PIERRE, S.D. – About 120 members of the South Dakota National Guard are preparing for a deployment to the U.S. southern border that is expected to last roughly one year.
Governor Larry Rhoden announced Thursday that he has activated soldiers from the 155th Engineer Company for the mission. State officials are not releasing a deployment date or specific operational details, citing security concerns for the service members involved.
Rhoden praised the Guardsmen for their service, saying their work at the border will help keep both South Dakota and the nation safe and secure.
The deployment follows other recent border-related missions involving South Dakota National Guard troops. Last year, 50 members of the 109th Engineer Battalion were sent to the southern border, and additional Guard members have been deployed to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Officials say the soldiers are now preparing for the mission, which is expected to keep them away from home for approximately a year.
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