404th MEB (Maneuver Enhancement Brigade)

08/07/2026

The Army published a directive implementing the new waist-to-height ratio effective immediately. This website is a great resource and provides a good summation of Army policy changes, including facial hair, grooming standards, Combat Fitness Test, and others:
https://www.army.mil/tellyourformation/

22/06/2026

14/06/2026

Happy 251st Birthday, U.S. Army!

For more than two and a half centuries, Soldiers have answered the call to serve our nation with courage, commitment, and selfless service. Today, we honor the generations of Soldiers who have defended our freedoms, strengthened our communities, and upheld the Army Values.

To all those who have served and continue to serve—Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, retirees, and veterans—thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.

Happy Birthday, Army! 🇺🇸

09/06/2026

Another successful collaboration between Illinois Army National Guard firefighters and their civilian counterparts. We appreciate the Marissa Fire Department’s commitment to helping strengthen our Soldiers’ skills, confidence, and readiness through hands-on training and shared expertise.

09/06/2026

Great training experience for our Army firefighters! Thanks to the Mount Vernon Fire Department!

08/06/2026

Soldiers from the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Headquarters Support Company continue to conduct their annual training at Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois, June 7-8, 2026.

Soldiers conducted land navigation training, beginning with a classroom portion before moving on to a practical exercise in the field. Teams were required to find points using only a paper map, compass, and protractor. The unit's S1 and Engineer team successfully finished the course in the fastest time.

Soldiers also participated in Army Warrior Task training, practicing reacting to indirect fire, moving as a team, and searching and detaining.

07/06/2026

Leaders from the 123rd Engineer Battalion spoke with Soldiers from the Illinois Recruiting and Retention Battalion's Company F, Recruit Sustainment Program in Crestwood, Illinois, June 6, 2026.

While supporting a running track construction project, members of the 123rd EN BN discussed their military occupational specialties with Soldiers from the "Foxtrot Falcons", answering questions about engineer career fields and their experiences in the Army. Soldiers who will be entering maintenance-related careers also took part in targeted discussions and were introduced to core equipment utilized by Illinois Guardsmen.

The Recruit Sustainment Program prepares enlistees for Basic Combat Training by introducing military customs and courtesies, physical fitness, discipline, and basic Army knowledge before they ship to initial entry training. After the visit, RSP Soldiers took a lap around the running track, becoming some of the first Soldiers to use it.

07/06/2026

Soldiers from the 233rd Military Police Company participated in a deployment ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, June 7, 2026.

Approximately 70 Soldiers from the Springfield-based unit will deploy to Alaska, where they will provide security for critical missile defense sites.

07/06/2026

Soldiers from the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Headquarters Support Company conducted vehicle familiarization and call for fire training at Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois, June 5-6, 2026.

Soldiers received instruction on driving, guiding, and performing preventive maintenance checks and services on military vehicles, with an emphasis on safe vehicle operation, equipment accountability, and maintaining mission readiness.

Soldiers also conducted call for fire training, building proficiency in target identification, accurate grid location, radio communication procedures, and fire mission ex*****on. The training enhanced Soldiers' understanding of observer responsibilities, proper call for fire formats, and the importance of timely and accurate reporting in support of battlefield operations.

"Our team continues to build the skills and discipline needed to operate safely and effectively both in training and on mission," said 1st Sgt. Michelle Siddles, first sergeant of the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Headquarters Support Company. "I'm proud of the professionalism and teamwork displayed throughout this training."

07/06/2026

Brig. Gen. Lenny Williams, the Assistant Adjutant General of the Illinois Army National Guard, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Kelly, the State Command Sergeant Major, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Thomas Black, the State Command Chief Warrant Officer, visited Soldiers from the 123rd Engineer Battalion as they worked on constructing a running track in Crestwood, Illinois, June 6, 2026.

During the visit, members of the state command team presented Soldiers with challenge coins in recognition of their hard work and contributions to unit readiness, efficiency, and morale.