Gov. Whitmer Joins Northern Strike Military Readiness Exercises at Camp Grayling

Photo byOffice of the Michigan Governor

LANSING, MI — In a demonstration of Michigan's commitment to national defense, Governor Gretchen Whitmer participated in the Northern Strike military readiness exercise, held at Camp Grayling. The exercise, which runs from August 3 to August 17, is one of the Department of Defense's largest reserve component readiness events, attracting over 6,300 participants from 32 states and territories, and five international partners.

Governor Whitmer's Participation

Governor Whitmer, serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Michigan National Guard, expressed her pride and support for the troops. “Michigan is honored to host the Northern Strike military readiness exercises again this year,” Whitmer said. “As Commander-in-Chief of the Michigan National Guard, I couldn’t be prouder to support our troops as they train alongside service members from across the country and the world. No matter the challenge, Michigan is ready to rise to the occasion, especially when the results make a real difference for our national defense and keep our communities safe.”

Comprehensive Training Scenarios

The Northern Strike exercise is held at Michigan’s National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC), where participants engage in a variety of training scenarios. This year's focus includes expeditionary skills, command and control, sustainment, and joint integrated fires. Specific training exercises involve homeland security and defense against unmanned aerial systems, maritime training scenarios for protecting high-value assets, and combat search, rescue, and recovery systems.

“This year’s schedule of NS training events reflects the abilities of Michigan and the NADWC to support Department of Defense objectives,” stated U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “We take pride in our ability to improve the exercise design each year, integrating innovative technologies and solutions into dynamic training to meet the needs of commanders across all domains and replicate what Soldiers and Airmen could face in real world situations.”

Economic Impact and Defense Industry in Michigan

The Northern Strike exercise not only enhances national defense capabilities but also significantly boosts Michigan's local economy. The event contributes an average of $38 million annually through military pay, travel, and local spending in northern lower Michigan.

Michigan’s defense industry is a major economic driver, generating $30 billion in economic activity and supporting over 166,000 jobs. The state is home to nearly 4,000 businesses involved in the defense, defense aerospace, and homeland security sectors.

Key facilities include the Detroit Arsenal in Warren, which employs over 7,500 residents and manages $2.5 billion in contracts with Michigan companies. Selfridge Air National Guard Base, over 100 years old, employs more than 4,000 people and has an economic impact of about $850 million.

Michigan leads the nation in military vehicle production, accounting for 37% of total U.S. contracts. Major defense companies operating in Michigan include General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems, GE Aviation, GM Defense, and AM General.

Northern Strike Training Locations

Training activities for Northern Strike extend beyond Camp Grayling, involving locations such as Lake Huron, Rogers City Quarry, Battle Creek, MBS International Airport, Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airfield, and K.I. Sawyer Airfield in Marquette. These diverse sites enable comprehensive, realistic training scenarios essential for maintaining readiness and operational capability.

Final Thougths

Governor Whitmer's participation in the Northern Strike exercises underscores Michigan's vital role in national defense and the state's commitment to supporting its military personnel. The ongoing training not only prepares troops for real-world challenges but also strengthens Michigan’s position as a leader in the defense industry.

For more information on the Northern Strike exercises and the Michigan National Guard, interested parties can contact the MING Public Affairs office at 517-730-5776 or visit the Michigan National Guard website.