Iowa National Guard

Iowa National Guard This is the official page for the Iowa National Guard. Our success relies on the strength of our force - our Soldiers and Airmen.

The mission of the Iowa National Guard is to remain operationally relevant and . We will remain prepared to mobilize, deploy and execute missions, both at home to support the Governor and needs of Iowans, and abroad as an integral part of the federal force. Their skills and knowledge make them leaders in our organization and valued members of Iowa communities. The support of our military families, employers of service members and community members allow us to be committed to serving our state and country.

Iowa National Guard senior leaders recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to spend time with our Soldiers supporting the...
09/24/2026

Iowa National Guard senior leaders recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to spend time with our Soldiers supporting the mission in our nation’s capital and seeing firsthand the important work they are doing and, most importantly, checking in with the people behind the mission.

The visit included an unforgettable moment: Soldiers choosing to continue their service by reenlisting at the Lincoln Memorial. What a powerful place to reaffirm a commitment to serve our state and nation.

Whether at home in Iowa or serving hundreds of miles away, taking care of our Soldiers means staying connected, listening and making sure they know their leadership and their Iowa National Guard family are behind them.

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Katlynn Pickle)

🇺🇸🤝🌐 A historic first at the Iowa National Guard.For the first time, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the Iowa ...
09/23/2026

🇺🇸🤝🌐 A historic first at the Iowa National Guard.

For the first time, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the Iowa National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, joined by U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew G. Whitaker. The visit was part of the secretary general’s trip to Iowa and highlighted Iowa’s role in strengthening international partnerships and security cooperation.

During the visit, Rutte and Whitaker met with Iowa National Guard senior leaders, including Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, Command Senior Enlisted Leader Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Strasser, Director of the Joint Staff Brig. Gen. Mark Kappelmann and State Partnership Program Director Kerri Lewers.

The discussion focused on Iowa’s longstanding State Partnership Program relationship with Kosovo and the Kosovo Security Force, including KSF capabilities, interoperability and the continued evolution of the partnership.

For more than a decade, Iowa Soldiers and Airmen have trained and worked alongside members of the Kosovo Security Force, building relationships based on trust, shared experience and a commitment to regional security. Iowa National Guard members have also contributed to NATO exercises and missions, including the NATO-led Kosovo Force, or KFOR.

Today’s visit provided an opportunity to showcase how a partnership that began between Iowa and Kosovo continues to grow and how the work being done here in Iowa can have an impact far beyond our state’s borders.

Partners today. Stronger together for tomorrow. 🇺🇸🤝🇽🇰

📸: https://flickr.com/.../47034168.../albums/72177720335766750/

(U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Annalise Guckenberger)

🇺🇸🤝🌐 A historic first at the Iowa National Guard.For the first time, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the Iowa ...
09/23/2026

🇺🇸🤝🌐 A historic first at the Iowa National Guard.

For the first time, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the Iowa National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, joined by U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew G. Whitaker. The visit was part of the Secretary General’s trip to Iowa and highlighted the important role Iowa continues to play in strengthening international partnerships and security cooperation.

During the visit, Secretary General Rutte and Ambassador Whitaker met with Iowa National Guard senior leaders, including Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, Command Senior Enlisted Leader Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Strasser, Director of the Joint Staff Brig. Gen. Mark Kappelmann and State Partnership Program Director Kerri Lewers.

The discussion focused on Iowa’s longstanding State Partnership Program relationship with Kosovo and the Kosovo Security Force, including KSF capabilities, interoperability and the continued evolution of the partnership.

For more than a decade, Iowa Soldiers and Airmen have trained and worked alongside members of the Kosovo Security Force, building relationships based on trust, shared experience and a commitment to regional security. Iowa National Guard members have also contributed to NATO exercises and missions, including KFOR in Kosovo.

Today’s visit was an incredible opportunity to showcase how a partnership that began between Iowa and Kosovo continues to grow — and how the work being done right here in Iowa can have an impact far beyond our state’s borders.

Partners today. Stronger together for tomorrow. 🇺🇸🤝🇽🇰

📸: 47034168@N03/albums/72177720335766750/" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://flickr.com/photos/47034168@N03/albums/72177720335766750/

NATO MinPres Mark Rutte The National Guard

🇺🇸 Step back in time and experience World War II history come to life at Camp Dodge!The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum i...
09/23/2026

🇺🇸 Step back in time and experience World War II history come to life at Camp Dodge!

The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum is bringing you a NEW WWII Living History Weekend, Sept. 26-27—and this is history you can see, hear and experience!

