About this Unit
The Army National Guard (ARNG) of Maryland, officially known as the Maryland Army National Guard, traces its roots back to colonial militia units formed in the 17th century. Throughout its history, Maryland ARNG units have participated in every major American conflict, from the Revolutionary War and Civil War to both World Wars, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The unit has played a vital role in both national defense and state emergencies, assisting with disaster relief and civil support missions. Today, the Maryland Army National Guard continues to serve with distinction, providing trained soldiers for federal missions abroad and supporting the state’s needs at home.
Historical Facts
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Historic Origins: The Maryland Army National Guard (ARNG MD) traces its roots to the colonial militia formed in 1634, making it one of the oldest military organizations in the United States.
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The "Maryland 400": During the Revolutionary War, the Maryland Line earned the nickname "The Old Line" for their heroic stand at the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776, where 400 Marylanders held off British forces, allowing George Washington's army to escape.
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The Star-Spangled Banner: Maryland militia units, including the Baltimore Fencibles, defended Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Their defense inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."
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Civil War Divided: Maryland's National Guard units were split during the Civil War, with some fighting for the Union and others for the Confederacy, reflecting the state's divided loyalties.
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Mexican Border Service: Maryland National Guard troops were deployed to the Mexican border in 1916 to guard against raids by Pancho Villa and to train for potential involvement in World War I.
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World War I & II Contributions: The 29th Infantry Division, featuring Maryland National Guard troops, played a major role in both World Wars, including the D-Day landings at Omaha Beach in Normandy in 1944.
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Peacekeeping Missions: Maryland ARNG units have participated in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia, Kosovo, and the Sinai Peninsula, helping to stabilize regions in conflict.
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Disaster Response: The Maryland National Guard frequently responds to natural disasters, such as Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and the Baltimore riots in 2015, providing security and humanitarian aid.
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First Female General: In 2003, Brigadier General Linda Singh became the first African American and first female to command the Maryland Army National Guard.
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Modern Deployments: Since 9/11, Maryland ARNG units have been deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and other locations as part of the Global War on Terrorism, supporting both combat and reconstruction operations.
