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.

Duties

National Guard units can be mobilized at any time by presidential order to supplement regular armed forces, and upon declaration of a state of emergency by the governor of the state in which they serve.

Related Topics:
Presidential order - State of emergency - Governor

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Unlike Army Reserve members, National Guard members cannot be mobilized individually (except through voluntary transfers), but only as part of their respective units.

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