What Is National Guard
National Guard is a portion of the defense forces of United States and is divided into sub units in all the states of United States. The National Guard performs all of its operations under the order of their respective governor of the state. National Guard has the responsibilities to provide its services in disasters and emergencies such as national calamities like floods, earthquakes or hurricanes. The duties of National Guards involve responding to the national emergency. National Guards can also be called to respond to effects for invasion and for the execution of laws in case of any emergency by the President.
Active Duty Vs Reserve Or National Guard
What is the difference between someone who is active duty military and someone who is in the Reserve or National Guard?
A person who is active duty is in the military full time. They work for the military full time, may live on a military base, and can be deployed at any time. Persons in the Reserve or National Guard are not full-time active duty military personnel, although they can be deployed at any time should the need arise.
What Is The Difference Between Army And National Guard
Army and National Guard are two different branches of the components of the national security of the US.
Army is a force that has to perform its services for the country in safeguarding the strategies of the United States and the cases which involve national security. National Guard comes to play mostly on state based territory.
The difference between National Guards and Army is the services which they provide and the way they offer services. National Guard is an old military force of the United States but has been created after the National Army making the Army a senior institution with more responsibilities.
Army is responsible for performing its own services while National Guards have to provide the assistance to the main branch of the army in case it is needed. Else, they are to perform operations in all the states according to the instructions provided by the Governor.
Army comes under the command of the Secretary of Army while National Guard is under the command of the Governor of the state.
Members of the National Guard are referred to as Civilian Soldiers and they are not full-time soldiers. They have the option to pursue careers other than their career in uniform. On the other hand, members of Army can only have one career, and that is their career as soldiers.
Army comes under the federal control while National Guard comes under the dual control of authorities of state and federal government.
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What Is Their Command Structure
Army Reserve is comprised of operational, functional, support and training commands that work together to provide a reserve fighting force.
Operational commands can be deployed as individual units, headquarters, or both.
They include units such as the 3rd Medical, 200th Military Police, 11th Aviation and more.
Functional commands can command units with similar capabilities and can deploy as units.
Some functional commands include Army Reserve Medical, 9th Mission Support, and 7th Civil Support.
Support commands will provide base operations, personnel support, logistics support, administrative support, retention and liaison support.
Training commands include units responsible for the training of all soldiers.
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Why Are National Guard Members Called To Protests And What Do They Do
Governors usually call on Guard members during protests to quell civil unrest, whether that means protecting protesters, assisting law enforcement or ending riots.
Civil support missions provide the following, according to the National Guard Bureau: Support to law enforcement, protection of US citizens lives and property and protection of critical infrastructure.
Gen. Joseph Lengyel said this civil unrest mission is one of the most difficult and dangerous homeland missions we do.
In the current nationwide protests, which erupted after George Floyd died in police custody, Guard members will do what governors or the President asks of them.
The situation remains fluid and the numbers may change rapidly as governors assess their needs, the Guard said in a news release.
In the protests so far, low-flying National Guard helicopters in DC hovered over crowds who were out past the citys curfew to protest, kicking up strong winds and debris. The Guard said it would investigate.
Also in DC, CNN reported that National Guardsmen fired pepper spray at protesters who threw fireworks toward police. Pentagon officials have said that National Guard members have not used tear gas or rubber bullets.
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What Does It Mean To Activate The National Guard And Who Has That Power
When a states National Guard is activated, that means that a governor asked them for support for a domestic crisis. Support can look differently depending on the situation.
The Guard is federally funded but state-controlled, though the President has the power to call on them, too. They can also be deployed overseas, if needed.
In response to the nationwide protests, President Donald Trump said he recommends every governor deploy the National Guard in sufficient numbers that we dominate the streets.
What Is The Army Reserve
The Army Reserve is a component of the US Army.
The Army Reserve consists of mostly part-time soldiers who can be activated into full-time reserve positions in support of operations.
On the battlefield, being able to deploy combat-ready units as quickly as possible can make a large impact on the mission.
The Army Reserve holds fully deployable units and soldiers that may be activated to full-time duty to support specialized capabilities or replace soldiers in high demand areas who have been deployed.
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What Is The National Guard
The National Guard consists of two branches: the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.
