All You Need to Know About the U.S. National Guard: What It Is and What It Does
By Phil Goebel
~4 Min Read
The US National Guard: A breakdown of its role and purpose - The text provides a straightforward explanation: Who is the United States National Guard, and what roles does it perform?
The U.S. National Guard, a powerhouse of well-trained, equipped soldiers, boasts a reputation that echoes through history. Recently, President Donald Trump dispatched 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles to manage the unrest following deportation raids. But what exactly is this enigmatic unit? And what sets it apart from the U.S. Army? Let's dive in and fill the gaps.
What Is the U.S. National Guard?
The U.S. National Guard is a state-run militia, harmoniously coexisting with the U.S. Army while remaining separate from it. Its origins date back to the inception of the United States, when each state maintained its own militia to protect territories, from Native American conflicts to defending against invasions. It wasn't until the Militia Act of 1903 that all state militias were united under the National Guard banner to standardize training and equipment, with the federal government offering financial aid for the state's arsenals [1].
National Guard vs. U.S. Army
The U.S. Army traces its roots to the American War of Independence, starting off smaller than the state militias. As political opposition to a centralized military force persisted for many years, it wasn't until the U.S. entry into World War I that the armed forces underwent a significant transformation. Today, the Army and National Guard exist side by side, with recruits training together and National Guard members serving as Army reservists [1].
The main difference between the two lies in their areas of deployment and command structures. Tasked primarily with supporting the Army in non-military matters, the National Guard functions as a reserve force for the armed services. In contrast, the U.S. Army serves as a purely federal military force [1].
The Role of the U.S. National Guard
Primarily working in tandem with the states and their governors, the National Guard is called upon in the event of national emergencies, disasters, or unrest that threaten national security [1]. Because the U.S. Army is a purely federal force, it is not authorized for deployments within the country.
In times of crisis, the national guard is placed under the command of the President, the supreme commander of the armed forces. However, the governors of the respective states maintain control over their National Guard units during regular circumstances [1].
When Is the U.S. National Guard Deployed?
Deploying the National Guard, while not uncommon, is a significant decision that carries consequences. The Guard is often mobilized for disaster relief efforts, such as in response to hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural catastrophes. In addition, the National Guard has been deployed to support border agents along the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as to quell domestic disturbances, including protests and civil unrest [1][3].
Size of the U.S. National Guard
The number of members in the National Guard varies by state, with the largest Guard units found in Texas and smaller units in Delaware. As of 2023, the overall strength of the National Guard was estimated to be roughly 430,000 individuals [1]. In comparison, the U.S. Army had 1.39 million active soldiers and 860,000 reservists in 2022.
Sources
[1] U.S. Department of Defense[2] Neue Zürcher Zeitung[3] Merkur.de
Topics
- National Guard
- U.S. Armed Forces
- Natural Disaster
- Deployment
- Civil Unrest
- U.S. Army
- Governor
- Dual Command
- George Floyd
- California
Insights
- The U.S. National Guard plays a key role in responding to emergency situations, both at home and abroad.
- During national emergencies, the National Guard can be deployed to support law enforcement and maintain order.
- The National Guard operates under a dual command structure, being controlled by state governors during peacetime and the President during wartime.
- National Guard members lead civilian lives and offer versatility in their ability to adapt to various tasks.
- The National Guard's size varies by state, with around 430,000 members in total and the U.S. Army significantly larger.
The U.S. National Guard, despite its military connotation, follows a unique federal model called a state-run militia. Different from the politics that govern the U.S. Army, the National Guard's employments extend to various policy areas, including the community and general-news sectors, as evidenced by its role in domestic unrest management. The National Guard's involvement in events like the deployment of 2,000 members to Los Angeles in response to recent deportation raids underscores this aspect.
