Do National Guard Deployed?
The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States military, comprising both Army and Air National Guard units. While they are often referred to as the "reserve" of the military, the National Guard is actually a unique entity with its own distinct role and responsibilities. One of the most common questions about the National Guard is whether they are deployed or not. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and delve deeper into the world of the National Guard.
What is the National Guard?
The National Guard is a reserve component of the military that consists of both Army and Air National Guard units. The National Guard is made up of part-time soldiers and airmen who are trained to support the active duty military during times of war or national emergency. The National Guard is composed of approximately 450,000 soldiers and airmen, with units located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
What is the Role of the National Guard?
The National Guard plays a vital role in supporting the active duty military during times of war or national emergency. Their primary role is to provide support to the active duty military by conducting missions such as:
• Homeland Security: The National Guard is responsible for providing support to civil authorities during times of crisis, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and civil unrest.
• Combat Support: The National Guard provides combat support to the active duty military during times of war, including tasks such as transportation, logistics, and intelligence gathering.
• Training and Readiness: The National Guard is responsible for training and preparing its members for deployment, as well as maintaining readiness to respond to emergencies.
Are National Guard Deployed?
Yes, the National Guard is deployed. In fact, the National Guard has been deployed to various locations around the world, including:
• Iraq: The National Guard has been deployed to Iraq multiple times, providing support to the active duty military and conducting missions such as security and stability operations.
• Afghanistan: The National Guard has also been deployed to Afghanistan, conducting missions such as training and advising the Afghan military.
• Haiti: The National Guard was deployed to Haiti in 2010 to provide humanitarian assistance and support to the Haitian government.
• Puerto Rico: The National Guard was deployed to Puerto Rico in 2017 to provide support to the island after Hurricane Maria devastated the island.
How Do National Guard Deployments Work?
National Guard deployments typically work in the following way:
• Federal Activation: When the National Guard is deployed, they are activated by the President or the Secretary of Defense, and their deployment is authorized by Congress.
• State Activation: Before deploying, National Guard members must be activated by their state governor, which requires a request to the federal government.
• Mission: Once activated, National Guard members are assigned a specific mission, which can range from combat operations to humanitarian assistance.
• Duration: National Guard deployments can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the mission and the needs of the active duty military.
Key Statistics on National Guard Deployments
Here are some key statistics on National Guard deployments:
| Deployment Type | Number of Deployments | Number of Soldiers/Airmen |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq | 12 | 150,000 |
| Afghanistan | 10 | 120,000 |
| Haiti | 1 | 10,000 |
| Puerto Rico | 1 | 5,000 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the National Guard is deployed, and plays a vital role in supporting the active duty military during times of war or national emergency. From providing homeland security to combat support, the National Guard is an essential component of the U.S. military. While their deployments may be shorter than those of active duty military personnel, the National Guard is a critical part of the country’s defense and security infrastructure.
