What Does Army National Guard Do?
The Army National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Army that is made up of citizens who serve part-time in order to defend the country. The National Guard is made up of two components: the Army National Guard of the United States and the Air National Guard of the United States. The Army National Guard is responsible for providing support to the Active Duty Army, as well as to the state in which it is based. In this article, we will explore what the Army National Guard does and what its responsibilities are.
What Does the Army National Guard Do?
The Army National Guard is a unique organization that combines both federal and state responsibilities. Its primary mission is to provide support to the Active Duty Army during wartime, but it also provides support to the state in which it is based during times of emergency or disaster. The Army National Guard is made up of trained and equipped soldiers who can be called upon to provide support to the Active Duty Army at a moment’s notice.
Federal Missions
The Army National Guard has several federal missions that it is responsible for. Some of the most common federal missions include:
- Domestic Operations: The Army National Guard provides support to civil authorities during times of crisis or disaster, such as natural disasters, search and rescue operations, and humanitarian assistance.
- Homeland Defense: The Army National Guard provides support to the Active Duty Army during times of national security threats, such as chemical or biological attacks.
- Contingency Operations: The Army National Guard provides support to the Active Duty Army during times of conflict or crisis, such as deploying troops to countries in need of assistance.
- Peacekeeping: The Army National Guard provides support to the Active Duty Army during peacekeeping missions, such as providing support to countries in need of stability and security.
State Missions
The Army National Guard also has several state missions that it is responsible for. Some of the most common state missions include:
- Emergency Response: The Army National Guard provides support to the state in which it is based during times of emergency or disaster, such as natural disasters, search and rescue operations, and humanitarian assistance.
- State Defense: The Army National Guard provides support to the state in which it is based during times of crisis or threat, such as providing security for state buildings and institutions.
- Community Service: The Army National Guard provides support to the state in which it is based through community service projects, such as providing support to local food banks and schools.
How Does the Army National Guard Work?
The Army National Guard is made up of three main components: the Regular Army, the Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard. The Regular Army is the Active Duty Army, while the Army Reserve is a reserve component that is made up of trained and equipped soldiers who can be called upon to provide support to the Active Duty Army at a moment’s notice. The Army National Guard is a separate component that is made up of trained and equipped soldiers who can be called upon to provide support to both the Active Duty Army and the state in which they are based.
Who Can Join the Army National Guard?
The Army National Guard is open to civilians who are between the ages of 17 and 35 (or up to 40 for prior military service). To be eligible to join the Army National Guard, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Meet the minimum education requirements, which typically include a high school diploma or equivalent
- Meet the physical and mental fitness requirements
- Pass a background check
Benefits of Joining the Army National Guard
Joining the Army National Guard can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Education Benefits: The Army National Guard offers education benefits, such as the Montgomery GI Bill and the Army National Guard Education Assistance Program, which can help pay for college tuition and fees.
- Healthcare Benefits: The Army National Guard offers healthcare benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement Benefits: The Army National Guard offers retirement benefits, which include a pension and healthcare benefits.
- Career Advancement: Joining the Army National Guard can provide career advancement opportunities, including promotions and transfers.
In conclusion
The Army National Guard is a unique organization that combines both federal and state responsibilities. Its primary mission is to provide support to the Active Duty Army during wartime, but it also provides support to the state in which it is based during times of emergency or disaster. The Army National Guard is made up of trained and equipped soldiers who can be called upon to provide support to both the Active Duty Army and the state in which they are based. If you are considering joining the Army National Guard, it is important to understand the benefits and responsibilities that come with serving as a member of the Army National Guard.
Summary Table
| Mission | Description |
|---|---|
| Federal Mission | Provide support to the Active Duty Army during times of war or national security threats |
| State Mission | Provide support to the state in which it is based during times of emergency or disaster |
| Responsibilities | Provide support to both the Active Duty Army and the state in which it is based |
| Who Can Join | Civilians between the ages of 17 and 35 (or up to 40 for prior military service) |
| Benefits | Education, healthcare, retirement, career advancement |
References
- National Guard Bureau. (n.d.). Army National Guard. Retrieved from https://www.nationalguard.mil/things-you-should-know/army-national-guard/
- Army National Guard. (n.d.). Army National Guard Mission. Retrieved from https://www.army.mil/values/mission.html
- U.S. Army Human Resources Command. (n.d.). Army National Guard Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.hrc.army.mil/hr/benefits/armed-forces/Army%20National%20Guard%20Benefits
