Do You get deployed in the national guard?

Do You Get Deployed in the National Guard?

The National Guard is a reserve military force that combines the traditional Army and Air National Guards. As a National Guard member, you’ll train part-time, typically one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer, to maintain readiness to respond to emergencies, both domestic and abroad. But one question that often comes up is: Do you get deployed in the National Guard? In this article, we’ll provide a direct answer to this question and break down the details of deployment in the National Guard.

Deployment in the National Guard

The National Guard is trained to respond to a variety of situations, including natural disasters, riots, and military conflicts. As a National Guard member, you may be called to deploy to support domestic or foreign operations. When you join the National Guard, you’re committing to serve a minimum of 8 years, with possible deployments in between.

Here are the different types of deployments you may experience in the National Guard:

• Active Duty: Deployments can last from several months to several years and may take you away from your home and civilian life. As an active duty National Guard member, you’ll perform military duties just like active duty military personnel.
• State and Local Response: You may be called to respond to emergencies and disasters within your state or local community.
• Federal Response: You may be deployed to support federal missions, such as search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, or other operations.

When Will You Be Deployed?

Not all National Guard members will be deployed, and deployment is not automatic. However, there are certain situations where deployment is more likely:

• War or Military Conflict: If there’s a major conflict or war, your unit may be called to deploy.
• Disasters or Emergencies: Your unit may be deployed to respond to severe weather events, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
• Special Operations: You may be deployed to support special operations, such as search and rescue missions or disaster relief efforts.
• State and Local Requests: Your unit may be deployed to support state or local requests for assistance.

What to Expect During Deployment

If you’re deployed, you can expect the following:

• Military Training: You’ll receive training to prepare you for your deployment mission.
• Deployment Site: You’ll be sent to a deployment site, which could be a different state, country, or even overseas.
• Living Arrangements: You may be required to live in a barracks, tent, or other living arrangements for the duration of your deployment.
• Communication: You’ll likely have limited communication with your family and friends during deployment.
• Mental and Physical Health: It’s essential to prioritize your mental and physical health during deployment to avoid burnout and other issues.

How Long Will You Be Deployed?

The length of your deployment can vary significantly depending on the mission, location, and type of deployment. Some deployments may last only a few weeks, while others can extend for several years. On average, deployments in the National Guard tend to last between 12-24 months.

Here’s a breakdown of deployment lengths for different types of National Guard missions:

Conclusion

Joining the National Guard comes with a commitment to serve your state and country, which includes the possibility of deployment. While deployment is not automatic, National Guard members have a high likelihood of being deployed during their service.

As a National Guard member, you’ll receive comprehensive training, equipment, and support to ensure your safety and success during deployment. Remember that deployment is just one part of your service, and you’ll return to your civilian life after completing your military duties.

Whether you’re joining the National Guard to serve your country, learn new skills, or provide support to your community, remember that you’re making a valuable contribution to our nation’s security and defense.