Armed Services

Minnesota plays a vital role in our nation’s defense, with top military contractors like 3M, Honeywell, Polaris, Medtronic, Mayo Clinic, and others headquartered in our state. In addition, nearly 13,000 soldiers and airmen serving in the Minnesota National Guard strengthen our medical, communications, security, aviation, engineering, and transportation capabilities.  

We must continue to ensure that our aerospace and defense industries build on Minnesota’s tradition of innovation, excellence, and skilled workforce to advance America’s national security. 

Maintaining America’s competitiveness is central to Peace Through Strength. That means bolstering our defense industrial base, reshoring and diversifying supply chains, and making strong investments in innovation to secure U.S. leadership around the globe.  

Southern Minnesota is especially well positioned to support force readiness, combat and emergency medicine, research, and innovation. Healthy troops are mission-ready troops, and the lifesaving care we provide our servicemembers, whether on the battlefield or at home, often paves the way for groundbreaking medical technologies that benefit not only our veterans after a lifetime of service, but also communities across the country.