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.

History

Throughout the 19th century the regular Army was small, and the militia provided the majority of the troops during the Mexican War, the start of the American Civil War, and the Spanish-American War. In 1903, part of the militia was federalized and renamed the National Guard and organized as a Reserve force for the Army. In World War I, the National Guard made up 40 percent of the U.S. combat divisions in France. In World War II the National Guard made up 19 divisions. One hundred forty thousand guardsmen were mobilized during the Korean War and over 63,000 for Operation Desert Storm. They have also participated in the US peacekeeping forces in Somalia, Haiti, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bosnia, and Kosovo as well as for natural disasters, strikes, riots and security for the Olympics when they have been in the states.

Related Topics:
19th century - Mexican War - American Civil War - Spanish-American War - 1903 - World War I - France - World War II - Korean War - Operation Desert Storm

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The National Guard is not subject to the Posse Comitatus Act and can engage in law enforcement activities, except when federalized.

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Following World War II, the National Guard aviation units became the Air National Guard. There is no Naval National Guard due to the constitutional provision against states having ships of war in time of peace, though Alaska, California, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio have incorporated Naval Militia units.

Related Topics:
Air National Guard - Alaska - California - New Jersey - New York - Ohio - Naval Militia

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National Guard members and reservists now comprise a larger percentage of frontline fighting forces than in any war in U.S. history (About 43 percent in Iraq and 55 percent in Afghanistan). There are now 183,366 National Guard members and reservists on active duty nationwide who leave behind about 300,000 dependents, according to U.S. Defense Department statistics.

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The oldest active National Guard unit in the country is the 201st Field Artillery based in Fairmont, West Virginia, which was first activated in 1735.

Related Topics:
201st Field Artillery - 1735

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National Guard units played a major role in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, in September 2005.

Related Topics:
Hurricane Katrina - September - 2005

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