BISMARCK, N.D. (National Guard) – A North Dakota Army National Guard unit has received an alert notification for possible mobilization.

Based in Bismarck, the unit has about seven Soldiers who were placed in an alert status. The decision to mobilize this unit has not yet occurred, but upon a final decision, an official U.S. Army mobilization order will be issued.

Detachment 1, 174th Cyber Protection Team was established in January 2017 and is a part of Army National Guard units from Colorado, South Dakota and Utah.

If mobilized, the unit will provide network security and cyber defense operations in support of the Department of Defense early next year at Fort Meade, Maryland.

“This unit’s potential mission marks a new era within the North Dakota National Guard, as it engages in cutting-edge cyber operations technology,” said Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general. “If mobilized, we will rely on the continued strong support of our Soldiers’ families, friends and employers, which will help ensure mission success.”

The Soldiers were notified of their alert status by their leadership. The unit is led by 1st Lt. Charles Werner, of Upham, North Dakota.

Currently, about 45 North Dakota Guardsmen are mobilized for stateside and overseas missions.