NC National Guard

• Colonial Roots: The North Carolina National Guard traces its origins to 1663, when colonial militias were formed for local defense, making it one of the oldest military organizations in the United States. • Revolutionary War Service: North Carolina militia units played a decisive role in the American Revolution, including the pivotal Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. • Civil War Legacy: North Carolina furnished more soldiers to the Confederacy than any other state, and many of the unit designations carried over into the modern National Guard. • Wright Brothers Protection: In 1903, a North Carolina militia unit was dispatched to Kitty Hawk to help guard the Wright brothers’ experimental aircraft. • First World War Mobilization: The 30th Infantry Division, known as "Old Hickory" (a nod to Andrew Jackson), contained many North Carolina National Guard troops and was famous for breaking the Hindenburg Line in WWI. • Hurricane Response: The NC National Guard has an outstanding record of domestic service, especially during hurricanes Floyd (1999), Matthew (2016), and Florence (2018), assisting with evacuations and relief. • 9/11 and Global War on Terror: Since 2001, more than 20,000 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have deployed overseas to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and other locations. • First Female General: In 2009, Brigadier General Elizabeth Austin became the first female general officer in the NC National Guard. • Dual Service: The NC National Guard’s unique "dual mission" means they serve both the governor for state emergencies and the President for federal missions. • National Guard Museum: The North Carolina National Guard Museum and Learning Center, located in Raleigh, preserves and showcases the Guard’s proud heritage with artifacts, vehicles, and interactive exhibits.