Hoosier National Guard Soldiers ready for southwest border mission
CAMP ATTERBURY - Approximately 125 Indiana National Guard Soldiers said goodbye to family, friends and loved ones during a departure ceremony at Camp Atterbury on Saturday.
The Hoosier Guardsmen from the 381st Military Police company in Plymouth will head for southern Texas with Joint Task-Force Southern Border in support of Operation Ardent Vanguard, in efforts to secure the U.S. border from unlawful mass migration, narcotics trafficking, human smuggling and trafficking, and other criminal activities.
"Our mission there is to support Customs and Border Protection. Essentially, we’re an extra set of eyes and ears on the southern border," said Capt. Jakob Young, commander of the 381st. “If a soldier sees something, they will communicate that via radio to CBP, stand by, and wait for them to arrive.”
The Guardsmen will assist the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection within narrowly defined authorities to provide unique military capabilities to protect the territorial integrity of the U.S. southern border.
"Our men and women in uniform are trained and ready to support the needs of our state and nation," said Indiana National Guard Maj. Gen. Justin Mann, commanding general of 81st Troop Command. “Those of us here at home have the responsibility to look after the families as their loved ones are deployed in uniform.”
While the mobilization will require leaving friends and family for almost a year, it provides an opportunity for the unit to draw closer together as a team. “Since we’re National Guardsmen, we normally only meet together once a month for training,” said Sgt. Richard Thoma, a team leader with the 381st. “It’s a chance to get to know my fellow soldiers better.”
This mobilization is unique in another aspect as well. Many of the Soldiers are volunteers from other Indiana National Guard units with a variety of military occupational specialties. Because they will receive specialized training from CBP prior to the mission, volunteers do not require a specific MOS to be added to the roster. The company includes medics, supply specialists, mechanics and others, in addition to military police.
“I think a lot of people are excited, especially soldiers coming from outside of the 381st,” said Sgt. Rosy Starrett, a team leader with the unit. “The volunteer spirit that comes from the soldiers coming from other units boosts morale. Knowing that people want to go has everyone looking forward to the mission.”
To prepare for the mission, the unit spent nearly a month training at Camp Atterbury. They will receive additional training at Fort Bliss and at the mission site.
“We have been able to get back to the basics. The individual soldier tasks we all learn at basic training. Getting back to the basics has been our priority,” said Young about the company’s preparation. “We’re prepared, we’re trained, and we’re ready to go execute the mission.”
The unit will replace the 38th Military Police Company from Monticello, Indiana, which is scheduled to return to Indiana in a few weeks.
The Indiana National Guard stands ready to help protect the border and nation. For more information about Operation Ardent Vanguard or Joint Task-Force Southern Border visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/OpAV or https://www.northcom.mil/BorderSecurity/#joint-task-forcesouthern-border. Email at mailto:JTF-SBMediaDesk@army.mil.
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