Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast EpisodesMinnesota National Guard 2025 Year in Review
In this special Year in Review episode (recorded late 2025), retired Command Sgt. Maj. Doug Wortham sits down with the Minnesota National Guard’s command team:
- Major General Shawn Manke, Adjutant General
- Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Rost, Command Senior Enlisted Leader
They discuss leadership dynamics, 2025 accomplishments, domestic and international missions, and exciting plans for 2026.
Key Highlights from 2025
- Force growth and high readiness levels (nearly 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen strong)
- Domestic support: Wildfire response on the North Shore and cyber assistance in St. Paul
- International partnerships: Deepened ties with Croatia (29 years) and Norway (including the 52nd troop exchange)
Looking Ahead to 2026
- 53rd Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) in February
- 30th anniversary celebrations with Croatia, including joint training
- Upcoming deployments and returns (e.g., 34th MP Company, 148th Fighter Wing)
- Modernization: New C-130J aircraft arriving for the 133rd Airlift Wing
- New facilities opening, including the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum
The leaders emphasized trust, community connections (“We live here, we work here, we serve here”), and pride in the Guard’s motto: Always Ready, Always There
Published on 3 days, 13 hours ago