When Iraq invaded Kuwait in early August 1990, the Michigan National Guard proved the Department of Defense's Total Force Policy was worth the resources spent on it over the previous 15 years. From the first warning messages sent by U.S. Forces Command that tensions were escalating in the Persian Gulf region until the last troops were released from active duty in January 1992, the Michigan National Guard deployed 1,638 members all over the world. They supported United Nations operations to restore the Republic of Kuwait to its original borders.

A Michigan National Guard soldier from Midland's 460th Supply and Service Company stands watch somewhere in Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf conflict.