Alaska National Guard

The Alaska National Guard was officially established in 1940, though its roots trace back to the Alaska Territorial Guard formed during World War II to defend the territory from potential invasion. The Guard played a crucial role during the war, with indigenous Alaskans and local volunteers patrolling remote frontiers. In the decades since, the Alaska National Guard has supported both state and federal missions, including disaster response, search and rescue, and overseas deployments. Today, the unit remains a vital component of Alaska’s and the nation’s defense, leveraging unique skills tailored to the state’s challenging environment.