Illinois National Guard

Illinois Army National Guard Recruiting Has Record February! Illinois Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion (RRB) commander, Lt. Col. Lance Frail, puts the tag line “love the process and you will succeed!” at the end of every email to his staff. “We talk a lot about loving the process and that it will lead you to success,” said Frail. “If you are doing the small things, always prospecting, you will be successful.” Of the 11 companies in RRB, eight have exceeded their recruiting goals each of the last three months. February was the most productive recruiting month since March of 2019. Four companies doubled their recruiting goal in February. Company L, based in Mattoon, has met its goal for four consecutive months. Company H, based in Woodstock is on pace to set a record for enlistments in a fiscal year and has met its goal the past five months. Frail said a team-first mentality has been a key to the recent success. “You can have individual success but fail as a team, or you can achieve success together,” said Frail. “Teams that enjoy each other and support each other, in and out of work, often have the most success.” 1st Sgt. Michael Vertucci with Crestwood based Company F, which doubled its enlistment goal in February said Lt. Col. Frail’s message is hitting home. “Our team has bought into the message of coming together and working as a team to accomplish the mission,” said Vertucci. “We are noncommissioned officers (NCOs) before we are recruiters and with that mindset we look at each obstacle as a way to grow and become better. We have good days and character-building days. No bad days.” 1st Sgt. Justin Gullion with Company D in Aurora, which more than doubled its February goal said the leaders set the tone in a difficult assignment like recruiting. “Recruiting is not an easy job. It requires early morning and late nights, a willingness to sacrifice, working on days off to meet with applicants, countless hours building recruiting packets, building partnerships in a multitude of communities, and a hunt for acceptance in a field of rejection,” said Gullion. Gullion said trusting and empowering his recruiters is key. “At the end of the day, the recruiter must decide what they are willing to put into each day to have success and reach their goals,” said Gullion. “The recruiters I have on this team are constant professionals and were due a big month. Frail said a contributing factor to the recent recruiting boom is a more than 10 percent increase in recruits successfully making it through the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) where applicants’ physical health, background, and enlistment packet are reviewed to ensure the applicant is qualified for military service. Frail said his team is the reason for the increased success getting applicants through MEPS.

You might be surprised by the number of things you use or rely on in work and play can be traced back to Army ingenuity or investment. Check out this list to discover some of the many things created for or by the Army. https://lnkd.in/gDSJrPme

Today, we recognize the courage and dedication of our military working dogs on K9 Veterans Day. These four-legged warriors have served alongside our troops with loyalty, strength, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our nation.

About 75 U.S. and Polish Armed Forces personnel strengthened NATO interoperability and defense modernization during a military-to-military workshop Feb. 24-25. https://lnkd.in/gwchDfDD

Army Brig. Gen. Michael Eastridge, deputy assistant adjutant general for the Illinois Army National Guard visits soldiers of the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD). His visit is part of the Illinois Army National Guard’s efforts to constantly evaluate its force posture throughout the European theater as a deterrent against enemies of the United States. The 139th MPAD provides public affairs support for U.S. Special Operations Command Europe. #SOFinEurope

The 126th SCOS is a specialized unit of 41 enlisted members and two officers. Created in 2008 as part of a centralized logistics effort, it operates alongside three active duty squadrons, ensuring military aircraft worldwide, receive the parts they need to stay mission-ready. https://lnkd.in/g_fY76i3

U.S. and Polish Armed Forces Strengthen NATO Interoperability and Defense Modernization at M2M Workshop The U.S. Armed Forces and Polish Armed Forces took a major step in strengthening NATO interoperability and defense modernization during the Military-to-Military (M2M) Workshop held February 24-25, 2025. The workshop brought together about 75 personnel from both nations to develop and source future M2M engagements for Fiscal Years 2026-2027. Brigadier General Michael Eastridge provided key remarks, reinforcing the enduring partnership between the two nations. “Leveraging a well-established ILNG State Partnership Program with Poland, founded in 1993, the Military to Military Workshop provided a valuable opportunity to identify cost-effective training initiatives between Polish and US military, strengthening NATO’s defense and enhancing deterrence against aggression." said Brig. Gen. Michael J. Eastridge, Deputy Assistant Adjutant General, Illinois Army National Guard. Hosted by Europe Command (EC) J5, Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) Poland, and the Illinois National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP), the two-day event focused on synchronizing engagements that enhance Poland’s capabilities and reinforce the long-standing military partnership. Key discussions centered around increasing procedural and technical interoperability, supporting Poland’s modernization efforts—including key initiatives like the Apache, Abrams, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Patriot, and F-35 programs, and bolstering deterrence strategies such as Operation Eastern Shield. Participants engaged in an "M2M Engagement Carousel," where stakeholders reviewed and confirmed upcoming engagements, ensuring alignment between U.S. and Polish objectives. The workshop concluded with a roadmap for FY26 M2M Concept and Funding Requests to be submitted for approval by March 31, 2025. Among the Soldiers involved in the training, Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Cistaro was awarded the Order of Saint Maurice Centurion (OSM). A nominee for the Order of Saint Maurice must have served the Infantry community with distinction and have demonstrated a significant contribution in support of the Infantry Branch; must represent the highest of standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and dedication to duty. Cistaro was awarded the Centurion for an outstanding contribution to the Infantry over his 30-year service to the US Army. Presentation was facilitated by Maj. Kyle Ullmark and participants included Poland Armed Forces. Eastridge presented the award. “I have had the honor of knowing Cistaro for 20 years," he said. "It is a privilege to present him with the OSM. His impact on the infantry community has been profound, and this award is truly well deserved." As the U.S. and Poland continue to strengthen their strategic alliance, the M2M Workshop ensures that both forces remain engaged, postured, and ready. ????????

In alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 5400.17 and recent Executive Orders issued by the President, the Illinois National Guard is reviewing and adjusting its social media content to ensure compliance with DoD policies and priorities. As a result, certain posts have been removed or are in the process of being removed or modified in accordance with federal guidance. The Illinois National Guard is committed to transparency, professionalism, and adherence to DoD directives.

The 182nd Airlift Wing helps provide support for the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard

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