National Guard
The National Guard of the United States is a reserve military force composed of state-based units of the United States Army and the United States Air Force. Each state, territory, and the District of Columbia maintains its own National Guard under dual control of the federal and state governments. The Guard serves as both a domestic emergency response force and a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces.
History
The National Guard traces its origins to colonial militias, beginning with the Massachusetts Bay Colony militia in 1636. During the American Revolutionary War, militias formed the backbone of the Continental Army. In 1903, the Militia Act formally organized state militias into the National Guard system.
The Guard has since fought in every major U.S. conflict, including World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and the post-9/11 wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. It also plays a central role in responding to domestic emergencies.
Mission
The National Guard has a dual state–federal mission:
State missions: Under the command of state governors, the Guard responds to natural disasters, civil disturbances, and emergencies.
Federal missions: When activated by the President, the Guard supports overseas combat and peacekeeping operations as part of the active-duty force.
Organization
Army National Guard – provides land forces, including infantry, armor, artillery, aviation, and engineering units.
Air National Guard – provides air defense, mobility, reconnaissance, and support missions.
Leadership
State governors serve as commanders-in-chief of their respective National Guard units.
At the federal level, the Guard reports to the President of the United States through the Secretary of Defense and the National Guard Bureau.
The Chief of the National Guard Bureau serves on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Personnel
National Guard members typically serve part-time, training one weekend per month and two weeks per year, though they may be activated for full-time duty. They are known as “citizen-soldiers” due to their combination of military and civilian roles.
Domestic Role
The Guard has responded to hurricanes, floods, wildfires, riots, and pandemics. It played significant roles in Hurricane Katrina (2005) and COVID-19 response (2020).
Symbols and Traditions
- Motto: Always Ready, Always There.
- Emblem: The Minuteman symbol, representing readiness and citizen-soldier heritage.