About this Unit
The Army National Guard (ARNG) in the State of Vermont, known as the Vermont Army National Guard, traces its origins to colonial militia units formed in the mid-18th century. Vermont units played a key role in the American Revolution, notably at the Battle of Bennington in 1777. Over the years, the Vermont ARNG has served in major conflicts, including the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and more recently in deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, the Vermont Army National Guard provides both state emergency response and federal military support, maintaining a proud tradition of service and community involvement.
Historical Facts
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Oldest Military Organization: The Vermont National Guard traces its origins to 1764, making it one of the oldest military organizations in the United States, pre-dating the American Revolution.
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Green Mountain Boys: The famed “Green Mountain Boys,” a militia organization from Vermont, played a crucial role in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 during the Revolutionary War.
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Civil War Contributions: Over 34,000 Vermonters served in the Union Army during the Civil War, with Vermont National Guard units participating in key battles such as Gettysburg and Cedar Creek.
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First African American Officer: Vermont’s 54th Infantry Regiment included African American soldiers, with the state being an early advocate for the inclusion of Black Americans in the military.
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World War II Service: The 172nd Infantry Regiment, Vermont National Guard, was deployed to the Pacific Theater and fought in the Philippines and Ryukyu Islands campaigns.
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First Female Brigade Commander: In 2012, Colonel Tracey Poirier became the first woman to command a brigade in the Vermont Army National Guard.
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Global War on Terror: Since 2001, thousands of Vermont National Guard members have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations worldwide as part of the Global War on Terrorism.
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Disaster Response: The Vermont National Guard has been key in disaster relief efforts, notably during Hurricane Irene in 2011, providing rescue, recovery, and infrastructure repair.
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International Partnerships: Vermont has a unique partnership with North Macedonia through the National Guard State Partnership Program, fostering military and civil cooperation.
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F-35 Lightning II Base: The Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing, located at Burlington International Airport, became the first Air National Guard unit in the country to be equipped with the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter in 2019.
