Illinois National Guard unit plays vital role in U.S. military operations in Somalia

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Approximately 155 Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard's Pontiac-based Alpha Troop, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment protected U.S. personnel and equipment in the Horn of Africa from October 2024 to July 2025, improving security posture in a strategically important part of the world.

"Alpha Troop set the standard from day one for Task Force Associator in Somalia and the Horn of Africa - we exceeded every expectation and accomplished the mission, leaving our area of responsibility better off than when we arrived," said U.S. Army Capt. Andrew Mix, the unit's commander. "It was great to see our Soldiers operate at such a high level and integrate with various U.S. forces along with foreign partners, they truly made my job easy. Our Soldiers endured a lot along the way but stayed resilient to get the mission done. I am beyond proud of our Soldiers and impressed with everything we accomplished in Somalia."

Most of the deployed Soldiers were from Alpha Troop but the deployed group also included 106th Cavalry Regiment Soldiers from Dixon and Aurora, as well as about 20 Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment, based in Chicago.

The Soldiers protected vital U.S. infrastructure at two cooperative security locations: the Baledogle Military Airfield in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region and the city of Kismayo. The unit developed standard operating procedures for battle drills, fortified the entry control point, and conducted weekly patrols at Baledogle, which enhanced security posture on and around the base.

The Illinois guard members developed a strong relationship with the Uganda People's Defense Forces, which is part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia established to help stabilize the country. They successfully reacted to a rocket attack and other threats, while also conducting multiple mortar illumination missions and deterring militant attacks against the base. The unit's Soldiers interoperated well with the multiservice military units and civilians who worked on the airfield.

The Soldiers also conducted critical training, such as the Combat Lifesaver's Course, close-quarters battle training and rappelling. Several qualified in weapons, to include machine guns, rockets, and the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station, which allows Soldiers to operate weapons while inside an armored vehicle.

At Kismayo, an Alpha Troop detachment assisted with the building and securing of a new area on the camp. They also built and operated a new entry control point and developed battle drill standard operating procedures.

"The 2-106th Cavalry has always operated at a high standard," said U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Kelly Bishop, the unit's senior enlisted leader. The organization's 'mission-first' mentality sets us apart from other units. Our winning tradition and high standards are upheld by our leaders and instilled into our Soldiers from day one."

Bishop detailed how the unit's performance on deployment lived up to those high standards.

"We set the standard for the rest of the task force to follow, which was made up of nine companies [and] we led the task force in everything from sustainment and logistics to training and operations," he said. "Our Soldier's professionalism, hard work and dedication to mission success did not go unnoticed. Our Soldiers executed well above the standard and drastically improved overall security operations in our area of operations. Our improvements and accomplishments enabled our partner force freedom of maneuver and directly attributed to their success."

Bishop went to note that he was "beyond proud" of how the Soldiers executed and their accomplishments during the mission.

"It was truly an honor and a privilege to be a part of this mission and to have had the opportunity to serve as the first sergeant for the outstanding Soldiers of Alpha Troop, 2-106th Cavalry," Bishop said.

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS