By Maj. (MD) Stephen Rice 
March 1, 2022
MDDF 121st Engineer Regiment Supports MDNG with ISR Program
For over 15 years the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) 121st Engineer Regiment has been managing the Installation Status Review (ISR) program for the Maryland National Guard (MDNG). The ISR program is an annual facility inspection program of Army National Guard infrastructure. The ISR program is a critical part of the U.S. Army’s Installation Management Program and it supports budgetary and resource allocation decision making.
Every year each state adjutant general is required to submit completed ISR reports to the U.S. Army. The facilities that are reviewed are benchmarked against U.S. Army standards to determine their physical condition and readiness. Any facilities that are not equipped to carry out the National Guard’s mission are identified and construction or revitalization requirements are determined. Last year the 121st Engineer Regiment inspected 70 Maryland Army National Guard buildings as a part of this program and donated 1,050 hours towards this effort.
“Over the years the MDDF has identified facility issues that might have impeded the operational readiness and quality of life of MDNG soldiers. We’ve also had the opportunity to identify and help to resolve safety issues at MDNG armories,” shared Lt. Col. (MD) Isadore Beattie who leads this effort for the MDDF. “The Maryland National Guard relies on the MDDF to complete this critical work annually and we take immense pride in supporting the MDNG and serving the state,” said Col. (MD) Ed Hubner, commander of the 121st Engineer Regiment. “We have effectively unburdened the National Guard of this important work so that they can focus their energies elsewhere and we’re honored to do it,” Hubner continued. It is estimated that the MDDF has saved the State of Maryland $6.5 million dollars over the 15 years that the MDDF has managed the ISR program. The MDDF ISR reports have also helped to justify the construction or replacement of six armories across the State of Maryland.
“The ISR program is of value to the Maryland National Guard but it also serves as a training mission for the MDDF,” shared Brig. Gen. (MD) Gregory J. Juday, commanding general of the MDDF. “Conducting ISR missions helps the MDDF prepare for the performance of building damage assessments during an emergency if and when our services are requested by the state. This program is truly a win-win for the Maryland Military Department,” concluded Juday.
The Maryland Defense Force is the state’s uniformed volunteer militia branch that provides competent supplementary professional and technical support to the Maryland Military Department and the State of Maryland as needed. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 200 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support, and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: www.mddf.maryland.gov.
