The unit’s secondary mission is to provide transportation of palletized-loading-system-configured cargo in support of worldwide contingencies and state operations.

The 957th conducted dozens of field training exercises at Kimball Bottoms and Lake Nelson — both located near Bismarck — on a number of occasions during the biennium. Additional training locations include Lake Coe, located on Camp Grafton Training Center – South.

From November 2016 - December 2016, more than 100 Soldiers from the unit cross trained as a security force in order to assist local law enforcement during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, south of Mandan. Soldiers learned new skills, which allowed them to operate traffic control points and perform other various tasks.

They faced austere conditions as they endured sizeable blizzards and wind chills reaching minus 75 degrees, with wind chill. The unit developed great rapport with several law enforcement agencies and demonstrated their ability to successfully complete any assigned mission.

769th Engineer Detachment (Survey and Design) The Minot-based 769th Engineer Detachment’s (Survey and Design) primary mission is to conduct, prepare and provide planning studies and tests for identified engineer projects, as well as project costs.

In addition to training for their survey and designing engineer mission, the unit’s Soldiers have been training on all aspects of engineer construction. They’ve participated in projects at the Veterans Cemetery in Mandan and the Field Maintenance Shop parking lot at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Fargo.

816th Engineer Company (Horizontal) Prior to force structure changes in 2017, the 816th Engineer Company’s primary mission was horizontal construction. Based in Dickinson, with just over 100 Soldiers, the unit also had a small detachment in Mott with about 50 Soldiers. The company fell under the 164th Engineer Battalion.

During annual training in July 2015, the unit conducted three earthmoving construction projects at the Camp Grafton Training Center to protect infrastructure, enhance drainage of land area and control erosion.

In January 2017, the unit began its transition from an engineer company to a military police company. By the end of the biennium, most unit members obtained military police qualification, engineer equipment was prepared for turn in and the Mott armory was vacated.

The 816th Engineer Company now is recognized as the 816th Military Police Company, based in Dickinson, with a detachment in Bismarck. The company now reports to the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.

40 Biennial Report 2015-2017

188th Army Band About 40 Soldier-musicians serve in the 188th Army Band in Fargo. As the official military band of North Dakota, the unit has the responsibility to perform for both civilian and military audiences across the state. The 188th Army Band operates under the 136th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, of the 68th Troop Command, and is led by Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Landman and 1st Sgt. Jeff Pfingsten. Every Soldier in the unit belongs to multiple musical ensembles, each with unique performance styles and capacities. The band’s flexibility and modularity enable the unit to adapt to diverse settings, from small-town parades to send-off ceremonies to high school classrooms.

One of the most memorable and beloved missions for the unit during the biennium was in October 2015 when the Soldiers performed for a World War II Victory Celebration in Bismarck.

www.ndguard.com

41

42 Biennial Report 2015-2017

Hosted by the 164th Infantry Association, the event recognized the 70th Anniversary of the successful end of World War II. Nearly 120 World War II veterans from across the country — accompanied by family and friends — attended, several in dress uniforms they were issued during World War II service. The 188th Army Band provided vintage wartime dance music for the USO-style event, since the unit’s lineage extends to the 164th Infantry Regiment in the 1940s when band members served as litter bearers and first-aid men on Guadalcanal. The 188th Army Band has supported the 164th Infantry Association members throughout the decades, and were honored to be part of this important event.

In December 2015, the 188th Army Band’s “Full Battle Rattle” brass quintet performed for the Adjutant General Change-ofCommand Ceremony between now-retired Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk and current North Dakota Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann.

A significant focus for the unit continues to be education outreach. In July 2015 and June 2016, the 188th Army Band held its second and third iterations of its Military Youth Music Camp to support children of current and retired North Dakota National Guard service members. During each of these 4-day camps, members of the band coached and mentored about 15 young musicians on the North Dakota State University campus. The students fine-tuned their musical skills and learned how to express their thoughts and feelings through music and writing.

In March 2016, Soldiers from the unit worked with music program administrators at 10 high schools to bring the 188th Army Band members’ musical leadership to students in the form of master classes, sectionals and performances. The Guardsmen worked with students in jazz, concert band and chamber ensembles in small- and large-group settings.

In November 2016, the 188th Army Band was called to State Active Duty to support local law enforcement in Morton County during protest activity regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline.

During the unit’s 28-day activation, Soldiers safely transported North Dakota Guardsmen between organizational facilities and a Forward Operating Base near Fort Rice, positioned and readied buses for law enforcement reaction and detainee transport, and hauled detainees from Morton County to other facilities across the state. Several volunteers from the 188th Army Band supported state active duty missions throughout the 7-month protest.

In January 2017, Soldiers from the 188th Army Band played during Gov. Doug Burgum’s Inaugural Celebration in Bismarck.

The band’s brass quintet performed in the lobby of the Bismarck Event Center, while the unit’s jazz band played a featured performance during the Inaugural Celebration. Before the performances, Brig. Gen. Bob Fode, North Dakota National Guard Army Component commander, presented the 188th Army Band with a trophy for the unit’s recruiting efforts. The band had the most unit enlistments in the state in the “company-sized element” category.

The 188th Army Band continued to make connections with fellow musicians at the academic and professional level during the biennium, enriching the musical experience of North Dakota residents. In February 2017, the band was showcased in a joint concert with the North Dakota Intercollegiate Band at North Dakota State University, which is comprised of student musicians from colleges and universities throughout the state. Col. Timothy Holton; commander of the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” as

well as Bismarck-native and long-time friend of the 188th Army Band, was the guest conductor for the event.

814th Medical Company (Area Support) About 50 Soldiers served in the Bismarck-based 814th Medical Company (Area Support) who served in a variety of medical specialties to support the unit’s mission of safeguarding the overall health and readiness of supported units. The 814th was comprised of the following sections: a headquarters element, preventative medicine, mental health, a medical treatment and an ambulance platoon.

Having returned from a deployment to Afghanistan in November 2014, the 814th’s primary focus over the biennium was for its Soldiers to maintain their credentials and skills related to their military occupational specialties. The majority of the company consists of combat medics, who are nationally registered as emergency medical technicians, or EMTs. Medics are required to train bi-annually for 72 hours and validate their skills within seven major categories, including trauma, airway management, intravenous access and medication administration, medical assessment/evaluation, triage and evacuation, force health protection and obstetrics, gynecology and pediatrics. In addition to training its own medics, the 814th provided training to 48 of the 102 medics who serve across the North Dakota Army National Guard.

Soldiers from the 814th shared their medical knowledge this biennium by instructing and hosting five Combat Lifesaver Courses for units and Soldiers throughout the N.D. Army National Guard.

The Combat Lifesaver Course is designed to train Soldiers to provide first aid to injured personnel when a medic is not available and to mitigate severe and life-threatening conditions.

The 814th operated a troop medical clinic at the military treatment facility on Camp Grafton Training Center during its 2016 annual training. There, the unit’s Soldiers provided care for sick or injured military members. Their efforts enabled commanders to maintain the health and welfare of more than 960 Soldiers who also were conducting annual training at Camp Grafton.

In June 2016, seven 814th Soldiers participated in an Overseas Deployment Training to Hohenfels, Germany. The unit’s medics provided real-world field medical support at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center during Combined Resolve VI. The multinational exercise is designed to train the Army’s regional forces, attached to U.S. European Command.

The 814th concluded 2017 by receiving a notification of divesture. Divestures are an effort to balance a state’s end strength with its force structure allowance and increase organizational readiness. The unit’s personnel and equipment were transferred to other entities within the N.D. Army National Guard.

1919th Contingency Contracting Team The 1919th Contingency Contracting Team, of Bismarck, was comprised of four Soldiers, each with specialized skills in planning, coordinating and issuing contracts for supplies and services required for supporting U.S. military forces in the field.

During this biennium, the unit received a notice of unit inactivation as a result of the Budget Control Act. In March 2017, the last remaining Soldier was transferred to another unit and the 1919th Contingency Contracting Team later was inactivated. www.ndguard.com

43

Camp Grafton Training Center Camp Grafton Training Center is located along the shores of the 150,000-acre Devils Lake. Located about five miles south of the city of Devils Lake, along State Highway 20, the post ecompasses about 1,500 acres and is the equivalent of a small city, having more than 300 buildings and completely developed infrastructure. The main posts consists primarily of unit headquarters, logistics support facilities and is home to the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute.

The training facility’s primary live-fire ranges and maneuver training areas are at Camp Grafton’s south unit — about 45 miles south of the main camp — and consist of 11,000 acres that provide a training area for open-area combat arms, maneuver, demolitions and bridging operations. In addition, there are four local training areas situated throughout the state.

Camp Grafton Training Center is one of the most desirable locations for military units nationwide to conduct training. Law enforcement agencies in the region, state and local agencies, and universities in North Dakota also train there. This is a direct result of the vision to be recognized as one of the nation’s premiere National Guard training centers, focused on world-class training facilities, ranges, customer service and quality of life. The installation is staffed by skilled professionals ready to meet the diverse challenges of the 21st century.

Several upgrades and the development of new training areas took place on Camp Grafton during the biennium. These improvements have helped meet the training requirements of North Dakota National Guard units. The addition of a 22-station confidence

44 Biennial Report 2015-2017

course has provided commanders with team-building opportunities.

It also is helpful in preparing Soldiers who have been selected to attend Air Assault School, as well as a scoreable event for the annual Best Warrior Competition.

Many of the structures on Camp Grafton were modernized during the biennum, with enhanced heating and lighting systems.

The central heating plant on post underwent a complete renovation with upgraded control systems and steam line replacement. Other improvements at Camp Grafton have included the construction of a quarter-mile running track and parade field, furniture replacement at the post's lodging facilities and the upgrades of several simulator systems.

Personnel at Camp Grafton also continue to maintain a robust community outreach program. Local leader visits, disabled veterans hunting, a 14K run/walk event, school and community visits and educational seminars are only a small part of the interaction Camp Grafton has with the citizens of North Dakota.

164th Regiment Regional Training Institute The 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute’s (RTI) two training battalions — the 1st Engineer Battalion and 2nd Modular Battalion — provide year-round, fully-accredited military engineer specialty courses and noncommissioned officer training for reservecomponent engineers nationwide. Institute instructors also conduct Officer Candidate School training, primarily for North Dakota Soldiers. Training for the majority of courses takes place at the Camp Grafton Training Center.

www.ndguard.com

45

During the biennium, the North Dakota’s schoolhouse staff continued to offer a robust curriculum for military members visiting the RTI, including courses in the following military occupational specialties: combat engineer, bridge crewmember, construction supervisor, plumber, heavy equipment operator, electrician, technical engineer, construction specialist (masonry), food service specialist, an Army Basic Instructor course and Small Group Instructor course.

