Idaho is proud to support the men and women of our Idaho National Guard, many of whom are called on to serve across the state, country and around the world on a frequent basis. 1,500 Idaho citizen soldiers of the Idaho Army National Guard 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team recently served nine months in Iraq and returned home this fall.  These citizen soldiers served an integral role in Operation New Dawn.  Idaho’s citizen soldiers of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team have twice deployed to Iraq, once in 2004 and again in 2010. They were deployed to Afghanistan in June for approximately one year.

The Idaho Army National Guard is headquartered at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho. Idaho National Guard units are dispersed throughout the state in 27 communities. The 116th Cavalry Brigade is the state’s largest unit. The 116th Cavalry Brigade includes around 1,800 Idahoans as well as soldiers from Oregon and Montana.

During peacetime, each state National Guard answers to the governor of its respective state or territory. During national emergencies, however, the President reserves the right to mobilize the National Guard, putting them in federal duty status. While federalized, the units answer to the Combatant Commander of the theater in which they are operating and, ultimately, to the President. The Army National Guard is a partner with the Active Army and the Army Reserves in fulfilling the country's military needs. In recent years, Army Guard soldiers have served in more than 80 countries in a wide variety of operations including peacekeeping, stabilization, security, and nation building.

The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team is home to some of the nation’s finest, and they are trained and prepared for their upcoming mission. I have always been a strong supporter of our nation’s military men and women. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to support measures that enhance and improve the quality of life for service members, particularly our National Guard and Reserve troops. U.S. service members make tremendous sacrifices to preserve our way of life, and the American people are indebted to the men and women who serve our nation. I would encourage you and our fellow Idahoans to do their part in supporting our troops and their families during this very difficult time just as I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to fully support our troops as they serve our country.