New Jersey National Guard

• Colonial Origins: The New Jersey National Guard traces its roots back to December 1668, when the General Assembly of East New Jersey passed a law requiring all men to be ready to fight, making it one of the oldest military organizations in the United States. • Revolutionary War Service: New Jersey militia units, the predecessors of the National Guard, played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, including at the famous battles of Trenton and Princeton. • Nickname "The Cockpit of the Revolution": New Jersey earned this nickname because of the many crucial battles fought on its soil during the Revolutionary War, many involving the state's citizen-soldiers. • World War I Efforts: The 29th "Blue and Gray" Division, which included New Jersey National Guard troops, fought in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, one of the largest operations of the war. • World War II Valor: The 44th Infantry Division, with many New Jersey Guardsmen, fought in France and Germany, earning numerous decorations and citations for bravery and effectiveness. • Domestic Service: The New Jersey National Guard has responded to countless state emergencies, including disaster relief during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, aiding in evacuations, logistics, and rescue operations. • First Female General: In 2017, Brigadier General Jemal J. Beale became the first African American and the first person of color to serve as Adjutant General of New Jersey, leading both the Army and Air National Guard units. • 9/11 Response: Immediately after the September 11 attacks, the New Jersey National Guard provided security, search and rescue, and support at Ground Zero and across the state. • Dual Mission: Like all National Guard units, the New Jersey National Guard serves both federal and state governments, meaning its members can be called to respond to local emergencies or deployed overseas for national defense. • Modern Deployments: Since 2001, thousands of New Jersey National Guard members have been deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and other locations as part of the Global War on Terror, earning high praise for their professionalism and skill.