The North Dakota National Guard continues to make improvements to the RTI's facility and training areas available to the schoolhouse’s students on Camp Grafton. The RTI’s horizontal construction training area continues to progress, while a permanent classroom facility there has been approved for construction and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2019. Some other improvements being made to the training area include a driving track around its perimeter, as well as perimeter expansion with grading, dozing and fill operations to improve drainage and erosion control.

Additional areas on Camp Grafton continue to be enhanced for RTI student training, including the Richie Slough bridge project that began in 2015 with the clearing of more than two acres of trees. The project moved forward during the biennium with the excavation of a marina, launch points and a parking area. When complete, Richie Slough will accommodate a bridge park will allow Army multi-role bridge commanders to watch their engineer companies erect any bridge in the Army inventory. Each bridge can be assembled within a 500-meter distance of one another, simultaneously. Additionally, the RTI in 2017, became the only National Guard training institution authorized to teach the Acrow Bridge System, which is being used in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Concurrently, improvements have continued to be made Camp Grafton — South’s urban breach range. In 2016, a hard structure building was completed there to offer a temperate area for training, storage, and practical exercises, year round. A complete remodel of the demolitions range also was completed, ensuring RTI students have the safest and most current training complex.

Improvements to the RTI’s technology infrastructure also continue to be made. During the biennium, the schoolhouse successfully fielded, tested and ran multiple scenarios using the Virtual Battle Space 3 landscape, which has augmented culminating training events for attendees at the RTI’s Senior Leader Course.

RTI instructors also have assisted the North Dakota Army National Guard, as an organization, by training Soldiers in using the RQ-11B RAVEN. The small hand-launched remote-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles were fielded to certain North Dakota units and the RTI was able to offer a RAVEN operator course to help personnel become familiar with the system. After the first course was instructed in August 2017, the RTI was able to graduate seven fully-trained RAVEN operators.

The RTI also continues its relationship with Bismarck State College, the North Dakota State College of Science and the North Dakota Plumbing and Electrical Boards to explore Credentialing, Education, Certification and Licensing (CECL) options for its instructors. RTI instructors now can teach Career and Technical Education, or CTE, courses in public schools because of their training experience and military occupational specialties. This was made possible after a memorandum of agreement was completed with the North Dakota Career and Technical Education director, granting RTI instructors 1,700 hours toward civilian education licensure annually with 8,000 hours required to complete the

46 Biennial Report 2015-2017

program.

In the summer of 2017, the RTI hosted the National Guard Engineer Conference, which was attended by representatives from schools that teach Army Engineer Programs of Instruction.

Representatives from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) also were in attendance to provide insight into the new TRADOC accreditation standards, as well as lessons learned from previous accreditation visits.

After undergoing a series of detailed inspections in 2016, the RTI’s cadre and instructors reestablished its Army schoolhouse as an “Institution of Excellence,” as deemed by a team of evaluators from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). The TRADOC accreditation process is administered in 3-year cycles to Army training institutions nationwide. This was the fourth time the 164th Regiment RTI had received a “Fully Accredited” rating and “Institution of Excellence” status since 2008.

In addition to providing training and instruction, the RTI continues to be a very active participant in the State Partnership Program with Ghana, Togo and Benin, and sends numerous instructors to the countries each year. While there, they can offer assistance and guidance on engineer operations. During the biennium, the RTI sent 10 Soldiers to Ghana, Togo and Benin.

The RTI also continues to be involved with the Boy Scouts of America. Annually, the Boy Scouts come to the schoolhouse on Camp Grafton over a weekend for training with RTI instructors on numerous different tasks, which help the Scouts to earn their merit badges.

Recruiting & Retention Battalion Within the North Dakota Army National Guard, the Recruiting and Retention Battalion works to build the force with qualified recruits while retaining the well-trained Soldiers already serving within units. This mission is handled by a team of 65 full-time personnel and part-time Soldiers across the state, including strength maintenance noncommissioned officers, support staff, Recruit Sustainment Program cadre and staff, officer strength management personnel and recruitment and retention command leadership.

Recruiting and Retention remains steadfast in its mission to recruit, train and retain citizens to the North Dakota Army National Guard to provide ready units, individuals and equipment supporting our communities, state and nation.

From July 2015 to June 2017, 516 new Soldiers joined the ranks of the North Dakota Army National Guard. Of those, 65 achieved honor graduate or distinguished honor graduate while attending Basic Combat Training or military occupational specialty schools with several excelling during all initial training.

Soldiers continue to take advantage of many outstanding career opportunities and benefits — including gaining leadership skills and military and civilian education — at little or no cost to the Soldier.

Additionally, Soldiers have access to free educational services (career counseling, admission test, etc.), free medical screenings, life insurance, family benefits (including use of the commissary and Post Exchange facilities), and vocational training and retiree benefits.

During the biennium, the National Guard offered federallyfunded recruiting and retention incentives to select units and Soldiers with specific military occupational specialties. This Selected Reserve Incentive Program included:

• •

• •

•

Re-enlistment cash bonus of up to $4,000 for a 2-year reenlistment or up to $12,000 for a 6-year reenlistment.

Enlistment cash bonuses ranging from $7,500 to $20,000 in selected units for enlistment into critical skill military occupational specialties, which are determined by the Department of Army and the National Guard Bureau.

An affiliation bonus ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for Soldiers being discharged from active duty with a remaining service obligation, who joined the National Guard.

The Student Loan Repayment Program makes payments on student loans at the end of each satisfactory year of service.

A minimum of $500 and a maximum of $7,500 (including interest) can be paid each year, dependent on loan amounts.

The maximum amount paid to a Soldier is $50,000.

A Health Professional Loan Repayment Program repays medical professional education loans when a medical professional joins the Guard. The program pays from $75,000 to $240,000, depending on the area of concentration. Yearly payments range from up to $25,000 to $40,000 per year. The program is available to any medical

•

•

•

•

career specialty, as determined by the Department of the Army based on critical shortages nationwide in these career fields.

A Chaplains Loan Repayment Program makes payments on student loans at the end of each satisfactory year of service.

A payment of up to $6,666 is paid each year with a lifetime maximum for this incentive of $80,000.

Chapter 1606, Montgomery GI Bill is a federal program enacted by Congress that entitles Soldiers to 36 months of educational benefits. As the biennium ended, the GI Bill rate was $369 per month for a full-time student.

Montgomery GI Bill Kicker Program — The National Defense Authorization Act amended the basic GI Bill program and authorized additional benefits for Soldiers with specific skills or in particular units. This program provides an additional $200-$350 a month for full-time students.

Tuition Assistance Program — North Dakota has been fortunate to have state funding complement federal funding, to be able to offer up to 100 percent paid tuition for North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers. The National Guard www.ndguard.com

47

48 Biennial Report 2015-2017

Bureau has recognized this program as a key contributor to our successful recruiting/retention efforts during the past two years. The program helps pay tuition fees for Army and Air Guard members who attend state-controlled colleges and universities. Students at participating private colleges receive reimbursement up to the full-time undergraduate rate at the state-controlled school with the highest combined tuition and fee rate. Service members must earn at least a C or better for undergraduate reimbursement, and a B or better for graduate courses.

Recruit Sustainment Program The Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) located at Camp Grafton Training Center remains successful at preparing North Dakota Soldiers for Basic Combat Training.

North Dakota’s ship rate average over this biennium is 88.1 percent, which surpasses National Guard Bureau’s goal of 85 percent. Of 486 Soldiers scheduled to ship to training, 428 successfully shipped to training and were mentally, physically and administratively ready to succeed. During the months of June, July and August 2016, North Dakota broke into the top 15 in the nation by ranking 12th, 13th, and 12th, respectfully, on the Recruit Sustainment Program metrics.

North Dakota’s Honor Graduate rate for this biennium is 10.7 percent, meaning that 46 of the 428 who shipped to training, had been named an honor graduate or distinguished honor graduate.

Other notable accomplishments from this biennium are: • In July 2015, North Dakota reached 3rd in the nation with a 95.8 percent ship rate.

• During the months of December, January, and February, North Dakota ranked 7th, 7th, and 9th in Training Pipeline Success across the nation.

• North Dakota reached first in the nation for Shipper Quality Control Rate in January 2016 through August of 2016 with a 100 percent accuracy rate on shipper packets, and has consistently remained in the top 10 in the nation in this category.

Commissioned Officer Recruiting During this biennium, the N.D. Army National Guard has made significant strides in filling our officer and warrant officer shortages. With a concerted effort by the Recruiting and Retention Battalion and the units' leadership, the achievements during this biennium have set North Dakota on a great path for identifying and developing the future leaders within the organization. As the authorized number of officers increased during the biennium, the N.D. Army National Guard leveraged professional and educational opportunities to maintain company grade officer strength above 98 percent, and increased warrant officer strength by 8 percent.

Eagle Flight is an educational and recruiting event held annually at Camp Grafton Training Center. This event is used to recruit and inform potential applicants of the different commissioning routes for becoming an officer. Information is provided on all officer producing programs to include Officer Candidate School, Reserve Officer Training Corps, Warrant Officer Candidate School, Specialty Branch and Direct Commissions. In addition, subject matter experts provide the most current changes to education and

other incentives.

Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT) Preparation and Examination Weekend is an event to assist potential officer candidates with improving their General Technical (GT) score to 110, which is the minimum requirement to commission. The event has been a partnership between the Recruiting and Retention Battalion and local educators, who support the instruction in the topics of math and arithmetic reasoning. Since the inception and implementation of the AFCT weekend, 57 Soldiers have participated with 31 Soldiers increasing their GT score to a 110 or above, with an average increase of over 10 points per Soldier.

Reserve Officer Training Corps The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program is designed to prepare students to become future leaders and commissioned officers. The specific locations for ROTC in North Dakota, which includes locations in Minnesota, are the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and the Tri-College ROTC program, which includes North Dakota State University in Fargo, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Concordia College in Moorhead.

The Army ROTC scholarship benefit package provides tuition, fees, housing, and a book allowance. Two-, three- and four-year scholarships are available.

All contracted cadets are also entitled to a stipend (subsistence allowance) authorized by law. The subsistence allowance ranges from $350-$500 per month and begins immediately upon contracting. This stipend increases annually as the cadet progresses through military science courses. In addition, a housing allowance of $10,000 and book allowance of $1200 are authorized for each academic year. While under contract, each cadet will be paid as an E-5 (sergeant) as they complete their officer training and college degree.

