The Jackson-based 272nd Regional Support Group was founded on Sept. 2, 2007. One of the youngest Michigan Army National Guard units, the Regional Support Group’s primary mission is contingency and expeditionary base operations support.  Responsibilities include: managing base facilities; providing administrative and logistical support and other soldier services for base tenants; and base security. The RSG provides Command and Control (C2) of assigned units during homeland security and homeland defense missions and civil support missions within the United States and the State of Michigan. When not deployed, the RSG provides Command and Control structure for Aviation, Medical, Transportation, Quartermaster, and Maintenance Army Guard units throughout the State of Michigan ensuring they meet training, readiness, and deployment requirements.

From August 2008 to July 2009 the 272nd deployed a Logistics Military Advisory Team (LMAT) to Iraq. The 272nd RSG LMAT was divided into six separate teams upon arrival in Iraq and served at the following five locations: Taji, Al Kasik, Tallil, Shaiba, and Baghdad.  The LMAT was originally deployed to “advise” the Iraqi Army on logistical procedures throughout the area of operations; however the teams did everything from contract oversight to plumbing, in addition to their duties as logistical advisors.

Since deploying to Iraq, the 272nd RSG has had the opportunity to participate in a large Regional Training Exercise in South Dakota, Served on Training Teams to Latvia and Liberia, and participated in various other training events throughout the state.

In June 2014, HQs 272nd RSG and two subordinate units, the 1463rd Transportation Company and the 464th Quartermaster Company participated in Operation Golden Coyote in South Dakota.  The exercise was conducted in the Black Hills of South Dakota in cooperation with Custer State Park, the Black Hills National Forest Service, the Oglala Sioux Indian Tribe, and other organizations.  One of the primary objectives of the exercise was to transport timber to various drop points within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Traveling from Michigan to South Dakota was a major training event in itself. Approximately 130 personnel in 60 vehicles convoyed more than 1,000 miles in three days (each way) testing vehicle reliability, communication equipment, and supply protocols.

During the actual Golden Coyote Exercise, the 272nd RSG served as the Governor cell for five geographically dispersed operating bases; conducted Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI) for more than 3,700 service members to include international partners from Denmark, Canada, and Great Britain; and provided command and control to assigned units.

In April 2015, the RSG will participate in Operation Arctic Eagle.  HQs 272nd RSG will serve as the Joint Force Land Component Command (JFLCC) for the Joint Multinational Exercise, which will take place in several geographical locations in the northern part of Lower Michigan.

The following photos are a small sample from the units’ deployments.

In February 2014, 272nd mobilization and operations sergeant, Master Sgt. Angela Adams (left) and Capt. Margaret Mieras, a training officer from one of the 272nd subordinate units, traveled to Monrovia Liberia as part of the State Partnership Program Traveling Contact Team. In the photo they are gathered with members of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces of Liberia administrative staff. (U.S. Army Photo/Released)

Col. Daniel Leatherman (right) and Sgt. Maj. Randall Tompkins (left) received awards following the Michigan Army National Guard, 272nd RSG LMAT deployment to Iraq in 2008-2009. Leatherman, Tompkins and their work group operated in and around the city of Taji, instructing members of the Iraqi Army in battlefield logistics. (Contributed photo)

Lt. Col. Beth Peters, executive officer for the Michigan Army National Guard’s 272nd Regional Support Group, administers the oath of re-enlistment to Staff Sgt. James Lancaster at the Mount Rushmore National Monument near Rapid City, S.D., June 14th, 2014. The 272nd RSG and some of its elements were in South Dakota supporting Operation Golden Coyote. (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Ron Raflik, Michigan National Guard/Released)