The National Guard of the United States is a reserve military that has been serving and protecting the country since 1636 (the National Guard is older than the US itself). As a member of the Guard, soldiers work part time while holding a civilian job.
The National Guard is a joint reserve component of the Air Force and Army. Along with this, there are subcomponents: Air National Guard for the Air Force and Army National Guard for the Army.
The National Guard is one of many military branches that serve as first-line defense for the country. Every state has its own National Guard branch, operating under their state?s governor.
In time of need, members of the National Guard can be called upon for active duty. To go along with protecting the country, these soldiers also respond to natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
The National Guard Bureau, along with the Department of Defense, is responsible for overseeing the National Guard of the United States. The Bureau is responsible for:
– Providing requirements for training
– Providing funds for training for Air National Guard and Army National Guard units
– The allocation of federal funds
The head of the National Guard Bureau is known as the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
The National Guard is thought to be older than the US itself because this branch of the military has been serving for nearly three and a half centuries. This is based on the fact that many current regiments of the Massachusetts Army National Guard were derived from Massachusetts Bay Colony groups that were formed more than 375 years ago.
In the recent past, the National Guard has been responsible for responding to many national disasters including Hurricane Katrina in September 2005. Along with this, in early 2007 National Guard members from eight states were activated to help those stranded in blizzards and other winter conditions across the country. These are just a couple instances in which members of the Guard were activated to respond to domestic disasters.
The National Guard has been protecting and serving the country for hundreds of years. Those who are interested in serving on a part-time basis should consider joining the Guard.