During the biennium, the ROTC program produced 21 college graduates and second lieutenants for the North Dakota Army National Guard. One of the many success stories of the ROTC program was the selection of Cadet Ryan Doblar. He was the first North Dakota Army National Guard cadet chosen to be the battalion commander in school year 2015-16 for the Tri-College program in Fargo.

The Minuteman/Civilian Ambassador to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) ROTC Campaign has been wildly successful in both enlisted production and growing future officers. Minuteman and CASA scholarships provide the same level of financial incentive, but come from different nominating sources. Both The Adjutant General and the CASA have nominating authority for this tremendous scholarship. The overall campaign has produced 65 enlistments and future officers during this biennium. North Dakota has finished in the top 4 nationally in terms of scholarships granted.

By recruiting top-tier high school students (academics, athletics and community service) with this great college scholarship, the North Dakota Army National Guard has established an initiative to grow its ranks with outstanding future officers and leaders.

Officer Candidate School Officer Candidate School (OCS) provides an opportunity for Soldiers who desire a challenging management position in one of www.ndguard.com

49

the many career fields offered by the Guard. Officer Candidates have two options for commissioning through OCS — Traditional and Accelerated (Fast Track). The Traditional Course is a 16 to 19-month course of instruction, whereas the Accelerated Course is eight weeks.

Throughout the span of this biennium, 30 Officer Candidates have taken advantage of this program — 20 choosing the traditional route and 10 candidates going Fast Track.

Warrant Officer Recruiting Warrant Officer recruiting is focused on current Soldiers from within the North Dakota Army National Guard who have displayed the technical skill and leadership ability commensurate with becoming a warrant officer. Warrant officers are technical experts, combat leaders and advisors. Soldiers must meet certain criteria to be eligible to pursue a commission through the Warrant Officer program. A prospective warrant officer must be selected and approved by the North Dakota Army National Guard leadership and the technical skill proponent school. Warrant Officer Candidate School can either be completed via distant learning and a resident portion, or a complete resident portion in the case of aviation warrant officers. Over the biennium, 21 Soldiers have been approved to pursue their commission as a warrant officer.

North Dakota High School Activities Association The N.D. Army National Guard supported efforts and activities sanctioned by the North Dakota High School Activities Association through a partnership role. During the biennium, the North Dakota Army National Guard had a presence at more than two dozen state athletic events and eight non-athletic events. These events open the doors for Guard personnel to engage with students, centers of influence and communities across the state.

Community Relationships Strong relationships have been built with the North Dakota Broadcasters Association, North Dakota Association of Secondary Principals, North Dakota Counseling Association, North Dakota Education Association and schools and colleges across the state.

Also, strong relationships have been built with community organizations, such as the Boy Scouts and High School Junior ROTC programs.

Academia Mission To showcase the N.D. Army National Guard’s dedication to its “Partners in Education” role, the Recruiting and Retention Battalion held several “Educator Flights” at Camp Grafton Training Center.

This event delivers a unique experience to North Dakota school administrators, teachers, coaches and faculty by providing them a “day-in-the-life” perspective of a National Guard Soldier. Educators are introduced to some basic Soldier skills and have the opportunity to use the Engagement Skills Trainer, which is a simulated training aid for weapon usage. The educators also have rappelled down a 30foot rappel tower and flown in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

The purpose of the Academia Mission and educator event is to broaden state educators’ understanding about what the North

50 Biennial Report 2015-2017

Dakota Army National Guard has to offer potential recruits, as well as their communities and schools.

Military Appreciation Games The North Dakota Army National Guard has teamed up with high schools and colleges across the state in an effort to promote military awareness and community involvement through military appreciation games. The athletic events offer a setting for relationship building between the National Guard and the community in a cooperative environment.

Athletic home teams wear a military style jersey to demonstrate the community connection that the North Dakota Army National Guard has established over the years. These sporting events include football, basketball (girls and boys), hockey, wrestling and volleyball.

The North Dakota Army National Guard plans to continue our partnership with schools and communities.

Job Shadow Program The N.D. Army National Guard’s Job Shadow Program is an excellent opportunity for local students to observe and participate in a vocation or technical career area. The program allows individuals to discover careers and opportunities in various vocational fields.

This is particularly beneficial when it comes time to choose a field of study for college. The program is available to juniors, seniors, college students and individuals who are interested in a vocation or technical field.

National Guard facilities around the state aid in this program by offering a platform for students to explore their interests.

Maintenance shops throughout North Dakota and the 164th Regiment Regional Training Institute at Camp Grafton Training Center are readily available for prospective recruits to observe the vocational and technical fields that the North Dakota Army National Guard has to offer.

During the biennium, the program offered opportunities to observe vocations and technical training in armament, upholstery, welding, machining, auto body and paint shop, electronic repair, automotive and equipment mechanic, administrative/clerical/ supply and calibration.

Other Opportunities The N.D. Army National Guard continued to support additional events across the state, including the North Dakota State Fair and the Red River Valley Fair. Recruiting personnel also continued to expand and improve upon school initiatives, including a life skills programs, alcohol awareness presentations and countless other activities across the state to further strengthen the North Dakota Army National Guard brand awareness and generate quality leads for recruiters.

Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) The Fargo MEPS earned the Army National Guard Small Military Entrance Processing Station for Fiscal Year 2016. This is only the second time the Fargo MEPS has been selected for this recognition. The North Dakota Army National Guard guidance counselors were key to achieving this recognition. They scored

95 out of 100 points for overall MEPS Guidance Counselor operations, applicant and shipper processing, and review of shipper packets. The Fargo MEPS also completed Fiscal Year 2016 with 100 percent accuracy in the category of National Shipper Packet Quality Control percentage, which compares the number of shippers against the number of packet deficiencies from the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). The Fargo MEPS was one of only two MEPS in the nation with zero deficiencies and a total of 302 shippers.

Retention Efforts The Recruiting and Retention Battalion has a team of trained retention personnel who understand the importance of maintaining the force. They work diligently with units and individual Soldiers in an effort to keep the N.D. Army National Guard functioning at its best. Throughout the biennium, the retention team has supported units in many different ways to include incentive briefings, Guard

Your Future events, unit retention counselor training, family support activities and cook-outs for Soldiers at annual training. Retention noncommissioned officers collaborate with state and unit leadership to identify, monitor and address Soldier issues. North Dakota is consistently in the top 5 in the nation for retention rates of our Soldiers. This is due to the quality of leadership, training and Soldiers that make up the N.D. Army National Guard.

Guard Your Future is a retention event held once per quarter in Bismarck. Soldiers who are have approximately 180-120 days until their Expiration of Term of Service are invited to attend this event, along with their spouses. This event is focused on providing our Soldiers with information about the benefits related to their service to the N.D. Army National Guard so that they are able to make an informed decision. Information is provided on education, retirement, and health incentives related to their service. This program has been successful in educating our Soldiers and families with over 40 percent of Soldiers who have attended this event deciding to re-enlist. www.ndguard.com

51

NORTH DAKOTA

Air National Guard 119th Wing The 119th Wing, out of Fargo, serves as the headquarters for the North Dakota Air National Guard. Support offices within its immediate oversight include the legal office, public affairs, finance, safety and chaplaincy.

The 119th Wing welcomed a new wing commander during a change of command ceremony on Feb. 4, 2017. Col. Thomas (Britt) Hatley assumed the duties from Col. Kent Olson, who had served in the position since 2013 and later retired with more than 36 years of service in the N.D. Air National Guard.

The unit, known as the Happy Hooligans, maintained its status as one of the most-awarded in the nation when it received its 17th and 18th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award during the biennium.

The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award recognizes units across the active-duty Air Force, Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard for achievements of national or international significance, including successful involvement with military operations or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing force.

52 Biennial Report 2015-2017

Operations Group During the biennium, the 119th Operations Group (OG) transitioned from flying, maintaining and training with the MQ-1 Predator aircraft at the Launch and Recovery Element (LRE) at Grand Forks Air Force Base (AFB) to relocating and launching MQ-9 Reaper aircraft at Hector International Airport in Fargo. Additionally, the 119th OG continued to have a presence worldwide by flying multiple MQ-1 lines in support of counterterrorism operations.

With the commencement of MQ-9 operations in October 2016, the 178th Reconnaissance Squadron was re-designated to the 178th Attack Squadron. Over the biennium, while flying MQ-1 and MQ-9 aircraft, the squadron accumulated more than 15,000 combat support hours in multiple theaters of operations. By moving locations, the unit save more than 200 man hours associated with travel to and from Grand Forks AFB, over $14,000 in annual fuel costs, nearly $100,000 in support agreement costs and provided a significant increase in aircrew training availability.

Several 119th OG members also have been developing training programs and exercises with the Air Force Research Laboratory.

The development of these initiatives has been instrumental in providing pre-deployment training for several hundred ground and air warfighters. Additionally, the training has been crucial to the development of tactics, techniques and procedures for the remotelypiloted aircraft enterprise.

During the biennium, the squadron’s Launch Recovery Element (LRE) prepared and moved its flying operation from Grand Forks AFB to Fargo. By doing this, the group was able to launch a Hooligan aircraft over the skies of Fargo for the first time since 2013. Having the LRE in Fargo provides invaluable training for aircrew and maintenance personnel, preparing them for future deployment opportunities.

Maintenance Squadron The 119th Operations Group, Detachment 1 is comprised of the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS), Maintenance Operations Flight (MOF), and Quality Assurance. One hundred and fourteen personnel fulfill manning requirements as experts in flight line operations, avionics, weapons, munitions, cyber support, aircraft ground equipment, metals, structural and non-destructive inspection shops.

As maintenance was planning for the arrival of the MQ-9 Reaper in Fargo, the LRE was still functioning and flying the MQ-1 Predator. In July 2015, a “mass fly” event/month was scheduled at

Grand Forks AFB. The unit flew 19 sorties for 35 hours, which was a record number. On March 7, 2016, the unit flew its final MQ-1 sortie. Statistically, the Wing flew the MQ-1 from October 2012 March 2016, amassing 212 sorties for 294 hours.

In November 2015 the 119th AMXS joined sister units in planning for an overseas deployment. Seventeen personnel from all maintenance specialties initiated their training by assisting with an aircrew training surge from November 2015 - February 2016 at March Air Force Base, California. By April, 10 personnel were deployed in support of Operation Juniper Shield. Ten more personnel departed (while the initial deployers returned) throughout June, August, October and December. The latter personnel participated in Operation Odyssey Lightning, joining personnel from California, New York and Texas. The deployment was a success as 7,160 hours were flown in support of the operations with 428 sorties.

