Indiana National Guard deploys to Texas for border mission

Approximately 125 members of the Indiana National Guard have deployed to southern Texas to support border security operations. The deployment is part of Operation Ardent Vanguard, an initiative launched in early 2025 to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security in securing the U.S.-Mexico border.

The group, which includes the Plymouth-based 381st Military Police Company along with volunteer medics, supply specialists, and mechanics, will serve as “an extra set of eyes and ears” for CBP. Their role involves monitoring activity and communicating observations to border agents via radio.

The mission is expected to last nearly one year. The deploying soldiers will replace the 38th Military Police Company from Monticello, which is scheduled to return to Indiana in the coming weeks. Before departing, the unit underwent training at Camp Atterbury and will receive further instruction at Fort Bliss and other mission sites in Texas.