DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The head of the Iowa National Guard says that overseas requirements for the unit continue to decline. Major General Timothy Orr addressed the Iowa General Assembly Thursday. He says they currently have about 150 soldiers and airmen deployed around the world. Thousands have served in combat and combat support roles over the past 13 years in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Orr said the guard is focused on training, so that the guard is ready for military duties and emergency response in the state. He said the guard is “mission focused and warrior ready.” There are about 9,200 National Guard soldiers and airmen in Iowa.