On May 25, 2017, the first MQ-9 arrived at Hector Field, in Fargo, with the second arriving on June 23.

Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance Group Since 2015, the 119th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group (ISRG) has continued to progress into a highly effective training and operational organization, producing real-world kinetic and non-kinetic targeting products. The 119th ISRG’s two production squadrons have formalized both in-house training and production. The 176th Intelligence Squadron (IS) produces intelligence that can be used to destroy enemy structures and www.ndguard.com

53

equipment, while the 177th IS analyzes adversaries’ command, control and communication networks for exploitable vulnerabilities.

One of the priorities for the 119th ISRG during the biennium was to qualify personnel with advanced certifications in order to bolster contributions to the efforts of the targeting enterprise. The group now has three advanced targeting certifications: Intermediate Target Development (ITD), Collateral Damage Estimate (CDE) and Precision Point Mensuration (PPM). ITD analysts specialize in breaking down facilities and equipment and give meaning and analysis to imagery. CDE analysts are able to accurately predict the effects that weapons will have on a target and its surrounding areas.

This skill allows commanders to minimize unintentional casualties and damage while still producing the desired effects against targets.

PPM analysts verify precise coordinates where weapons will be employed. PPM is also essential to ensuring the correct target is effectively engaged, which saves weapons and prevents undesired weapons effects. These advanced certifications, along with base-level qualifications, mean the 119th ISRG is now capable of performing basic, intermediate and advanced targeting.

Members of the 119th ISRG experienced the first deployments for the group in 2016. Two analysts — one non-kinetic and one kinetic — were deployed in support of named contingency operations. These first deployments gave the members invaluable experience, which they brought back and shared with the group. The deployments also allowed the ISRG to build relationships and gain trust with other organizations. Since the initial deployments, the

54 Biennial Report 2015-2017

ISRG has maintained an uninterrupted, voluntary presence overseas supporting contingency operations.

On Sept. 11, 2016, the 119th ISRG officially declared initial operating capability.

Mission Support Group The 119th Wing’s Mission Support Group encompasses the several squadrons: Civil Engineer, Logistics Readiness, Security Forces, Force Support and 219th Security Forces, as well as the Communications Flight. More than 500 personnel serve within the group.

From May-July 2016, the 119th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) supported Tropic Care 2016 with disaster relief beddown sets, or DRBS, packages in a partnership with 119th and 188th Civil Engineer Squadrons. The units provided comprehensive logistics support, including logistics planning and aerial port functions. They also partnered with the Hawaii State Department of Health and the National Guard Bureau to help provide medical, dental and optometry services on Kauai, Hawaii, while serving the communities of Waimea, Kapa'a, and Kilauea. In total, the squadron supported the movement of 258 tons of cargo and 26 passengers during Tropic Care 2016.

Also during the biennium, the distribution flight of the 119th LRS processed 2,058 airline tickets, supporting official travel requirements throughout the 119th Wing. The Plans and

Integration Flight processed 70 deployment mobilizations in support of overseas wartime missions to numerous commands around the globe.

Civil Engineer Squadron Trainers from the 119th Wing’s Regional Training Site traveled to six different states to instruct the high priority airfield damage repair program to 88 active-duty and Reserve personnel. The site also was used to host seven Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force, or BEEF, teams to provide essential training and equipment

usage to more than 148 personnel. Civil engineers also taught 49 different classes to 336 Air National Guard, Reserve, and active duty-personnel, which fulfilled mandatory engineer training requirements. Sixty-three engineers deployed to southwest Asia during the biennium.

The explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team provided critical assistance to the U.S. Secret Service while conducting VIP bomb sweeps on four separate missions in Wisconsin, Maine, Chile and India. EOD also provided assistance to the Bismarck bomb squad and federal agencies during peak tensions with protestors during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

www.ndguard.com

55

119th Security Forces Squadron The 119th Security Forces Squadron (SFS), based in Fargo, secures and protects base resources and assets in excess of $300 million and more than 1,000 personnel on a daily basis. The squadron activated and deployed 58 Airmen to state active duty for the Dakota Access Pipeline protests from Oct. 21, 2016, to Feb. 1, 2017. The Guardsmen directly supported law enforcement operations with traffic control points, traffic information points, forward operating base security points and quick reaction forces.

Additionally, the 119th SFS deployed 27 Airmen to Southwest Asia during the biennium in 2017 to conduct base security and other missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.

Also during the biennium, the 119th SFS gave back to its community by working with multiple organizations. The Airmen participated in ringing bells for the Salvation Army, assisting elderly members in the community during the United Way Day of Caring, benefiting the Special Olympics through “Tip-a-Cop” and the “Polar Plunge,” building homes for Habitat for Humanity and raising money for the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation during the “Defender Dash.” The squadron volunteered more than 200 hours and raised more than $24,000 through its efforts.

219th Security Forces Squadron The 219th Security Forces Squadron (SFS), based in Minot, is comprised of Guardsmen who work side-by-side with active-duty

56 Biennial Report 2015-2017

security forces airmen from the 91st Security Forces Squadron at Minot Air Force Base. The primary mission of the 219th SFS is to provide the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command with a surge force capability during heightened operational requirements. The unit supervises and performs security force activities, including installation, weapon system and resource security, antiterrorism, law enforcement and investigations, military working-dog functions, air base defense, armament and equipment, training, pass and registration, information security and combat arms.

The 219th Security Forces Squadron frequently conducts largescale exercises and higher headquarters inspections with personnel posted in the missile complex. The Airmen were responsible for securing various sectors of the Minot AFB missile complex. In fall 2016, a total revamp on how missile security is conducted was introduced. Missile Security Operating Concept (MSOC) was initiated, allowing greater flexibility and lethality to provide protection for the nation’s most powerful resources.

From October 2016 - February 2017, the unit served 1,654 man days of state active duty to support law enforcement personnel and multiple other state agencies during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Additionally, 14 airmen deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in early 2017, while four Airmen deployed to Africa to support the North Dakota National Guard’s State Partnership Program.

During the biennium, the 219th Security Forces Squadron also conducted a large-scale deployment of personnel to complete annual training requirements at Camp Grafton Training Center.

www.ndguard.com

57

58 Biennial Report 2015-2017

The unit deployed with personnel from the 119th Medical Group to conduct a series of joint exercises to meet combat readiness requirements for both units.

Medical Group In June 2016, 40 members of the 119th Medical Group (MDG) attended Innovative Readiness Training Tropic Care 2016, an Army-led, multi-service/component training event. This event was coordinated through the district health office and civilian authorities on Hawaii. During this two-week event, members of the 119th MDG provided medical, dental and optometric services to underprivileged citizens on the Big Island. Services were provided in three locations: Hove, K’au and Kea’au. Members of the 119th MDG received all of their required readiness skills verification training, resulting from 9,632 patient encounters/services, while saving the local populace $750,833.72 in medical care. The group also was able to work with its sister services, as well as with British and German military members.

In addition to training events, the 119th MDG also spent the biennium converting to AHLTA, an electronic health record system. This conversion required scanning and uploading about 1,100 paper medical records for electronic archiving. Along with

this new electronic health record, a new physical health assessment questionnaire process was instituted for the first time in a decade.

Consequently, the 119th MDG also ensured nearly 150 Wing members’ medical readiness and preparedness in order to allow them to deploy and successfully complete their missions. The group’s efforts merited the awarding of several Air Force Medical Service National Awards during the biennium.

Recruiting and Retention During the biennium, the 119th Wing recruiting team had 209 total gains, sent 131 Air Guard members to basic/technical training and completed 120 unit referrals.

The retention team received outstanding remarks from a National Guard Bureau training and standards evaluation team in February 2017. Its retention rate in 2016 was 90.54 percent, and the retention rate in 2017 was 92.87 percent.

119th Wing Recruiting and Retention also held events on base in Fargo, which included four communication workshops and three presentations to University of North Dakota students enrolled in an introductory unmanned aerial systems class. The team members also proctored six high school Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) tests. www.ndguard.com

59

NORTH DAKOTA

Department of Emergency Services

The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) falls under the supervision of the Office of the Adjutant General and includes the Division of Homeland Security and the Division of State Radio Communications.

Its vision is to be a respected team investing in and contributing to a safe and secure homeland through coordinated emergency services.

The mission of the NDDES is to conduct planning, coordination, communications and operations for the safety and security of all citizens in North Dakota.

This mission is accomplished with about 105 employees in all areas of the department.

NDDES provides 24/7 emergency communications and resource coordination with more than 50 lead and support agencies, private enterprise and voluntary organizations to assist local and tribal jurisdictions in disaster and emergency response activities. It administers federal disaster recovery programs and the Homeland Security Grant Program.

The department manages the State Emergency Operations Center, ensuring a statewide coordinated response to emergencies and disasters, and operates the State Radio communications center, which provides services to all first responders, emergency operations personnel and North Dakota residents. Additionally, NDDES prepares for, responds to, and recovers from natural and technological events. The department coordinates with local, tribal, state and federal agencies to produce and distribute public safety information.

During the past two years, NDDES, in addition to providing resource coordination for emergency response activities, focused on: • Active disaster response • Re-writing mission area response plans • Supporting and providing training and exercising at the local level • Developing a special needs registry for our vulnerable citizens Also during the biennium, NDDES supported the National Guard’s State Partnership Program and provided disaster response coordination and preparation training to National Disaster Management.

Division of Homeland Security The Division of Homeland Security is organized into the Disaster Recovery Section, Homeland Security Program Section and Operations and Planning Section. As a whole, the division manages the State Emergency Operations Center and coordinates federal, state, local, tribal and private resources to ensure a synchronized statewide response in the event of an incident, emergency or disaster.

60 Biennial Report 2015-2017

North Dakota State and Local Intelligence Center (NDSLIC) The NDSLIC, re-authorized by former Gov. Jack Dalrymple on March 25, 2014, in Executive Order 2014-06, is set up to assist the efforts of the United States government to establish a national network of fusion centers. These serve as the “central hub” for North Dakota’s fusion process and serve as the primary interface between North Dakota and federal governments for information gathering, analysis and dissemination. The NDSLIC Executive Board, set by Executive Order 2007-06, is comprised of the North Dakota adjutant general, the director of the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the colonel of the North Dakota Highway Patrol, director of the North Dakota Division of Homeland Security, and the North Dakota Information Technology Department’s chief information officer.

The NDSLIC is housed within Fraine Barracks (North Dakota National Guard’s state headquarters) in Bismarck. The staff includes 13 individuals from state and federal agencies. The center continues its outreach while socializing its mission and capabilities to its state, local, tribal and federal partners. The center produces tactical law enforcement alerts and bulletins and develops strategic situational awareness products for dissemination to state, local, tribal and federal agencies. The NDSLIC also has established partnerships in the emergency management and private sector communities.

