Illinois NG

The Illinois National Guard (Illinois NG) traces its origins to 1723, when French settlers in the Illinois Country organized local militias for defense. During the Civil War, Illinois National Guard units played a crucial role, supplying more than 250,000 soldiers to the Union Army. The Guard has since been mobilized for both world wars, the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, as well as for disaster relief and civil emergencies at home. Today, the Illinois NG consists of both the Army National Guard and Air National Guard, continuing its dual federal and state mission.