🚙 WWII-era Jeeps, an M2 Halftrack & military vehicles
🏕️ Field tents filled with period equipment, radios, rations & gear
🎖️ Living history interpreters in authentic period uniforms
💥 Historic weapons and equipment displays
📖 Stories connecting you to the experiences of Iowa’s WWII veterans
WWII Living History Event

📅 Saturday, Sept. 26 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
📅 Sunday, Sept. 27 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

📍 Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge
But don’t put away your dancing shoes! 💃🕺

Saturday night, we’re turning back the clock to the 1940s for a WWII-themed USO Dance! Enjoy period music, snacks and beverages from 7-11 p.m. at the Camp Dodge Recreation Hall, Building 3572.

✨ Both events are FREE and open to the public!
Bring the family, explore Iowa’s military history and experience a weekend where the past truly comes alive.

➡️ Visitors 16 and older must present a photo ID to enter Camp Dodge through the main gate at 7105 NW 70th Ave.

Congratulations to the culinary specialists assigned to the 185th Air Refueling Wing who won this year's Intra-Service C...
09/21/2026

Congratulations to the culinary specialists assigned to the 185th Air Refueling Wing who won this year's Intra-Service Culinary Competition, earning the Golden Spoon.🥄

Thank you to all the great Army and Air culinary specialists who participated and cooked a delicious meal for service members training on Camp Dodge this weekend!

📸: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD5mGk

This weekend, the Iowa National Guard hosted the 2027 Best Warrior Competition, where Soldiers and NCOs handpicked by th...
09/20/2026

This weekend, the Iowa National Guard hosted the 2027 Best Warrior Competition, where Soldiers and NCOs handpicked by their units tested their skills in a four-day event designed to push physical and mental limits.

The competition also welcomed three members of the Kosovo Security Force from our state partner, Kosovo.

Congratulations to the winners:
• Soldier of the Year: Spc. Blaze Dochterman, 831st Engineer Vertical Construction Company
• NCO of the Year: Sgt. David Richter, 831st Engineer Vertical Construction Company
• Runners-up: OR3 Ahmet Ishmail, Kosovo Security Force, Sgt. Alyssa Griffith, 209th Medical Company

Check out the rest of the competition photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD59US



The National Guard | Forca e Sigurisë së Kosovës

The Iowa National Guard hosted its annual joint Culinary Excellence Competition today on Camp Dodge.🍽Airmen assigned to ...
09/19/2026

The Iowa National Guard hosted its annual joint Culinary Excellence Competition today on Camp Dodge.🍽

Airmen assigned to the 185th Air Refueling Wing went head-to-head with the Iowa Army National Guard’s 908th Field Feeding Platoon to compete for the ‘Golden Spoon’ Culinary Award.

Meals were judged on practicality, nutrition, craftsmanship, and presentation. Using common ingredients, each team put their culinary skills to the test while preparing meals to serve up to 100 service members.

Let us know who you think will be awarded the 'Golden Spoon': Air or Army?🥄

The search for the Best Warrior begins!Iowa National Guard Soldiers and Noncommissioned Officers are putting their stren...
09/17/2026

The search for the Best Warrior begins!

Iowa National Guard Soldiers and Noncommissioned Officers are putting their strength, endurance and soldiering skills to the test during 2027 State Best Warrior Competition, Sept. 17-20 at Camp Dodge and surrounding areas.

Over the next several days, competitors will face a series of physically and mentally demanding events designed to identify the top Soldier and NCO.

This year’s competition also welcomes members of the Kosovo Security Force for the sixth consecutive year, continuing the enduring partnership between Iowa and Kosovo.

Follow along as we bring you coverage throughout the competition and see who will earn the title of Best Warrior!



The National Guard | Forca e Sigurisë së Kosovës

Step up for su***de prevention. 💜This Tuesday, lace up your running shoes or grab your ruck and join us at Camp Dodge fo...
09/17/2026

Step up for su***de prevention. 💜

This Tuesday, lace up your running shoes or grab your ruck and join us at Camp Dodge for the Step Up for Su***de Prevention 5K Walk, Run & Ruck.

Whether you walk, run or ruck, come out and spend the afternoon alongside fellow members of the Iowa National Guard as we continue to raise awareness, strengthen connections and support one another during Su***de Prevention Month.

📅 Sept. 22, 2026
⏰ 2–4 p.m.
📍 1-mile track at Camp Dodge
🚗 Parking available on the west side of S70

Every step matters. We hope to see you there!

***depreventionmonth

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Joint Forces Headquarters
Johnston, IA
50131

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