Hundreds of Wisconsin, Minnesota National Guardsmen Deployed to Middle East Amid Iran War

Soldiers recognized for their service as conflict in the region continues to evolve.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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As the war in Iran escalates, hundreds of National Guardsmen from Wisconsin and Minnesota have been deployed to the Middle East. General Dan Caine, the highest-ranking military officer in the U.S., praised the integrated Reserve and National Guard forces, including the Wisconsin Army National Guard operating in Kuwait and Iraq. Local veterans in Somerset, Wisconsin expressed pride and support for the troops, emphasizing the importance of their mission and hoping for their safe return.

Why it matters

The deployment of National Guard troops from the Midwest to the Middle East highlights the ongoing involvement of U.S. reserve forces in the conflict with Iran. Their service is seen as crucial by military leadership and local communities, but also raises concerns about the toll the war is taking on American families and communities.

The details

More than 400 Wisconsin Army National Guardsmen from the 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery Regiment and the 108th Forward Support Company were formally sent off in November for a yearlong mobilization. Their mission is to provide mobile artillery rocket systems. An additional 250 Minnesota National Guard soldiers have also been deployed to the region, with none reported injured so far.

  • In November 2025, more than 400 Wisconsin Army National Guardsmen received a formal send-off before departing for a yearlong mobilization.
  • On March 3, 2026, General Dan Caine recognized the Wisconsin Army National Guard troops operating in Kuwait and Iraq during a press conference.

The players

General Dan Caine

The highest-ranking military officer in the U.S.

Bill Fatheree

A veteran and supporter of President Trump's decision to go to war with Iran.

Earl Fatheree

Bill Fatheree's brother, also a veteran who supports the war with Iran to fight terrorism and help the Iranian people.

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What they’re saying

“The integrated Reserve and National Guard forces, America's Reserve Forces, have continued to demonstrate the value of America's reserve forces, including the Wisconsin Army National Guard operating in Kuwait and Iraq.”

— General Dan Caine, Highest-ranking military officer in the U.S. (CBS News)

“This should have been done years ago. Years ago.”

— Bill Fatheree, Veteran (CBS News)

“It's tough to decide what's going on and to make sense of it all, but you have to do what you have to do.”

— Earl Fatheree, Veteran (CBS News)

What’s next

The National Guard said none of the Minnesota soldiers have been hurt so far, but the situation in the Middle East remains fluid. Military leaders and local communities will continue to monitor the deployment and provide support for the troops.

The takeaway

The deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops from the Midwest to the Middle East underscores the ongoing commitment and sacrifice of America's reserve forces in the conflict with Iran. While the mission is seen as necessary by military leadership and local veterans, it also highlights the toll the war is taking on families and communities across the country.