Get the basics about the Guard.

Watch the video

Guard 101 - Citizen Soldier (1:44)

Guard 101 - Jobs in the Guard (:51)

Guard 101 - Ranks (2:02)

Guard 101 - Uniforms  (:49)

Guard 101 - Fitness (:52)

Guard 101 - Benefits (1:05)

Did you know?

Teddy Roosevelt's famed "Rough Riders" consisted of National Guard Soldiers from Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

What is the Guard?

The National Guard is America’s oldest armed force—dating back to 1636—and the only branch that serves both the Federal and State governments. The Guard answers to both the president of the United States and the governors of their respective states and territories. 

This means that the National Guard can be mobilized any time natural disasters or other emergencies occur within America’s borders, and also serve alongside U.S. combat forces in other parts of the world.

The Guard's roots go back to North America’s earliest colonial militias: farmers, shopkeepers and everyday citizens willing to put their lives on hold and pick up their weapons to defend their communities and their country.

Today, Citizen-Soldiers live, work and go to school in cities and towns all across America and its territories. And just as they have for over 370 years, the men and women of the National Guard are trained, willing and proud to assist their neighbors during emergencies, and to protect their nation whenever they are called. 

Always ready, always there. That is the National Guard.


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