Threats and areas of focus for the center include: critical infrastructure/key resources, terrorism (foreign and domestic), criminal gangs, cyber and narcotics. Additional services that are offered to law enforcement and also county disaster preparedness managers, the Department of Health and civilian entities, include assisting with tabletop exercises relating to acts of terror, mass disaster and casualty events.

The NDSLIC has a critical infrastructure program manager to coordinate and conduct site assistance visits in order to evaluate infrastructure vulnerabilities. These assessments and methodologies are used to improve emergency planning, incident response and target hardening of critical infrastructure assets. The program is also a hub for information sharing between private sector stakeholders and the law enforcement and intelligence communities.

The NDSLIC’s Information Liaison Officer (ILO) program’s purpose is to recruit, train, and equip law enforcement officers in the area of information and intelligence gathering, storing and dissemination. The NDSLIC has expanded this program to encompass other personnel, including firefighters, emergency managers and private sector personnel throughout the state. These individuals will serve as primary conduits of information and intelligence exchange between NDSLIC and local communities.

The NDSLIC will continue to expand the ILO program during the next biennium, with the goal of building a more robust information and intelligence sharing community. The NDSLIC has in place the Homeland Secure Data Network, which is designed

N.D. STATE AND LOCAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER Requests for Case Support...........................................................................................................................................................13,100 Requests for Information (RFIs)...............................................................................................................................................8,396 Special BOLOs (Be On the Lookout) and Daily Hot Sheets.......................................................................................................599 Daily Teletypes.............................................................................................................................................................................570 Weekly Law Enforcement Summaries.........................................................................................................................................275 Weekly Antiterrorism Summaries..................................................................................................................................................63

as a stand-alone classified network capable of rapidly exchanging data that is classified at the secret level. The network provides secure connectivity in a collaborative environment to gather and disseminate classified information between appropriately cleared local, state, federal and tribal personnel. This addition will ultimately enhance public safety in North Dakota.

Homeland Security Grants and Training Grants were provided to local and tribal units of government to address gaps identified through the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) process, secure the border, and to sustain emergency management programs.

NDDES disbursed $6,047,931 in Homeland Security Grant Program funds in the form of State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grants for the purposes of building or enhancing 1) Physical Protective Measure core capability, 2) Public Information and Waring core capability, 3) Mass Care Services core capability, 4) Cybersecurity core capability, and 5) the regional emergency response Hazardous Materials, Bomb, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Dive Rescue, and Structural Collapse Search and Rescue teams; and Operation Stonegarden (OSPG) grants to support joint efforts to secure the border between Canada and the United States along routes of ingress.

Additionally, NDDES disbursed $3,065,098 in Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program funds to maintain and sustain local and tribal emergency management positions.

NDDES Training and Exercise Program offers a wide variety of courses for first responders, emergency managers, healthcare providers, and other response support staff and partners. Sixtytwo training opportunities were hosted and facilitated by the ND Department of Emergency Services during the biennium. One thousand six hundred eight (1,608) students participated in these classes.

The NDDES continues to provide and participate in multiagency emergency response exercises, or “practice events”.

Exercises are designed to progress from discussion to operational demonstration of capabilities and give participants a safe environment in which to identify planning gaps and capability weaknesses. NDDES hosted 26 exercises, with the participation of other state agencies and local jurisdictions in 12 of those.

Additionally, NDDES wrote and conducted a tabletop exercise

for NEMAC, the Northern Emergency Management Assistance Compact. This exercise was held in Regina, Saskatchewan, with participation from the Provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island; the federal government of Canada, the US State Department, and the States of Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. After action reports and improvement plans have resulted in revisions to operational plans and consequently in improved response to real events.

NDDES is responsible for the Citizen’s Corps Program, which concentrates on Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) development and Training. CERT teaches citizens how to care for themselves, their families, neighbors and coworkers in a disaster. The mission of the North Dakota Citizen Corps Council is to promote readiness in every community. It is well proven that CERT teams are a response multiplier in times of disaster. NDDES will provide administrative support to all councils and teams. It is recognized that our youth are the next generation of responders, teachers, and leaders; therefore, the North Dakota CERT program will focus recruitment efforts and financial support on Teen CERT. The primary goal of NDDES is to provide the necessary resources to support Teen CERT. The rationale behind the emphasis on Teen CERT is that those graduates will work in their communities to: • Assist family, friends, neighbors and classmates during emergencies or disasters • Take an active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community • Pursue careers in, or volunteer for, service and response disciplines • Provide a life time of community service There are currently two Teen CERT programs, at Jamestown High School and Northern Cass High School. In the last biennium, 245 students have graduated from the course.

The North Dakota Incident Management Team was transitioned to the North Dakota Emergency Management Support Team (EMST) with an expanded scope of potential assignments to support emergency response across the state. Team expectations and mobilization guidelines were revised. Thirty seven volunteers and their employers remain committed to support emergency management response across the state as EMST members.

www.ndguard.com

61

Disaster Recovery Disaster Recovery manages and coordinates presidentially declared disaster programs, including public assistance and hazard mitigation. Nationally, North Dakota is one of three states that maintain a “Managing State” status. The Division of Homeland Security assumes disaster program management responsibilities instead of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; however, coordination with FEMA is an ongoing process.

The Public Assistance Program is managed under the Managing State concept. This concept, launched by FEMA, gives states with proven track records the authority to manage disaster recovery programs. States that manage disaster programs provide faster delivery of programs at less cost to the taxpayer. When event damages exceed the predetermined per capita threshold, a presidential declaration results and activates federal disaster recovery programs. More than $2.3 billion in disaster recovery assistance have been distributed to local, tribal and state entities since 1993. The Public Assistance Program provides federal funding for repairs to damaged public infrastructure, such as roads, culverts, bridges, public buildings and parks. The normal cost share is 75 percent federal and 25 percent state/local share.

As the biennium ends, physical construction work for FEMADR-1907- ND (2010 flood) and FEMA-DR-1981-ND (2011 flood) has been completed. Public Assistance compliance staff continues to provide technical assistance to applicants to achieve the remaining administrative and closeout activities required by FEMA. Compliance teams also are working with the tribal governments

regarding the administration of their public assistance programs along with the compliance of their small project worksheets from all open disasters.

Public Assistance staff continues to work with project worksheets specific to FEMA-DR-4118-ND (2013 flood), FEMA-DR-4128ND (2013 severe storms and flood), FEMA-DR-4154-ND (2013 severe winter storm), and FEMA-DR-4190-ND (2014 flood).

The Public Assistance staff (two compliance teams) also continue to make considerable progress with closing previous disasters. The following disaster has been closed: • FEMA-DR 1986-ND (2011 Severe Winter Storm) The Public Assistance staff, at the request of the governor, participated in a two Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) with FEMA Region VIII. The PDAs were a result of the following incidents.

• Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protest on August 10th 2016 to March 31st 2017 • Riverine and Overland Flooding on March 23 to April 29 2017 The first incident was denied a declaration by the president, and the second incident was granted a major disaster declaration, FEMA-DR-4323-ND (2017 flood).

FEMA-DR-4323-ND: On July 12, 2017, the president approved Gov. Doug Burgum’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Counties declared for Public Assistance: Benson, Bottineau, Cavalier, McHenry,

In response to the Dakota Access Pipeline, protestors nationwide assembled in southern Morton Country, establishing makeshift camps. Some estimates suggest, during the height of the protests, there were as many as 8,000 who gathered on Army Corps of Engineer land.

62 Biennial Report 2015-2017

HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM The State continues to manage projects and administer funding for a number of disasters and projects. During the biennium the follow Hazard Mitigation Grants were active.

•

Grant # 1829 — Severe Storms and Flooding — Declared March 24, 2009 — 41 Projects — $19,826,833.06

•

Grant #4128 — Severe Storms and Flooding — Declared July 12, 2013 — 9 Projects — $1,291,805.00

•

Grant # 1901 — Severe Winter Storm — Declared April 21, 2010, Closed July 22, 2015 — 13 Projects — $3,778,602.00

•

Grant #4154 — Severe Winter Storm — Declared Oct. 31, 2013 — 12 Projects — $706,369.00

•

Grant #1981 — Flooding — Declared May 10, 2011 — 58 Projects — $95,080,309.00

•

Grant #4190 — Flooding — Declared Aug. 19, 2014 — 6 Projects — $360,309.00

•

Grant # 4118 — Flooding — Declared May 29, 2013 — 13 Projects — $966,378.00

Renville, Rolette Pierce, Pembina, Towner, Walsh Counties and the Turtle Mountain Reservation.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is available to all eligible jurisdictions and private nonprofit organizations after a presidential disaster has been declared. However, eligible applications do not have to be a result of the disaster.

The funding is directed to projects that will permanently reduce or eliminate future risk to lives and property, such as home acquisition from floodways and flood plains, lift station repair, sewer system and drainage system upgrades, water retention systems as well as back-up generators, early warning sirens and mitigation planning. The federal cost share is 75 percent; the state’s share is 10 percent with a 15 percent local cost share.

Total

$122,010,605.06

for unsubscribed funds. Projects are restricted to NFIP-insured properties and are typically used for home acquisition and relocation projects. Cost share is 75 percent for the federal government, with 25 percent paid by the state and local jurisdictions.

Overland flooding in Bottineau County.

Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program The Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program is a non-disaster, nationwide, competitive grant program that funds eligible mitigation projects and hazard mitigation planning prior to a disaster event. Local governments must have an approved multihazard mitigation plan in order to apply for funding. If the national review panel selects an application, 75 percent of the cost is borne by the federal government and 25 percent by the local jurisdiction.

North Dakota was been very successful during the biennium securing funding in the nationally competitive environment.

Projects and funding obtained during the period were: • 2015 – 8 Projects valued over $227,000 • 2016 – 11 Projects valued over $3,066,000 Flood Mitigation Assistance Program The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program is a non-disaster, nationally competitive grant program. Each state receives an annual allocation of funds based on a formula addressing the number of National Flood Insurance Program active flood insurance policies within the state. However, eligible projects may compete www.ndguard.com

63

MITIGATION TRAINING Mitigation Program staff provided ongoing mitigation outreach through strategic mitigation training and course offerings: • L253 — Introduction to Environmental/Historic Preservation Laws Course • L242 — Unified Hazard Mitigation Grant Assistance Application Development Course • L276 — Benefit/Cost Analysis (Entry Level) Workshop BCA Workshop • L212 — Introduction to Hazard Mitigation Assistance • G318 — Hazard Mitigation Planning Workshop

Repetitive Flood Claims Program The Repetitive Flood Claims Program, a subset of the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, is available to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program that have had one or more claim payments for flood damages. The cost share is typically 75 percent federal and 25 percent state/local. Projects are considered through national competition on what will deliver the greatest return to the National Flood Insurance Fund.

