What Does The National Guard Do

The National Guard is a unique and essential component of the United States Armed Forces. With a rich history dating back to 1636, the National Guard has evolved to become a critical part of the country's defense and homeland security strategy. But what exactly does the National Guard do?

The National Guard is a reserve component of the US Armed Forces that consists of citizen-soldiers who can be called upon to support both state and federal authorities. The National Guard has a dual mission: to provide support to state governors in times of emergency or disaster, and to provide combat-ready troops to support the federal government in times of war or national crisis.

State Mission

In their state role, National Guard members can be called upon by their governors to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including:

• Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods
• Civil unrest or riots
• Search and rescue operations
• Border security
• Homeland security

National Guard members are trained to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations, and they work closely with state and local law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety.

Federal Mission

In their federal role, National Guard members can be called upon to support the US Armed Forces in times of war or national crisis. National Guard members can be deployed overseas to support combat operations, or they can be used to support homeland security efforts within the United States.

National Guard members are trained to perform a wide range of military tasks, including:

• Combat operations
• Peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance
• Disaster relief
• Homeland security

Types of National Guard Units

There are two main types of National Guard units: Army National Guard (ARNG) and Air National Guard (ANG).

• Army National Guard (ARNG): The ARNG is a reserve component of the US Army, and its members are trained to perform a wide range of military tasks, including combat operations, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance.
• Air National Guard (ANG): The ANG is a reserve component of the US Air Force, and its members are trained to perform a wide range of military tasks, including air defense, airlift, and aerial refueling.

Benefits of Joining the National Guard

Joining the National Guard can provide a wide range of benefits, including:

• Education benefits: National Guard members are eligible for education benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill and the Tuition Assistance Program.
• Career training: National Guard members receive training in a wide range of career fields, including healthcare, engineering, and cybersecurity.
• Leadership development: National Guard members have opportunities to develop leadership skills and advance through the ranks.
• Camaraderie: National Guard members are part of a close-knit community of citizen-soldiers who share a common purpose and sense of duty.
• Service to country and community: National Guard members have the opportunity to serve their country and community in a unique and meaningful way.

How to Join the National Guard

If you're interested in joining the National Guard, here are the steps you need to take:

• Meet the eligibility requirements: You must be a US citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 35, and meet certain physical and moral standards.
• Choose a career field: The National Guard offers a wide range of career fields, including healthcare, engineering, and cybersecurity.
• Take the ASVAB test: The ASVAB test is a standardized test that measures your aptitude for different career fields.
• Enlist: Once you've chosen a career field and taken the ASVAB test, you can enlist in the National Guard.
• Attend basic training: After you enlist, you'll attend basic training, which is a 10-week course that teaches you the skills you need to succeed in the National Guard.

Conclusion

The National Guard is a unique and essential component of the US Armed Forces. With a rich history and a wide range of missions, the National Guard offers a unique opportunity for citizen-soldiers to serve their country and community. Whether you're interested in serving in a state or federal role, the National Guard has something to offer. So why not consider joining the National Guard today?

Common Roles and Responsibilities

The National Guard has a wide range of roles and responsibilities, including:

• Infantry: National Guard infantry members are trained to engage enemy forces and secure territory.
• Engineering: National Guard engineering members are trained to design, build, and repair infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings.
• Healthcare: National Guard healthcare members are trained to provide medical care to soldiers and civilians in a wide range of settings.
• Cybersecurity: National Guard cybersecurity members are trained to protect computer networks and systems from cyber threats.

Training and Education

The National Guard offers a wide range of training and education opportunities, including:

• Basic Training: Basic training is a 10-week course that teaches new recruits the skills they need to succeed in the National Guard.
• Advanced Individual Training: Advanced individual training is specialized training that teaches National Guard members the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career field.
• Officer Candidate School: Officer candidate school is a training program that teaches National Guard members the skills they need to become officers.
• Degree Completion Programs: The National Guard offers degree completion programs that allow members to complete their degrees while serving in the National Guard.

History of the National Guard

The National Guard has a rich history that dates back to 1636, when the Massachusetts Bay Colony established a militia to defend against Native American attacks. Over the years, the National Guard has evolved to become a critical part of the US Armed Forces.

• American Revolution: The National Guard played a key role in the American Revolution, with many militia members fighting alongside regular army troops.
• War of 1812: The National Guard played a key role in the War of 1812, with many militia members fighting against British forces.
• Civil War: The National Guard played a key role in the Civil War, with many militia members fighting for the Union.

Gallery of National Guard Images

National Guard Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Guard?

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The National Guard is a reserve component of the US Armed Forces that consists of citizen-soldiers who can be called upon to support both state and federal authorities.

What are the benefits of joining the National Guard?

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Joining the National Guard can provide a wide range of benefits, including education benefits, career training, leadership development, and service to country and community.

How do I join the National Guard?

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To join the National Guard, you must meet the eligibility requirements, choose a career field, take the ASVAB test, and enlist.