National Guard

• The National Guard was officially established in 1903 by the Militia Act, which reorganized state militias into the National Guard of the United States. • During the Mexican-American War, many members of state militias volunteered to serve, which laid the foundation for the National Guard's role in future conflicts. • National Guard units have been deployed to every major American conflict, including World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. • The National Guard played a key role in the response to natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012. • The National Guard has a unique dual mission of serving both the state and federal governments, providing support for emergencies and disasters as well as national defense. • National Guard units have been used for riot control in times of civil unrest, such as during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. • The National Guard has a long history of providing assistance to communities in need, such as helping with food distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. • The National Guard has been an integral part of the response to the global war on terrorism, providing support for overseas deployments as well as homeland security operations. • National Guard members often balance civilian careers with their military service, bringing diverse skills and experiences to their units. • The National Guard is one of the oldest military organizations in the United States, with roots dating back to colonial militias formed in the 17th century.