Oregon National Guard Prepares for Southern Border Mobilization
Salem, Ore. – September 8, 2024 – Soldiers from the Oregon National Guard’s 1249th Engineer Battalion assembled at the Anderson Readiness Center for a change of command ceremony, marking the start of preparations for an upcoming year-long mobilization to support security operations along the U.S. southern border. The mission is set to commence on October 1, 2025, with the battalion poised to deploy specialized personnel and resources.
According to Maj. Christopher Campbell, the battalion’s operations officer, the unit will serve in a command capacity, overseeing around 50 personnel with varied skill sets. Depending on the assignment, they could lead multiple companies across designated sectors in California, Arizona, or Texas.
Lt. Col. Thanh Vo, the battalion’s commander, emphasized the unit’s strong legacy of service, highlighting the diverse skills that its Soldiers bring from their civilian lives. “The 1249th has a proud history of answering the call to serve, whether here in Oregon or abroad,” Vo stated. This mission will see the battalion coordinating with other state National Guards to enhance operational effectiveness along the border.
In preparation, the battalion will undergo pre-mobilization training in August, followed by two months of preparations at Fort Bliss, Texas. The Soldiers anticipate an active mission length of approximately nine months, contributing to a total deployment of around 12 months.
Historically, the 1249th has participated in various domestic and international missions, including support for Operation Allies Welcome in 2021 and security operations at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in 2003-2004. Oregon National Guard members, who typically serve part-time, maintain vital connections with their local communities while training for military service.
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