Each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia has its own National Guard forces, funded through that entitys budget. The primary job of the National Guard is to defend the location to which it belongs and respond to state disasters and needs, such as earthquakes, floods or pandemics. The National Guard of any given location can also be federalized, receiving federal funding and responding in support of federal needs. That means National Guard units might deploy in support of overseas operations.
Regular Army Army National Guard Partnership
In 2016, the Army and the Army National Guard began a training and readiness initiative that aligned some Army brigades with National Guard division headquarters, and some National Guard brigades with Army division headquarters. Among others, this program included the National Guard’s 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team becoming affiliated with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division and the National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment affiliating with the Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. In addition, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division began an affiliation with the National Guard’s 36th Infantry Division.
Upon the creation of the United States Air Force in 1947, the National Guard Bureau was organized into two divisions Army National Guard and Air National Guard. Each were headed by a major general who reported to the chief of the National Guard Bureau. The head of the Army National Guard was originally established as the chief of the Army Division at the National Guard Bureau. The position was downgraded to brigadier general in 1962 due to force reduction. It was renamed to Director of the Army National Guard and elevated back to major general in 1970. The position was later elevated to the rank of lieutenant general in 2001. The Army National Guard is also authorized a deputy director which was originally established as a brigadier general office in 1970. It was elevated to the rank of major general in 2006.
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Washington Army National Guard Strategic Plan
The Washington Army National Guard Strategic Plan is a plan to achieve the WAARNG goals for organizational change over the next 10 years. The purpose of this document is to provide a point of aim for the organization.
This document outlines the desired strategic Ends of the organization in support of our Mission and general Ways to pursue them. The strategic plans primary inputs are: National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, National Military Strategy, Director of the Army National Guard Vision and Strategy, Guard 4.0, The Army Strategy, and the Washington Military Department Strategy.
While informed by National Defense Strategy, this Strategic Plan refers to the Business and Organizational Strategy of the WAARNG. It takes many elements from civilian strategic organizational change endeavors.
How Many Guard Members Are There
There are over 450,000 soldiers and airmen currently in the National Guard, the National Guard Bureau told CNN.
And right now, there are around 74,000 members on duty in all 50 states. Many of them were previously activated to assist with Covid-19 relief, which included sewing, disinfecting and testing.
About 30,000 of them have activated in 31 states plus DC to monitor protests, enforce curfews and support police.
The previous high was in 2005, when 51,000 members activated to assist New Orleans residents after Hurricane Katrina. And at 74,000, thats almost 4.5 times more than active duty troops in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.
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What Is The Difference Between Guard And Reserve Service
Each branch of the military has a reserve component whose main purpose is to have trained units available for active duty as needed.
The National Guard includes the Army National Guard and Air National Guard in each state, U.S. territory and the District of Columbia. National Guard units typically are controlled by the state, but they can be activated for federal duty and deployed.
Both Reserve and Guard units train, as known as drill, about one weekend a month plus two weeks a year for “annual training.” Guard and Reserve members must serve a certain number of hours each year to make a “good year” to qualify for benefits and retirement.
How Big Is The Army Reserve
The Army reserve has an authorized strength of 199,000 soldiers, 11,000 civilians, and 2,075 units.
They are found in every state, five U.S. territories, and 30 countries for a total of 20% of the Armys units.
The Armys website lists over 200 occupations available to reserve members.
While the Army Reserve offers occupations and commands similar to its active duty counterpart, the Army Reserve has Theater engineer commands, Civil Affairs commands, and medical minimal care detachments that are distinct to reserves.
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Army National Guard Serve Both The Country And A State
” I, , do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of against all enemies, foreign and domestic that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to law and regulations. So help me God. “
Does The National Guard Get Paid More Than The Reserve
National Guard members and Reservists make the same amount of money for each drill period. The pay for each drill period typically changes annually. See the latest on Guard and Reserve pay. Guard and Reserve members also qualify for the same benefits when not activated. They also receive the same amount when deployed or activated on federal orders.
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Virginia Army National Guard
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The Virginia Army National Guard is composed of approximately 7000 soldiers and maintains 46 armories in communities throughout Virginia.
