Illinois National Guard

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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Carpentersville Illinois Soldier First to Direct Commission Under Rebooted Program SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Cameron Paulson of Carpentersville, Illinois, received a direct commission to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant Feb. 19 during a ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield. Most often Soldiers commission through a traditional source like Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), but Paulson commissioned directly from the rank of Sergeant First Class through the rarely used direct commission program, which was dormant for a number of years. “There was a revision to the regulation, which added back direct commission as a commissioning source for Basic Branches in 2019,” said Maj. Jaclyn Haffer, the Illinois Army National Guard Officer Strength Manager. “Direct commission is a nominative process to provide an alternative officer producing source to those candidates who are outstanding leaders.” Direct commission candidates must meet eligibility requirements like achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant, must have earned a bachelor’s degree, and must have a security clearance among other requirements. Paulson said he thought a lot about becoming an officer throughout the 14 years he served as an enlisted 13J Fire Control Specialist. “My former Fire Direction Officer told me about the direct commission process and said I met all the requirements,” said Paulson. “So, I decided to go that route rather than a traditional commissioning source to spend more time with my unit instead of months in training.” While Paulson still must complete Field Artillery Officer basic course in the near future, he said he’s looking forward continuing his career down this new path. “Every officer I have talked to raves about how being an officer opens more doors throughout your career and gives you the responsibility to mold the careers of other Soldiers.” Paulson asked Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery Panttila to be his first salute. Panttila said he has known Paulson since his first day in the unit 14 years ago. “He works really hard and he’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever met in my life,” said Panttila. “One of the great things in the military is you get to grow. Now Lieutenant Paulson will take his wealth of knowledge from being a senior non-commissioned officer to the officer corps.” Col. Brian Gerber, the Senior Army Advisor to the Illinois National Guard, officiated the ceremony. He congratulated Paulson and his wife Coralie. He advised Paulson that being an officer is a journey the pair must embark on together. “This is going to change your life,” said Gerber. “Our traditions are different as a profession. You’re leaving the NCO corps and becoming a lieutenant. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about the Soldiers who you are going to lead.”