Because supporting our military is a priority for us at The Chamber, coupled with the substantial impact local military operations have on our community, we want everyone to have the opportunity to learn more about military affairs. We’ve put together this guide to break down common terms, local commanders, and chamber efforts.

Local Impact

• ND National Guard has an economic impact of over $100 million in just the FMWF region.
• Over 1,500 direct jobs are created in the FMWF area due to the ND National Guard.
• The Happy Hooligans Air Guard alone is responsible for $93.4 million in business activity in the FMWF region.
• Our service men and women not only preserve the freedom we love, but are the most reliable arsenal we have to fight floods and other local emergency efforts.
• ND National Guard indirectly supports 339 full-time equivalent positions in other economic sectors.

Guard Opportunities

• The Air Guard offers:
• Over 70 Jobs Available
• Up to $20,000 Bonus
• 100% Tuition Assistance
• $734/mo GI Bill + Kicker
• Paid and Accredited Training
• Training Credits Transferrable to Colleges/Universities
• Affordable Healthcare

Interested in learning more about the Air Guard opportunities available? Visit: GoNDAir.com.

Local Branches & Commanders

Colonel
Darrin Anderson
119th Wing Happy Hooligans, ND Air National Guard

Major
Derek Kuntz
141 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, ND Army National Guard

Captain
Jordan Dibich
2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, MN Army National Guard

Lieutenant Commander
Greg Cissell
Navy Operations Support Center

Major
Terry Traylor
Military Entrance Processing Station

Lieutenant Colonel
Jason Evans
Air Force ROTC

Lieutenant Colonel
Matt Chitty
Army ROTC

  Military Affairs Committee
The Chamber’s Military Affairs committee is on a mission to foster a community of support for the men and women of our military and the missions they carry out on our behalf. To recognize these courageous individuals, the committee will plan activities to raise awareness in the community for the work that they do and provide opportunities for the community to thank them for their outstanding accomplishments. The committee also helps to promote public policies that advance our region’s military units. The committee is open to all employees of Chamber members.

Honor Star
The Chamber’s Honor Star program is a way for business organizations and individuals to say thank you to the men, women and families who have answered the call to serve our country. Individuals pay an annual investment of $100 with funds helping to foster a community of support for the local military and their families. Benefits of this program include an Honor Star window decal to display, invitations to attend and participate in military appreciation and awareness events and recognition online and in chamber publications.

If you are interested in joining the Military Affairs Committee or learning more information about the Honor Star program, reach out to our Military Affairs staff lead, Katie Mastel at kmastel@fmwfchamber.com.
Organization units:
     ARMY

• Brigade: Led by an O-6 (Colonel). 2000-8000 Soldiers.
• Battalion: Led by an O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel). 4-6 Companies. 400-1200 Soldiers.
• Company: Led by an O-4 (Major) or O-3 (Captain). 3-4 Platoons. 100-250 Soldiers.
• Platoon: Led by an O-2 (1st Lieutenant) or O-1 (2nd Lieutenant). Up to 4 Squads. Up to 50 Soldiers.
• Squad: Led by an NCO. About 10 Soldiers.
• Artillery: Large cannons/missile launchers used in combat or military units specializing in such weapons.
• Infantry: Units of soldiers trained, armed, and equipped to fight on foot.

     AIR

• Wing: What an Air Guard base is referred to, each wing has a distinct mission. Led by an O-7 (Brigadier General) or O-6 (Colonel). 2 or more Groups.
• Group: Led by an O-6 (Colonel) or O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel). 2 or more Squadrons.
• Squadron: Basic unit of the Air Force made up of flights. Led by an O-5 (Lt Col) or O-4 (Maj). 2 or more Flights.
• Flight: A smaller group of Airman who typically hold the same or similar job. Led by an O-3 (Captain) or O-2 (1st Lieutenant).

Service members

• Commissioned Officer: A member of the military with the rank of second lieutenant or above. The role is similar to that of a manger or executive in a company.
• Enlisted Member: Military personnel below the rank of warrant or commissioned officers. The role is similar to that of an employee or supervisor in a company.
• Recruit: A service member, not a warrant officer or commissioned officer, who has been accepted by the military and has taken the oath of enlistment.
• Active Duty: Military members who currently serve in a full-time, Federal status.
• Reserve: Military members serving in a part-time, Federal status. May be called up in a national emergency to serve on active duty. During peacetime, they support the active duty forces in our country’s defense.
• National Guard: Army or Air National Guard member typically serving one weekend per month plus 15 days per year. May be called up in a national emergency to serve on active duty. They can also be activated by the governor to assist with state emergencies like blizzards or flooding.
• GI Bill: A program of education benefits for individuals who have completed a prescribed amount of military service. Allows service persons to set aside money to be used later for educational purposes.
• Drill Weekend: Airman and Soldiers train by doing their job in the National Guard one weekend a month.

Acronyms

• NDARNG: North Dakota Army National Guard
• NDANG: North Dakota Air National Guard
• MEPS: Military Entrance Processing Station. Stations located around the country where the enlistment process occurs.
• NCO: Non-Commissioned Officer. A military officer who is given authority through a commissioned officer, but is not technically considered to be in command.
• OCS/OTS: Officer Candidate School (Army)/Officer Training School (Air). College graduates are trained and commissioned as military officers. Qualified enlisted members with a degree may also attend.
• ROTC: Reserve Officer Training Corps. Undergraduate students, who plan to become military officers, receive scholarships and a monthly allowance in exchange for a commitment to serve after graduation.
• OIC/NCOIC: Officer in Charge / Non-commissioned Officer in Charge
• LTC: Lieutenant Colonel
• MOS: Military Occupation Specialty. Allows the Army to keep track of what skills they have trained you in.
• AFSC: Air Force Specialty Code. Alpha-numeric code used to identify a specific job
• BMT: Basic Military Training, where trainees go to complete their initial military training.