Severe Repetitive Loss Program The Severe Repetitive Loss Program, also a subset of the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, is available to reduce or eliminate long-term risk of flood damage to severe repetitive loss of residential structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. This also will result in the greatest savings to the National Flood Insurance Fund. SRL properties must have at least four program claims (building and contents) greater than $5,000 each that cumulatively exceeds $20,000. Alternatively, properties may have two separate claim payments (building only) that have been made that exceed the market value of the building and at least two of the referenced claims must have occurred within any 10-year period and must be greater than 10 days apart.

Mitigation Planning NDDES achieved a major milestone during the biennium for mitigation plan development. As a result of extensive outreach, all North Dakota counties and tribal nations are either developing or have federally-approved multi-hazard mitigation plans. These plans reflect a high level of involvement of local and tribal planning teams to identify hazards and threats; analyze potential consequences; and then develop viable mitigation actions that meet or exceed federal mitigation planning requirements. These teams identified a variety of resources that would enable them to pursue these actions.

Active stakeholder involvement also characterizes the state mitigation planning process. The state Hazard Mitigation Team represents a broad-based team of more than 50 public and private partners who contributed to development of the 2014 State of North Dakota Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan. After plan approval on February 14, 2014, by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), stakeholders remained involved to ensure the plan remains a living document. During the past two years, the team provided periodic updates hazard analyses and strategies for enacting mitigation actions. The 2014-2016 Progress Report: Mitigation in North Dakota provided a snapshot of partners’

64 Biennial Report 2015-2017

progress to pursue the mitigation actions and also the collaboration required to enact many jurisdiction, interjurisdictional and multijurisdictional projects.

These contributions position the State of North Dakota to pursue Enhanced Mitigation Plan status when the plan is revised during 2018. Enhanced Mitigation Plan status increases available mitigation dollars from 15 percent to 20 percent of total estimated eligible Stafford Act disaster assistance for federallydeclared disasters. The enhanced designation is recognition for states that are leaders in implementing a comprehensive statewide hazard mitigation program that results in safer, more sustainable communities.

Individual and Households Program The Individual and Households Program provides funding assistance up to predetermined limits for home damage repair, transportation repair or replacement, and funeral expenses. It allows limited funding for crisis counseling, unemployment assistance, and loans from the Small Business Administration. The cost share equates to 75 percent federal and a 25 percent state/local share.

Disaster recovery staff coordinates with all state agencies and multiple non-government entities identifying, coordinating, communicating, and delivering individual and household assistance to disaster survivors while augmenting the federal assistance program. Individual Assistance program staff members continue to work with respective state and federal agencies to identify potential unmet needs through available programs and to inform citizens of available resources to assist with disaster recovery needs for individuals and businesses.

Mitigation Programs: Conclusion The Mitigation Program continued collaborations with North Dakota Emergency Management Association, North Dakota Association of Counties, North Dakota League of Cities, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, North Dakota Recreation and Park association, North Dakota regional councils and others. More than $222 million have been invested across North Dakota through the various mitigation programs (1993 to 2010).

Operations and Planning The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services continues to invest heavily in improving its response plans and working with other state agencies to ensure all-hazard response readiness.

HOUSING REHABILITATION AND CITIZEN RETENTION PROGRAM During the biennium, the Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Section continued to administer grant funding for the Housing Rehabilitation and Citizen Retention Grant. The $10 million grant, an initiative of the governor and the 2011

State Legislature, helps communities retain their residents by providing funding for rehabilitation and replacement of homes damaged by the 2011 flood. The following details final funding disbursement for the grant.

Spirit Lake Nation

Oct. 23, 2012

$38,240

Minot and Burlington, Ward Country

Utility hookup and set up of mobile homes for displaced residents.

Oct. 3, 2012

$3,422,044

Demolition/replacement and establishment of a Community Land Trust

Benson County

Oct. 3, 2012

$29,602

Reimbursement for repairs of homes damaged by high water tables to include basement wall collapses.

Richland County

Sept. 11, 2012

$30,676

Reimbursement for repairs of homes damaged by overland flooding.

Barnes County

Sept. 11, 2012

$20,399

Reimbursement for repairs of homes damaged by high water tables to include basement wall collapses.

McHenry County

June 28, 2012

$29,826

Reimbursement for repairs of flood-damaged homes.

Burleigh-Morton Counties

June 25, 2012

$498,844

Reimbursement for repairs of flood-damaged homes.

Ramsey County

June 1, 2012

$95,989

Replacement of septic systems to 1460 ft elevation or higher; reimbursement for repair of flood-damaged homes.

Renville County

June 1, 2012

$45,193

Reimbursement for repairs of flood-damaged homes.

Ward County

March 5, 2012

$4,643,423

Reimbursement for repairs of flood-damaged homes; funding to four non-profit organizations for expenses associated with rebuilding efforts.

Ward County

March 5, 2012

$3,150

A landlord survey, commissioned by the Souris Basin Planning Council, to gauge interest in affordable housing and rebuild plans.

Total

$8,857,390

www.ndguard.com

65

During this biennium, NDDES continued making investments to enhance the state’s response capabilities. The agency expanded its response capabilities in the hazardous materials arena through the procurement of additional hazmat containment boom and a 20 foot enclosed trailer in which to transport it. In addition, investments were made to enhance Regional Hazmat Team and N.D. Game and Fish Department’s capability to respond to spills impacting waterways. Additional investments included purchasing Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), securing resources and equipment necessary to support Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protest response activities and consolidating the agency’s emergency notifications systems, including the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), under one vendor versus three. NDDES partnered with the ND Department of Health to secure a new combined warehouse that also serves as the alternate State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and ND State Radio Communications Center should our primary facility become inoperable.

Staff facilitated participation in the annual revision of the State’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA).

Staff also assisted local and tribal jurisdictions with completion of their THIRA activities. Review and revisions of the State Emergency Operations Plan (SEOP) were conducted to reflect operational capabilities and lessons learned from exercises and realworld emergencies/disasters as well as ensuring alignment with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Core Capabilities and the National Response Framework (NRF).

During this biennium enhancements were made to the state’s Tier II reporting system to ensure more accurate and complete information for first responders and to reflect federal law changes. The 65th Legislative Session yielded several hazardous materials related law changes regarding late filing and payment of Tier II reports, spill reporting requirements, and use of Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) funds to provide meals during meetings. A comprehensive statewide hazardous materials flow study was initiated to aid local, tribal, regional and state authorities understand the volume and nature of hazardous material movement into, out of and within North Dakota. The study will provide the North Dakota State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), LEPCs, and local jurisdictions critical information necessary to plan for and respond to the potential risks associated with hazardous materials transported to or through the State.

State Emergency Operations Center Operations and planning staff maintain the State Emergency Operations Center and provide 24/7 response coordination with federal, state and volunteer agencies, local/tribal governments and private entities. Together, the groups provide required resources and assets, compile initial damage assessment information, evaluate information to determine the potential for state and federal declarations, and handle requests for assistance. They also produce and distribute documents and reports germane to emergency and disaster operations.

Staff members coordinated state response for wildland fires, hazardous material spills, potable water shortages, missing persons, Amber Alerts, downed/missing aircraft, train derailments, flooding, severe winter storms, tornadoes, power outages, hail, rain and high-wind storms that produced significant property damage

66 Biennial Report 2015-2017

and threatened lives. Examples of larger incidents during the biennium include: August 3, 2016 – Rolette and Towner County EF2 Tornado • A very large multi-vortex EF2 tornado tracked from southeast Rolette County, south of Milo, into west central Towner County, passing north of Bisbee. Additional downburst wind damage extended eastward across central Towner County.

• Two farmsteads in Rolette County and at least two in Towner County sustained storm damage to trees and buildings. There were no injuries or fatalities.

December 5, 2016 – Belle Fourche Pipeline Leak, Billings County • A Belle Fourche Pipeline leak resulted in a release of 12,615 barrels of crude oil impacting Ash Coulee Creek approximately 16 miles northwest of Belfield in Billings County.

August 2016 through March 2017 – Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) Protest • This event consisted of unprecedented protest activity in Morton, Sioux, Burleigh and Emmons Counties. The incident continued over an extended period of time (234 days) involving 178 response agencies and, at times, over an estimated 8,000 protesters.

FEMA-DR-4323-ND • Presidential Major Disaster Declaration granted for flooding between March 23 and April 29, 2017.

Statewide Drought • On May 23, 2017, only a few counties in far south-central North Dakota were experiencing moderate drought conditions. However, later in the summer, conditions had deteriorated to the point where three-quarters of the state was experiencing drought, with large portions of western and central North Dakota in the most severe categories of D3 Extreme Drought or D4 Exceptional Drought.

• In response to drought conditions and the devastating impacts a state drought declaration was issued along with numerous local and tribal drought declarations.

• Several state and federal partners collaborated to find resources for producers in drought impacted areas. The ND Response website (http://ndresponse.gov/) was utilized as a one-stop information and resource center that offered a whole of government approach to response and recovery activities.

Statewide Fires • 2017 was an active spring fire season.

• A statewide fire emergency declaration was issued in response to extremely dry conditions, local/tribal burn bans and fire restrictions declared throughout the state, Fire Weather Watches, and Red Flag Warnings issued by the NWS, unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity, and high winds.

There has been a decline in the number of hazardous materials incidents/reports as a result of decreased oil activity in the west.

Hazardous materials incidents and other releases/spills during this biennium include: • 2,795 oil spill reports • 685 environmental incident reports • 293 National Response Center (NRC) flash faxes Response Coordination Systems and Technologies The SEOC manages and maintains the North Dakota Hazardous Chemicals Preparedness and Response Program and conducts equipment tests for the Harris Radio, Amateur Radio, National Warning System (NAWAS), and the Emergency Alert System (EAS). In addition, staff developed daily intel updates for local, tribal, state and federal partners to ensure situational awareness.

Staff train, facilitate and evaluate resource requests from other states through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a state-to-state mutual aid agreement of which North Dakota is a member. During the biennium North Dakota deployed Public Assistance staff to Colorado and a Public Information Officer to North Carolina via EMAC. In addition, North Dakota utilized the compact to request additional law enforcement support from 11 states during the DAPL protest response. North Dakota continues to serve on the Northern Emergency Management Assistance Compact (NEMAC) Committee established to develop operational procedures, training and exercise plans, strategic goals

and objectives and address cross border and communications issues.

