N.D. Army National Guard appoints new chief of staff

BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota Army National Guard has a new chief of staff.

Col. Giselle “Gigi” Wilz, of Bismarck, will take over the post from Col. Mike Aberle, who is retiring.

Wilz is the first woman in the history of the North Dakota Army National Guard to rise from enlisted soldier to the rank of colonel. She commands the Fargo-based 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

Wilz joined the Guard in 1983.

Aberle will continue to work for the Guard as a civilian, as the transition assistance adviser at the military service center in Bismarck.

Aberle enlisted in the Guard on his 17th birthday in 1978.