Oregon National Guard

Oregon National Guard
Unit name	Oregon National Guard
Caption	Flag of the Oregon National Guard
Dates	1843–present
Country	United States
Allegiance	Oregon
Branch	Army National Guard, Air National Guard
Type	Militia
Role	State defense and federal military reserve
Size	~8,000 personnel
Command structure	Oregon Military Department, National Guard Bureau
Garrison	Salem, Oregon
Garrison label	Headquarters
Commander1	Tina Kotek
Commander1 label	Commander-in-Chief, (Governor of Oregon)
Commander2	Major General Alan R. Gronewold
Commander2 label	Adjutant General
Identification symbol label	Distinctive unit insignia

Oregon National Guard. The Oregon National Guard is a dual-status military force, serving both the state of Oregon under the authority of its governor and the federal government under the President of the United States. Comprising the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, its origins trace to pioneer militias formed in the 1840s. With a combined strength of approximately 8,000 personnel, it is a key component of the Oregon Military Department and responds to domestic emergencies, supports overseas combat missions, and engages in community partnerships.

History

The earliest forerunners were volunteer militia companies formed by American settlers in the Oregon Country during the 1840s, such as the Oregon Rangers, which responded to conflicts including the Cayuse War. Following territorial organization in 1848, these units were formalized, with the First Oregon Cavalry and First Oregon Infantry seeing extensive service during the American Civil War and in subsequent conflicts against Native American tribes like the Paiute. The Militia Act of 1903 integrated it into the modern National Guard of the United States, and units were federalized for both World War I and World War II, with the 41st Infantry Division earning fame in the Pacific Theater. Throughout the Cold War, it maintained readiness, and its modern era has been defined by deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and frequent state active duty for wildfires and civil disturbances.

Organization and structure

The force is organized under the Oregon Military Department, headquartered at the DOD building in Salem, Oregon. The Adjutant General, a major general, commands both components and reports to the Governor of Oregon. The Army Guard is structured under the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which is part of the 40th Infantry Division, and includes support brigades like the 82nd Brigade. The Air Guard is centered on the 142nd Wing, an F-15C-equipped fighter unit at Portland Air National Guard Base, and the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base. All units maintain a dual chain of command to both state and federal authorities, primarily the National Guard Bureau and United States Department of Defense.

Missions and operations

Its federal mission is to provide trained units and personnel for active military service under the Department of Defense, as seen in repeated combat deployments to the Middle East and Horn of Africa. The state mission, executed under Title 32 status, includes responding to governer-declared emergencies such as catastrophic wildfires, pandemic support, and civil unrest, notably in Portland during 2020 protests. It also participates in ongoing homeland defense exercises, State Partnership Program exchanges with Bangladesh, and domestic training events like Northern Strike.

Facilities and major units

Major installations include the Camp Withycombe in Clackamas County, which serves as a primary training and logistical hub, and the Oregon Military Department headquarters in Salem, Oregon. Key aviation facilities are Portland Air National Guard Base, home to the 142nd Wing, and Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base in Klamath Falls, which hosts the 173rd Fighter Wing and the F-15 training school for the United States Air Force. Other significant armories and readiness centers are located throughout the state, including in Bend, Eugene, and Medford, supporting units like the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment.

Leadership and command

The constitutional commander-in-chief is the Governor of Oregon, currently Tina Kotek. The senior military officer is the Adjutant General of Oregon, Major General Alan R. Gronewold, who is appointed by the governor and leads the Oregon Military Department. The Army Guard is commanded by the Land Component Commander, while the Air Guard is commanded by the Air Component Commander, both reporting to the Adjutant General. At the federal level, the force is integrated into the National Guard Bureau and, when mobilized, falls under commands such as U.S. Army Pacific or the Pacific Air Forces.

Notable members

Notable individuals who have served include U.S. Senator and Medal of Honor recipient Bob Dole, who was commissioned through its Officer Candidate School. World War I hero and Medal of Honor recipient Omar Bundy was an early officer. Former Oregon Supreme Court Justice and U.S. Attorney Thomas G. Greene served as a JAG officer. Major League Baseball player and Medal of Honor recipient Nile Kinnick was a member of the 202nd Coast Artillery. Contemporary leaders include former Adjutant General Major General Michael E. Stencel, who later served as Director of the Army National Guard.

Category:Oregon National Guard Category:State agencies of Oregon Oregon