United States National Guard

The United States National Guard is a significant component of the United States armed forces military reserve. The Militia Act of 1903, also known as the Dick Act, organized the various state militias into the present National Guard system. Because the National Guard remains under the authority of the states (unless called into federal service), it should not be confused with the reserves of the various services which serve primarily as training units for replacements to active component forces.

Related Topics:
United States armed forces - Militia Act of 1903 - Militias

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The Army National Guard is part of the United States Army, comprising approximately one half of its available combat forces and approximately one third of its support organization. The Air National Guard is part of the United States Air Force. Both are maintained through the National Guard Bureau, whose Chief sits on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Related Topics:
United States Army - Air National Guard - United States Air Force - National Guard Bureau - Joint Chiefs of Staff

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Various State Militias also exist which are reserves to the National Guard and are collectively known as State Defense Forces. The State Militias, in some cases, pre-date the existence of the National Guard and are maintained on both an organized and unorganized level. The organized militia exists to supplement the National Guard in the event of manpower shortages while the unorganized militia comprises every able bodied male in a state which may be called up for extreme emergencies such as an invasion of the United States or a major catastrophe inside her shores. The last time that the unorganized state militias were activated was during the Civil War.

Related Topics:
State Defense Forces - Invasion - Catastrophe - Civil War

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The National Guard equips and outfits its personnel in the same manner as the United States Armed Forces. The same ranks and insignia are used and National Guardsmen are eligible to receive all United States military awards. The National Guard also bestows a number of state awards for local services rendered in a service member's home state.

Related Topics:
United States military awards - State awards

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It is perhaps best known for its slogan used in commercials: "One weekend a month, two weeks a year". This indicated the amount of time an individual would need to spend actively in the Guard to be a Guardsman with benefits and such. It was dropped during the Iraq War after it became clear that Guardsmen were now serving considerably more time in service.

Related Topics:
One weekend a month, two weeks a year - Iraq War

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Prior to the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, the National Guard's policy regarding deployment was that Guardsmen would be required to serve no more than six months over seas at any time. Due to strains placed on active duty units following the attacks, the possible deployment time was increased to 18 months. Additional strains placed on military units as a result of the invasion of Iraq further increased the amount of time a Guardsman could be deployed to 24 months. Current DOD policy is that no Guardsman will be involuntarily activated for a total of more than 24 months (cumulative) in one six year enlistment period.

Related Topics:
September 11 - 2001

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