Tennessee Army National Guard 1st Lt. Devin Sorenson has spent nearly 17 years serving in the ranks of the Tennessee Army National Guard, developing as a leader while embracing the demanding culture of the infantry. A graduate of Austin Peay State University and a law enforcement officer with the Murfreesboro Police Department, Sorenson credits military service with shaping his leadership style and preparing him to guide Soldiers as the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment transforms into a Mobile Brigade Combat Team.
Why did you join the Tennessee Army National Guard?
“I've been in the Tennessee Army National Guard my entire adult life, going on year 17 now. Through the Tennessee Army National Guard, I earned a degree in Homeland Security from Austin Peay State University completely debt-free. The Guard has helped me become a leader, which has transitioned directly into my civilian career. I work in law enforcement at the Murfreesboro Police Department. They've been incredibly supportive of my service in the Tennessee Army National Guard for the past 10 years. The Guard continues to keep me healthy, responsible, and physically fit over the years.”
The 278th is undergoing a major transformation. What excites you about being a leader during this period?
“I'm very excited about it. Change is coming, and we have to adapt. My message to Soldiers is to take it for what it's worth and run with it. Whether it’s new equipment, new capabilities, or training opportunities, Soldiers have to be willing to learn and embrace change. This transformation presents opportunities, and as a leader, it’s our responsibility to help guide Soldiers through this transformation process.”
What would you say to someone considering joining the Tennessee Army National Guard?
“The Tennessee Army National Guard offers a lot of benefits and opportunities. Looking back on my career, I wouldn't change a thing. It's been a great experience that's helped me grow professionally and personally. I’d tell anyone interested in joining to consider the infantry. We are the Queen of Battle and the tip of the spear. If you're looking for a challenge and want to be at the forefront of the mission, join the infantry.”
278th Cavalry Regiment Continues Transformation to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team
In May 2025, the Tennessee Army National Guard's 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment was selected as one of three National Guard units to reorganize into a Mobile Brigade Combat Team as part of the U.S. Army's transformation initiative. Since then, the 278th has begun its rapid conversion from an Armored Brigade Combat Team to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team, a lighter, faster and more lethal unit.
A Mobile Brigade Combat Team, which is an enhanced Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is a combat formation with new capabilities that emphasize dispersed, fast-moving operations and the integration of emerging technologies and systems such as the Infantry Squad Vehicle, unmanned aircraft systems, extended-range precision weapons and electronic warfare systems.
As the transformation continues, the 278th is updating its equipment and vehicles, learning new skills and reorganizing to meet the new force structure.
The 278th, which reorganized to its previous armored configuration in 2018, consisted primarily of M1 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles organized across six squadrons: three armored squadrons, one support squadron, one field artillery squadron and one engineer squadron, comprising more than 3,500 Soldiers.
The new Mobile Brigade Combat Team is organized with three infantry battalions, an additional multipurpose company assigned to each battalion and one multifunctional reconnaissance company assigned to the brigade. The brigade is leaner and more agile, with approximately 1,900 Soldiers.
As a newly designated infantry formation, the 278th has begun receiving and training on new equipment such as unmanned aircraft systems. Soldiers are learning to operate multiple aircraft platforms and becoming experts in UAS operations so they can continue adapting as the technology evolves.
Another significant change is the transition of Soldiers into new military occupational specialties. Guardsmen across the regiment have already begun attending transition courses to train for their new missions and learn how to integrate these new vehicles and systems into future operations.
Soldiers enlisting and commissioning in the Tennessee Army National Guard now have additional opportunities to serve in infantry and other emerging career fields across the state.
Over the next year and a half, Soldiers across the regiment will continue training on their new missions, equipment, and capabilities as the 278th completes its transition to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team, strengthening its ability to serve Tennessee and fight and win the nation's wars.