CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. — About 125 Indiana National Guard soldiers said goodbye to family and friends Saturday at Camp Atterbury during a departure ceremony before heading to the Texas border.
The soldiers, members of the Plymouth-based 381st Military Police Company, are heading to southern Texas to join Joint Task-Force Southern Border. The mission, known as Operation Ardent Vanguard, aims to help secure the border against illegal migration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
“Our mission there is to support Customs and Border Protection. Essentially, we’re an extra set of eyes and ears on the southern border,” said Capt. Jakob Young, commander of the 381st. “If a soldier sees something, they will communicate that via radio to CBP, stand by, and wait for them to arrive.”
The guardsmen will assist the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to protect the border.
“I’m proud of the Indiana National Guard’s 381st Military Police Company as they step up to serve our nation and support the Southwest Border mission. We are grateful for the dedication of these Soldiers and their families,” Gov. Mike Braun said.
The deployment will keep the soldiers away from home for nearly one year, but unit members said it is an opportunity to grow as a team.
“Since we’re National Guardsmen, we normally only meet together once a month for training,” said Sgt. Richard Thoma, a team leader with the 381st. “It’s a chance to get to know my fellow soldiers better.”
This mission is unique because many of the soldiers are volunteers from other Indiana units with various military jobs. Because they receive specialized training before the mission, volunteers do not need a specific military background to join. The company includes medics, supply specialists, and mechanics in addition to military police.
“I think a lot of people are excited, especially soldiers coming from outside of the 381st,” said Sgt. Rosy Starrett, a team leader with the unit. “The volunteer spirit that comes from the soldiers coming from other units boosts morale. Knowing that people want to go has everyone looking forward to the mission.”
To prepare, the unit spent nearly one month training at Camp Atterbury. They will receive more training at Fort Bliss and at the mission site.
“We have been able to get back to the basics. The individual soldier tasks we all learn at basic training. Getting back to the basics has been our priority,” Young said. “We’re prepared, we’re trained, and we’re ready to go execute the mission.”
“Our men and women in uniform are trained and ready to support the needs of our state and nation,” said Maj. Gen. Justin Mann, commanding general of 81st Troop Command. “Those of us here at home have the responsibility to look after the families as their loved ones are deployed in uniform.”
The unit will replace the 38th Military Police Company from Monticello, which is scheduled to return to Indiana in a few weeks.
