Springfield-Based 233rd Military Police Company Mobilizes About 70 Soldiers For Critical Mission in Alaska

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, The Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, and other senior leaders honored approximately 70 Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard's Springfield-based 233rd Military Police Company as deploy to Alaska to protect critical missile sites in the tundra.

Boyd challenged the Soldiers to better themselves during the deployment and to stay in touch with their families. "Come back a better person," he said during the June 7 mobilization ceremony at Camp Lincoln. "Whether it is improving your physical fitness, taking an online course, or reading a good book. Whatever it is, come back a better person."

1st Lt. Colin Kehoe will lead the platoon of 233rd MP Co. Soldiers through the deployment. He said the deploying Soldiers dubbed themselves the "War Pigs" by popular vote. Rumor has it that soon after the moniker was voted on, a feral and very rare aqua-colored pig with orange polka dots wandered into the unit's bivouac area. Rather than eat the critter, they adopted "War Pig" and the entire platoon shouts his name whenever his squeal is heard.

Kehoe said the mobilized Soldiers, and their colorful mascot, have prepared for more than a year for this protection mission. They conducted 94 drills, two annual trainings, site visits, recons, various skill and certification courses, leadership schools, and many hours outside of military training to get ready - and they are now ready.

Capt. Alan Maxwell, the Commander of the 233rd MP Co., underscored how important the mission is to our national defense. "Fort Greeley plays a vital role in our nation's defense and strategic security. It is in one of the most challenging environments in the world, it serves as a key component of America's ability to detect, deter, and defend against emerging threats." Protecting the capabilities of this strategically vital site now rests with the War Pigs, he said.

While the moniker and mascot might be new, the 233rd Military Police Co. has a long history of answering the call of our nation and state. Before it became a military police unit, it deployed as an Infantry unit during the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. After it became the 233rd Military Police Co., it would deploy to Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm in November 1990, earning a Meritorious Unit Citation. In February 2003 it deployed to Iraq where it earned a Valorous Unit Award. It deployed to Afghanistan in 2016 and to Kuwait in 2021. It has also played a key role in multiple domestic emergency activations.

Col. Jessica McPherson, Commander of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, said that skills they built during the lead-up training will serve them well during the mission. "You have spent countless hours preparing for the challenges ahead. You have honed your skills, built strong bonds with your fellow Soldiers, and developed the discipline and resilience that are the hallmarks of our profession," she said. "You are ready. I have every confidence that you will carry out your duties with honor and distinction."

Both McPherson and Boyd thanked the families as they prepare to support the Soldiers during the deployment. "I want you to know that our support does not end with this ceremony," McPherson said. "We stand with you now, through your mobilization, and long after your mission is complete. We are one team, one family, united in purpose to protect this great nation."

"War Pigs" are known for their toughness and adaptability and are expected to thrive in the tundra, as the unit has thrived wherever they have been sent over the past more than 130 years.