What is the difference between national guard and army?
The National Guard and the Army are two distinct entities that are often confused with each other. While both serve the purpose of protecting and defending the United States, there are significant differences between the two. In this article, we will delve into the differences between the National Guard and the Army.
Roles and Responsibilities
Contents
The National Guard
The National Guard is a reserve component of the US military that can be called upon to serve both at home and abroad. It is composed of 50 state-based reserve units and three US territories: Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. The National Guard can be deployed to assist with domestic emergencies, natural disasters, and civil disturbances. They can also be activated by the President to serve alongside active-duty forces during war or national emergency.
The Army
The Army, on the other hand, is the oldest branch of the US military, established in 1775. The Army is a full-time force responsible for land-based military operations. It is made up of active-duty personnel who are sworn into federal service for a specified term, typically between two and six years.
Training and Operations
Training
The National Guard receives their training from both state authorities and the federal government. They can drill for one weekend a month, known as annual training, and two weeks in the summer, known as annual training. Army personnel, on the other hand, receive continuous training throughout the year.
Operations
The National Guard has a dual role:
• Homeland security and support: Provide aid to civil authorities, conduct humanitarian missions, and respond to natural disasters.
• Warfighting and operations: Deploy to fight alongside active-duty forces and contribute to global stability and security.
The Army’s primary role is combat operations, with its active-duty personnel deployed globally to various theaters of operations.
Organization and Command
National Guard Organization and Command
The National Guard is commanded by the Governor of each state, with oversight from the Federal Government. Each state has its own Guard Bureau, which manages and controls the state’s Guard units.
Army Organization and Command
The Army is a part of the US Department of Defense and is commanded by the Secretary of Defense and the Chief of Staff of the Army. It is divided into nine combat commands, five Corps, and 1,108 units worldwide.
Benefits and Advantages
Benefits and Advantages
The National Guard offers several benefits, including:
• Educational benefits: Soldiers can use the GI Bill to further their education.
• Employment opportunities: Guardsmen can keep their civilian jobs while serving part-time.
• Compressed workweeks: Some units offer compressed workweeks to accommodate civilian jobs.
• Leadership and personal growth: Guardsmen have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and take part in personal growth projects.
Army personnel also receive numerous benefits, including:
• Competitive salaries and allowances: Active-duty soldiers receive a competitive salary and a range of allowances, such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).
• Free education and training: Army personnel have access to on-site training and education opportunities, as well as GI Bill benefits.
• Job security: Active-duty soldiers are guaranteed a certain level of job security.
• Comprehensive benefits package: The Army offers a range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision care, as well as life insurance.
In Conclusion
The National Guard and the Army are two distinct entities with unique roles, responsibilities, training, and operations. The National Guard plays a crucial role in domestic security and support, while the Army is responsible for land-based combat operations globally. While both have their advantages and benefits, each is an essential part of the US military. Understanding the differences between the two will help individuals make informed decisions about their careers and contributions to national security.
