Minnesota National Guard to deploy more than 550 soldiers to Middle East

(Moorhead, MN) -- Hundreds of Midwest National Guard members are soon heading to the Middle-East 

550 of The Minnesota National Guard's 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" will soon be on a 10-month deployment to the Middle East. The troops will be from over 200 communities across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, and several other states. The deployed are expected to return home in December of 2024.

"I am extremely proud of our Red Bull Soldiers, and I know they will continue to add to the division’s long and storied history,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General. “Red Bulls have defended our state and nation for more than 100 years, and this deployment will assist our allies and partners in building security in the region.”

The 34th Division is deploying as a part of "Operation Spartan Shield" to work with allies in the region, build systems to increase efficiencies with military partners, and to deter "malign influences" in the region, according to a statement released by the Minnesota National Guard.