NEMAC enables signatory states and provinces to receive and provide resources during emergencies.

During the biennium staff, continued to enhance WebEOC, a Web-enabled incident management tool used to coordinate the use of state assets by providing a real-time link from the SEOC to other agencies and provide overall situational awareness during emergencies. WebEOC continues to be utilized on a daily basis for tracking information regarding hazardous materials spills, floods, fires, severe weather and damages resulting from an event. The user list continues to expand and includes local, tribal, state, federal and voluntary agencies.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) NDDES’s GIS section is responsible for the creation and continual maintenance of various GIS products used for disaster preparation, planning and response. During the biennium, implementation of new GIS technologies, products and delivery of GIS data projects has enabled NDDES to expand solutions used to benefit emergency communications and resource coordination.

Some of the technologies and projects implemented to help accomplish the objectives are: •

The NDDES GIS section successfully provided high levels of GIS support to numerous local, state and federal agencies during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. During operations, numerous GIS technologies were explored and used by all personnel responding to the event. GIS products ranged from the utilization of a dynamic mapping interface, aerial imagery collection to paper map documentation to support the needs of the command staff for planning, response and situational awareness.

•

Continued GIS maintenance efforts on the Statewide Seamless Base Map by the GIS Section allowed for 16 counties in the state to now provide new levels of 9-1-1 services (Enhanced 9-1-1) to their public constituents.

Additionally, another 11 counties were transitioned to this GIS data for 9-1-1 services in their respective Public Service Answering Points.

Division of State Radio The Division of State Radio provides and maintains statewide public safety communications capability. It delivers voice and mobile data communications through a system of 45 towers throughout North Dakota. Through its statewide communication network, the Division of State Radio serves as a strong partner to the Division of Homeland Security in resource coordination efforts to save lives and protect property during natural or manmade disasters.

The Division is the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the North Dakota State Public Safety Agencies, including the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Game and Fish, Bureau of Criminal investigation, and Department of Corrections. In addition, State Radio is a resource for federal agencies, such as the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Probation Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

www.ndguard.com

67

68 Biennial Report 2015-2017

State Radio serves as the 911 answering point for 25 North Dakota counties and executes all communications and dispatch requirements for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services. State Radio maintains a staff of 32 Communication Specialists and seven support staff. The current staffing level in the communication center is eight per shift with a minimum of five communication specialists on duty 24/7. State Radio provides backup services for many of the other 20 local and regional answering points. If one or more PSAPs experience a failure, all 911 emergency calls can be rerouted to State Radio.

State Radio is the State’s designated Federal CJIS System Agency for the FBI National Crime Information Center and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System.

These systems link all law enforcement agencies nationwide and international partners to an information-sharing network about criminal activity (missing persons, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, etc.).

State Radio also manages the North Dakota Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NDLETS), and National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (NLETS). Each system links together and supports every state, local and federal law enforcement. It also supports justice and public safety agencies for the purposes of sharing and exchanging critical information. Each of these systems NCIC, NLETS and NDLETS provides data to law enforcement that is crucial to their everyday duties. North Dakota State Radio is also responsible for training and auditing all law enforcement agencies that have access to any of the three systems.

Since March 9, 2010, State Radio and the North Dakota Highway Patrol began operations with a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system that has improved efficiencies and recordkeeping within the dispatch system. Local agencies have connected to the CAD to share the infrastructure. In 2016, the CAD software was updated to a new version providing additional functionality to the system for multi disciplines.

State Radio, in conjunction with the North Dakota Department of Transportation and other state and local agencies, continues to design and build a statewide baseline map that will provide a common mapping format for the PSAPs, law enforcement, emergency responders and local jurisdictions. This map will greatly enhance the ability of jurisdictions to work together and the initial statewide data structure will be complete this biennium.

State Radio has partnered with North Dakota Criminal Justice Information System (ND CJIS) to update the Law Enforcement Records Management System (RMS). With funding provided by the legislature, the RMS is offered at no charge to local and state agencies authorized to use the system. This system continues to grow in popularity and use.

State Radio continues to look to the future to prepare and educate public safety officials of the upcoming changes with next generation 911, standards for public safety, narrow banding, and other forthcoming federal standards.

Since 2009, public safety communications has undergone several important procedural changes to enhance emergency response through development of the Statewide Communication Interoperability Frequency Management Plan, Signal Operating Instructions and Public Safety Communication General Usage Guide. Final drafts of the frequency plan and the Signal Operating Instructions were facilitated during eight regional meetings, approved by the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee,

and published on May 4, 2010. Since publication, these documents have been revised to meet evolving procedures. In 2011, the plans were tested in several exercises designed to meet Interoperable Communication “Goal 2,” a federal initiative to test the ability to establish interoperable public safety communications within one hour of an emergency. The recent versions of the plans were updated in 2012.

The Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee was established through Executive Order 2007-17 by Gov. John Hoeven, reaffirmed by Gov. Jack Dalrymple, and placed into law.

Its purpose is to coordinate and manage a study to examine a future land mobile radio vision, Statewide Integrated Radio Network (SIRN). The SIRN vision and governance was clarified during the 65th Legislative Session in N.D.C.C. 37-17.3 and 57-40.6.

The Frequency Plan provides a common set of federal public safety channels available nationally and a common radio standard APCO Program 25 (P-25). In April 2012, the Department produced the ND PSC Guide to assist users with radio operations.

As training and exercises have become more active the benefits of the plans have widened the use of the plan.

North Dakota met the Federal Communication Commission mandate that by Jan. 1, 2013, radios operating in the public safety frequencies must be narrow banded. This reduced the operational power megahertz of the radios from 25 MHz to 12.5 MHz. In the near future, the FCC plans to reduce the operational power to 6.25 MHz, which requires digital transmission. State Radio switched two of its primary channels to digital in anticipation of the 6.25 MHz digital requirement and left the primary emergency channel in analog. Transition from analog to digital requires a new operational method. Consequently, the department developed a radio usage guide to assist users.

Since 2009, the department has allocated $5,096,865 for radio equipment and $1,254,701 for radio programming. Thirty-six training exercises took place statewide to test communication operations; four were conducted by the department and 32 by local entities.

The following challenges presented by narrow banding have prolonged a smooth transition: • Reduced range caused by reduced operational power (MHz).

• Digital radio operational changes creating a learning curve.

• Improper programming by radio vendors/agency personnel.

• Radio manufacturing defects.

In 2017, during the Dakota Access Pipeline protest several communication issues were identified. Of concern was the lack of training/use in Land Mobile Radio functionality and use, reduced communication in rural areas (coverage gaps), radio routine maintenance to maximize the radio’s capabilities.

By using a secure broadband connection (commercial cellular service), some responders relay data to and from responders to dispatch through a Computer Aided Dispatch systems easing radio traffic and digital radio issues.

A federally funded initiative, FirstNET, will in the future, provide a national broadband system for public safety. It will provide an information relay between response units and support services. The future model will include a handheld device intended to eventually replace the current public safety radio system. In preparation for FirstNET, the entire public safety communication system in North Dakota will be examined. www.ndguard.com

69

NORTH DAKOTA Civil Air Patrol

Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with more than 56,000 members nationwide. They operate a fleet of 560 aircraft (seven of which are assigned to the North Dakota Wing) and perform 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions, as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, averaging 80 lives saved a year. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies.

During the biennium, the North Dakota Wing CAP provided state emergency support by conducting imagery and thermal reconnaissance and surveillance for flooding and wildfires, which aided on-the-ground incident commanders with key decision making. The organization also supported numerous search and rescue missions with both aerial, ground and cellular telephonebased resources, resulting in saving the life of a missing kayaker stranded on a Lake Audubon island. The Wing also expanded upon its high frequency radio capabilities, which will further allow responders and decision makers, at all levels of government, to maintain critical communications when more traditional methods are unavailable due to emergencies and disasters.

70 Biennial Report 2015-2017

Wing CAP members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to nearly 92 young people (24,000 nationally), who currently participate in the CAP cadet programs. The CAP celebrated 75 years of excellence nationally during the biennium.

The North Dakota Wing CAP had the unique opportunity to provide key support to public-private partnership unmanned aerial systems (UAS) research in the state, as well. It flew chase missions during UAS research flights to maintain Federal Aviation Administration safety requirements on behalf of ground-based operators.

CAP also continued its support for Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. Through the efforts of the North Dakota Wing CAP, each gravesite at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery was adorned with a Christmas wreath each year during the biennium.

Locally, North Dakota CAP maintains a Wing headquarters in Bismarck and squadrons in Bismarck, Dickinson, Grand Forks, Jamestown, and Minot; and two squadrons in Fargo. They have 158 senior members and 92 cadets enrolled as members, operate seven aircraft, and serve as the lead search and rescue and aerial reconnaissance agency for North Dakota.

www.ndguard.com

71

72 Biennial Report 2015-2017

MAJOR AWARDS 2015 — 2017

LEGION OF MERIT The Legion of Merit was authorized by Congress on July 20, 1942, to award to members of the Armed Forces of the United States for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service. The following North Dakota Guardsmen received the award between May 31, 2015, and June 30, 2017.

Col. Gary Christianson – May 31, 2015 Brig. Gen. Giselle Wilz - June 1, 2015 Col. Steven Jahner - May 5, 2016 Col. David Skalicky - May 6, 2016

Col. Jerry Anderson - Sept. 1, 2016 Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Olerud - Oct. 14, 2016 Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Lovelace - Jan. 17, 2017 Lt. Col. Jeffrey Hafner - April 19, 2017

NORTH DAKOTA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL North Dakota’s Distinguished Service Medal is the highest level award given by the state. The governor, in the name of the legislative assembly of the state, may present the award to any member or former member of the North Dakota National Guard, who in the discharge of the person's military duties, has been distinguished by extraordinary heroism or devotion to duty. It also can be presented to a member or former member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard of another state who performs outstanding and extraordinary service for the National Guard of this state.The following North Dakota Guardsmen received the award between May 31, 2015, and June 30, 2017.

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk - Jan. 9, 2016 Col. Jerry Anderson - Dec. 31, 2016 Command Sgt. Maj. Harley Schwind - Feb. 28, 2017

NORTH DAKOTA LEGION OF MERIT MEDAL North Dakota’s Legion of Merit Medal is the second highest level award given by the state. The governor, in the name of the legislative assembly, may the award to any member or former member of the North Dakota National Guard who, in the discharge of the person’s military duty, has been distinguished by outstanding service and twenty years of duty to the North Dakota National Guard, and that person’s community, state, and nation. The medal may also be awarded to a member or former member of the Armed Forces of the United States or of the National Guard of another state who performs outstanding service for the Guard of this state. The following North Dakota Guardsmen received the award between May 31, 2015, and June 30, 2017.

