AKARNG

The Alaska Army National Guard (AKARNG) was officially established in 1940, though its roots trace back to territorial militia units formed during the early 20th century. Throughout World War II, AKARNG members played a crucial role in the defense of the Alaskan coastline and the Aleutian Islands against Japanese forces. During the Cold War, the unit was vital in maintaining security and readiness in the strategically important Arctic region. In recent decades, AKARNG soldiers have served both at home—supporting disaster relief and homeland security—and abroad in operations such as Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.