The Governor may call individuals or units of the Virginia National Guard into state service during emergencies or to assist in special situations which lend themselves to use of the National Guard. The state mission assigned to the National Guard is:
The Virginia National Guard provides the premier ready, relevant, and responsive Army and Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The forces must anticipate requirements and rapidly deploy where directed while executing the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of Virginia in order to save lives, protect people and property, ensure safety and relieve suffering.
Army Reserves Vs National Guard
The Army Reserves and Army National Guard each present unique opportunities to individuals who want to serve their country without making a full-time commitment.
Both the Reserves and National Guard allow individuals to work civilian jobs or attend school full time while serving in their MOS.
They allow you to work one weekend a month plus two weeks of training a year.
If they offer the same schedule and allow individuals to work near home, you may be wondering what exactly is the Army Reserves Vs. National Guard, and what is the difference?
Continue reading for more information on both, and 5 ways they are different.
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Jobs Available In The National Guard
There are plenty of jobs available in the National Guard 150 of them, to be exact. Recruiters match recruits with jobs that match their skills and aptitude in areas ranging from Infantry to Air Defense to engineering.
Recruiters also assign jobs based on the results of the ASVAB test, which is the most common military entrance test. A benefit of joining the National Guard is that many of the jobs youll do translate well into civilian careers and dont require additional qualifications.
Some examples of National Guard jobs include:
- Combat Arms/Ground Forces. These men and women serve as the Guards primary fighting force. Like active-duty soldiers, the Combats Arms force are trained in everything from combat patrols to rescue efforts.
- STEM-Science. STEM Soldiers are trained in advanced science fields like weather patterns, radiological warfare, and explosive chemistry.
- Medical. Guard medical specialists are trained to work with doctors, and their skills are valuable as combat medics and in responding to domestic natural disasters. Medical jobs in the Guard range from everything from operating room to dental work.
Those are just a few examples of National Guard jobs available. Other positions include engineers, intelligence officers, cybersecurity, and aviation.
Department Of Emergency And Military Affairs
The Arizona Army National Guard continuously provides a trained and ready force capable of performing unified land operations and defense support to civil authorities.
Through training, professional development and leadership engagements, the AZARNG continues to be a force capable of accomplishing a myriad of missions. AZARNG Soldiers are professionals who balance civilian careers, families and academic advancement. This is the essence of being Citizen-Soldiers Always Ready, Always There.
The AZARNG is made up of six major commands with approximately 5,100 Soldiers.
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Idaho Army National Guard
The Idaho Army National Guard is the largest component of the Idaho National Guard, consisting of nearly 3,000 Soldiers who train in more than 20 Idaho communities. The Idaho National Guard maintains combat readiness to fight and win our nations wars, develops and strengthens homeland security and emergency response, and builds and fosters partnerships throughout Idaho, the nation and around the world. With its unique dual responsibility to the state and nation, the Idaho National Guard answers to two executives: the governor of the State of Idaho, and when federalized, the president of the United States.
Our Mission
The mission of the Idaho Army National Guard is to maintain combat readiness and domestic emergency response capability, while building enduring partnerships throughout the state, nation, and around the world. Always Ready Always There
- 1-163rd Combined Arms Battalion
- 1-221st Armored Reconnaissance Squadron
- 3-116th Combined Arms Battalion
How Big Is The National Guard
The National Guard has a projected strength of over 340,000 soldiers.
They make up 39% of the Armys Operational Force.
The National Guard is in every state, three territories, the District of Columbia and has over 150 career options.
Most career options are part-time but there are full-time and civilian employment opportunities in the National Guard.
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A Long And Rich History
Believe it or not, the National Guard is older than the U.S. Army.
The American colonies organized militias comprising citizen-soldiers to provide for common defense, and thats how the Guard started. The National Guards birthday is December 13, 1636 thats when the Massachusetts colony created the American colonies first militia regiment.
These early colonial militias were used to defend against Native American tribes and other colonial powers in North America, such as the Spanish. The militias also provided security and structure for the early colonial settlements.
The militias served in some of the earliest battles of the American Revolutionary War, and many volunteer militias also served in the Civil War.
In 1903, the Militia Act began to transform the volunteer regiments into the more structured form of the National Guard that we know today.