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National Guard

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The National Guard Explained

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What Is The National Guard?

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National Guard | BCT - Basic Training Day 1

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National Guard rules of engagement

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Why Join the National Guard?

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Join us in wishing our brothers and sisters in the @USAirForce a happy 73rd birthday! #USAF73 https://t.co/o8gt0DG3SZ

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We will never forget. #neverforget #september11 https://t.co/iFILNj9Cp6

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. @WVNationalGuard take a look back at what they've accomplished in 180 days responding to COVID-19. #InThisTogether https://t.co/9DLAJpCzyF

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https://t.co/I57T0XddJH

The National Guard is a state-based military force that becomes part of the reserve components of the United States Army and the United States Air Force when activated for federal missions. It is a military reserve force composed of National Guard military members or units of each state and the territories of Guam, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, for a total of 54 separate organizations. It is officially created under Congress's Article 1 Section 8 ability to 'raise and support armies'. All members of the National Guard are also members of the organized militia of the United States as defined by 10 U.S.C. § 246. National Guard units are under the dual control of the state governments and the federal government.
  • Origins 

  • Territorial organization 

  • National Guard Bureau 

  • Constitutional basis 

  • State defense forces 

  • Naval militias 

  • Duties and administrative organization 

  • State and territory duty 

  • Federal duty 

  • Colonial history 

  • American Revolutionary War 

  • Nineteenth century 

  • Industrialization and labor unrest 

  • Twentieth century 

  • Twenty-first century 

  • Relevant laws 

  • Presidents 

  • Other notable members 

  • Number of guardsmen by state, territory and D.C.