Public Accountability Report

The Illinois National Guard’s 12,575 Soldiers and Airmen continued to exemplify the highest standards of military professionalism throughout fiscal year 2025. In an era marked by global instability and domestic challenges, these men and women upheld their oaths to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of Illinois with unwavering integrity, duty, and honor. Their steadfast service remains a source of deep pride and gratitude.

Approximately 20 percent of Illinois National Guard personnel deployed overseas during the year, supporting federal missions and multinational training exercises across 21 nations, including Kenya, Antarctica, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. Among these missions, more than 550 Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment operated across seven Middle Eastern countries, relieving the 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment. The Guard also contributed to national security at home, supporting a multi-agency cybersecurity effort to safeguard election integrity and participating in security operations for the Presidential Inauguration.

In 2025, the Illinois National Guard expanded its global partnerships by establishing a State Partnership Program with Portugal, a strategically significant nation with deep cultural ties to Illinois and the United States. This new partnership complements the long-standing and highly successful relationship with Poland, established in 1993. Training exchanges with Poland continued to advance mutual security, including the first mid-air refueling of a Polish F?35A fighter jet and critical training in sniper operations, medical support, remote observation, and Javelin missile systems—efforts made even more vital following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Recruiting achievements marked a significant milestone for the future force. The Illinois Army National Guard increased enlistments by 17 percent over the previous year, while the Illinois Air National Guard achieved a 30 percent increase and recorded its highest accession total in history with 360 new Airmen. These gains reflect the strong reputation of both components as high-performing, nationally recognized organizations.

Readiness across personnel, equipment, and training remained among the best in the nation. The Illinois Army National Guard participated in six overseas exercises across three combatant commands and completed a Combat Training Center rotation. The 1244th Transportation Company earned the U.S. Army’s Maintenance Excellence Award for medium-sized units, and the newly established 234th Electronic Warfare Company positioned the force at the forefront of emerging military technologies.

The Illinois Air National Guard continued its legacy of excellence. The 126th Air Refueling Wing led the Air Force’s KC?135 fleet in mission capability and aircraft availability for the tenth consecutive year, generating more than $1 billion in savings through fuel and maintenance efficiencies. The 182nd Airlift Wing activated the strategically significant 182nd Contingency Response Group and advanced toward full conversion to the C?130J aircraft, while strengthening ties with the German Luftwaffe. The 182nd Medical Group earned a near-perfect score of 99 on a national inspection, ranking first nationwide. The 183rd Wing continued to project global impact through Agile Combat Support initiatives, Indo-Pacific exercises, communications upgrades in Jordan, and expanded cooperation with the Polish Air Force.

The Guard’s specialized units also delivered critical capabilities. The 5th Civil Support Team conducted 26 operations supporting state and federal agencies in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive response. The Counterdrug Program assisted 20 law enforcement agencies, contributing to the seizure of more than $398 million in illegal narcotics.

Community engagement remained a hallmark of the Illinois National Guard. More than 180 public events were supported statewide, and the Military Funeral and Honors Program rendered honors at over 1,560 veteran funerals. The Illinois State Military Museum welcomed more than 10,500 visitors and provided educational outreach to more than 100 schools and groups.

Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy continued its mission of transforming young lives, graduating 200 cadets and awarding more than 550 high school credentials, 16 diplomas, 45 GEDs, and 295 vocational certifications. Cadets contributed over 10,500 hours of community service, with many choosing to continue their service in the U.S. military.

The Illinois National Guard delivered exceptional value to the state, bringing $2.6 billion in federal funding to Illinois, including $2.27 billion in salaries and benefits. State investment totaled $226 million, supporting essential programs such as Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy. Federal funding also included $12.3 million in military construction, highlighted by the completion of the $15.8 million 183rd Wing Base Civil Engineer Complex, providing modern, secure facilities for mission execution.

Beyond its operational and economic impact, the Illinois National Guard remains a pathway to opportunity for thousands of Illinoisans and Americans seeking purpose, stability, and service. The organization continues to stand as a pillar of readiness, resilience, and commitment—Always Ready, Always There.