Lt. Col. Stuart Beckman - Jan. 10, 2016 Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hornbaker - March 4, 2016 Staff Sgt. Perry Barone - March 22, 2016 Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Olerud - March 31, 2016 Col. Donald Kosiak - April 22, 2016 Lt. Col. Brent Doll - June 30, 2016 Col. Steven Jahner - July 31, 2016 Master Sgt. Laurie Zacher - Aug. 31, 2016

Maj. Donavan Blazek - Sept. 1, 2016 Chief Warrant Officer 4 Gregory Morford - Oct. 2, 2016 Chief Warrant Officer 4 Lawrence Walford - Nov. 1, 2016 Master Sgt. Brian Kilzer - Dec. 30, 2016 Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Lovelace - Dec. 31, 2016 Lt. Col. Patrick Gleich - Feb. 18, 2017 Lt. Col. Davina French - June 30, 2017

www.ndguard.com

73

STATE BUDGETS 2015 — 2017

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES State Budget Salaries and Wages Operating Expenses Capital Improvements Carry-Over Projects Grants Radio Communications Disaster Costs

$12,592,457 $11,351,416 $740,000 $20,218 $19,047,419 $3,522,034 $145,108,782

Total State Budget

$192,382,326

State Sources General Funds Special Funds Federal Funds

$15,370,450 $57,345,320 $119,666,556

Total State Sources

$192,382,326

NATIONAL GUARD State Budget Salaries and Wages Operating Expenses Capital Improvements Construction Carry-Over Grants Civil Air Patrol Tuition and Enlistment Compensation Air Guard Contracts Army Guard Contracts Veterans Cemetery Salaries Reintegration/Outreach Total State Budget State Sources General Funds Special Funds Federal Funds Total State Sources

$6,521,658 $3,885,547 $388,046 $14,898,918 $1,181,820 $311,773 $3,560,315 $8,054,554 $59,900,504 $811,486 $1,753,743 $101,268,364 $19,405,195 $1,109,957 $80,753,212 $101,268,364

COMPLETE BUDGET State Sources General Funds Special Funds Federal Funds

$34,775,645 $58,455,277 $200,419,768

Total State Sources

$293,650,690

74 Biennial Report 2015-2017

ECONOMIC IMPACT

2015 — 2017

Economic Impact of The

N.D. OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL Location Bismarck/Mandan Bottineau Cando Carrington Cavalier Devils Lake Dickinson Edgeley Fargo Grafton Grand Forks Jamestown Lisbon Mayville Minot Mott Oakes Rugby Valley City Wahpeton Williston Wishek

Federal $185,256,050 $758,726 $311,700 $1,159,055 $31,695 $52,935,697 $3,110,420 $2,059,370 $174,040,522 $392,894 $16,737,573 $4,673,200 $914,644 $610,524 $42,020,007 $714,242 $660,320 $697,612 $23,255,082 $3,291,369 $1,877,732 $1,009,062

State $9,545,948 $33,502 $23,751 $28,502 $2,678,467 $38,100 $38,102 $4,363,125 $36,502 $1,999,590 $47,139 $37,455 $54,436 $1,129,212 $44,422 $23,751 $37,716 $82,587 $757,967 $33,816 $32,202

Total $194,801,998 $792,228 $335,451 $1,187,557 $31,695 $55,614,164 $3,148,520 $2,097,472 $178,403,647 $429,396 $18,737,163 $4,720,339 $952,099 $664,960 $43,149,219 $758,664 $684,071 $735,328 $23,337,669 $4,049,336 $1,911,548 $1,041,264

Total

$516,517,496

$21,066,292

$537,583,788

www.ndguard.com

75

CONSTRUCTION BUDGETS 2015 — 2017 MAJOR CONSTRUCTION Project Name & Location

Status during biennium

Vehicle Maintenance Shop Addition/Alteration Fargo

Completed 2016

$2,438,412.02

Building Addition/Alteration, Building 4150, Raymond J. Bohn Armory — Bismarck

Completed 2016

$1,373,499.64

National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop Valley City

Completed 2017

$12,500,000.00

Heating Plant Control & Boiler Replacement Camp Grafton Training Center

Under Construction TOTAL

Cost

$1,028,647.88 $14,902,147.52

BUILDING MAINTENANCE/REPAIR & MINOR CONSTRUCTION Location & Project

Cost

Army Aviation Support Facility, Bismarck, N.D. BAS Installation, Bldg 3420 Building Repairs, Bldg 3410 Chiller Replacement, Bldg 3410 Lighting Replacement, Bldg 3410 Simulator Storage Facility

$211,944.31 $262,396.02 $45,138.30 $164,017.45 $266,358.74

Camp Grafton Training Center, Devils Lake, N.D. Asphalt Repairs, Var. Locations Bridge Crane Control Repairs, Bldg 5800/6900 Building Conversion, Bldg 2310 Exhaust Fan Replacement, Bldg 2900 Exterior Wall Repair, Bldg 1500 Fire Suppression Upgrade, Bldg 2900 Fuel Point Line Replacement, Bldg 5850 Lighting Replacement, Var. Bldgs, Natural Gas Conversion, Var. Bldgs PA System Replacement, Bldgs 5800/5825 PA System Replacement Restroom Renovations, Bldg 6900 Running Surface & Curb/Gutter Steam Line Replacement, Bldgs 5800/5825 (PH I) Steam Line Replacement (PH II)

$184,165.60 $89,140.13 $348,150.50 $77,691.20 $36,343.76 $13,306.00 $15,014.50 $24,754.21 $332,965.44 $118,809.60 $126,703.04 $109,840.75 $218,212.86 $894,055.19 $781,298.00

76 Biennial Report 2015-2017

Location & Project

Cost

Armed Forces Reserve Center, Fargo, N.D. Caging Installation, AFRC & Bldg 3945 Caging Installation, Fargo AFRC (FY17) Exhaust Fan Installation Exterior Wall Repair Generator Upgrade Military Vehicle Parking Lot Power Upgrade Sewer Installation, Bldg 3945 Fuel Dispensing System Repair, FMS 2 & FMS 3

$40,470.00 $10,827.72 $96,836.00 $125,909.31 $64,148.22 $207,716.33 $347,726.69 $100,045.10 $215,651.52

Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, N.D. Asphalt Repairs, Bldg 050 Lot Building Renovations, Bldg 190 Conference Room Installation, Bldg 050 Flooring Replacement, Bldgs 030/040 Interior Lighting Replacement, Var. Bldgs Lighting Replacement, Bldg 030/050 Overhead Door & Threshold Replacement, Bldg 250 Roof Replacement, Bldgs 190 & 280 Window Replacement, Var. Bldgs

$47,214.88 $75,966.10 $20,000.00 $228,556.23 $89,883.89 $56,507.95 $57,208.22 $176,832.18 $359,205.64

Location & Project

Cost

Readiness Center Complex, Grand Forks, N.D. Building & Sealant Repair, FMS #3 Generator Upgrade HVAC Re-Balancing Mass Notification System Replacement Sound System Replacement

$31,320.00 $66,822.42 $79,974.06 $191,308.23 $84,644.70

Armed Forces Reserve Center, Minot, N.D. Building & Sealant Repair Building Repair, UEVS Drainage Repair Fence Repair Generator Installation Parking Lot Repairs

$140,022.60 $38,775.81 $240,346.52 $95,658.20 $219,124.80 $136,058.47

Raymond J. Bohn Readiness Center, Bismarck, N.D. Carpet Installation, Bldg 4150 Door & Stoop Replacement, Bldg 4200 Exterior Wall Repair, N&W Corners, Bldg 4100 Laundry Utility Upgrade, Bldg 4100

Location & Project Armed Forces Reserve Center, Wahpeton, N.D. Carpet Replacement Door Replacement TOTAL

Cost $78,195.09 $40,131.60 $9,126,563.35

$18,513.60 $63,700.00 $61,254.40 $88,743.34

www.ndguard.com

77

78 Biennial Report 2015-2017

North Dakota’s Fallen Service Members Global War on Terrorism

Spc. Paul Anthony Beyer — 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Edward Bitz — 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Task Force Tarawa, 2nd Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps Spc. Philip Dorman Brown — B Company, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard Spc. Keenan Alexander Cooper — A Troop, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Spc. Dennis J. Ferderer, Jr. — Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, Task Force Liberty, 3rd Infantry Division, U.S. Army Spc. Jon Paul Fettig — 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge)(V Corps), N.D. Army National Guard Capt. John P. Gaffaney — 113th Combat Stress Control Company, 2nd Medical Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve Cpl. Nathan Joel Goodiron — A Battery, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (Security Forces), N.D. Army National Guard Pfc. Sheldon R. Hawk Eagle — 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kenneth W. Hendrickson — 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge), 130th Engineer Brigade, Task Force All American, N.D. Army National Guard Spc. Michael Layne Hermanson — A Company, 164th Engineer Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard Spc. James J. Holmes — C Company, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard Maj. Alan Ricardo Johnson — A Company, 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve Cpl. Christopher Kenneth Kleinwachter — 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, N.D. Army National Guard

Staff Sgt. Lance J. Koenig — B Company, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. David C. Kuehl — C Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Darren Michael Linde — 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), 164th Engineer Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard Cpl. Curtis Robert Mehrer — 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, N.D. Army National Guard Spc. Anthony William Hamilton Monroe — Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Army Spc. Tyler John Orgaard — 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), 164th Engineer Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin S. Rux — USS Cole (DDG-67), U.S. Navy Cpl. Jeremiah S. Santos — A Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Sgt. Jason Alan Schumann — A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, U.S. Army Sgt. Keith L. Smette — 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge), 130th Engineer Brigade, Task Force All American, N.D. Army National Guard Sgt. Thomas J. Sweet, II — 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army Sgt. Travis A. Van Zoest — 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, N.D. Army National Guard Spc. Cody Lee Wentz — A Company, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, N.D. Army National Guard Pfc. Jonathan Christopher Yanney — Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army

We will never forget

Office of the Adjutant General Fraine Barracks, P.O. Box 5511 Bismarck, N.D. 58506-5511 North Dakota National Guard www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil facebook.com/NDNationalGuard youtube.com/NDNationalGuard flickr.com/photos/NDGuard twitter.com/NDNationalGuard Department of Emergency Services www.nd.gov/des facebook.com/NDDES twitter.com/NDDES