Does the National Guard Deploy?
Direct Answer: Yes
The National Guard is often misunderstood as a reserve unit that only serves in case of emergencies or natural disasters. However, the answer is more complex than a simple "yes" or "no." The National Guard is a dual mission force, meaning it has two primary responsibilities: State Active Duty (SAD) and Federal Active Duty (FAD).
Contents
State Active Duty (SAD)
As a reserve unit, the National Guard can be deployed by individual states to respond to disasters, riots, or civil disturbances. This is a domestic mission, and units can be deployed for state active duty to support civil authorities. Examples include:
• Tornado relief: The Guard was deployed to Alabama to support relief efforts after tornadoes devastated the state.
• Hurricane cleanup: The Guard was deployed to Puerto Rico to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria.
• Civil unrest: The Guard was deployed to Ferguson, Missouri, to support state and local authorities during rioting and civil unrest after a police shooting.
When deployed for SAD, National Guard units are deployed by their respective state governor, and their mission is to support state and local authorities in maintaining public order and safety.
Federal Active Duty (FAD)
In addition to its SAD mission, the National Guard can also be deployed by the federal government to support national security operations. This is a wartime mission, and units are deployed to support active duty military forces. Examples include:
• Iraq War: The 34th Infantry Division from Minnesota was deployed to Iraq for 18 months to conduct combat operations.
• Afghanistan War: The 101st Military Police Battalion from Tennessee was deployed to Afghanistan for a year to conduct security and stability operations.
• Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF): Units from various states were deployed to Afghanistan to support U.S. military operations and stabilize the country.
When deployed for FAD, National Guard units are attached to active duty military commands and are subject to active duty military rules and procedures.
Activated and Deployed Units (AU/DU)
When the President activates the National Guard and orders units to deploy for FAD, it’s called an Activated Unit (AU). Upon activation, the unit can be deployed to a Theater of Operations (TO). Examples include:
• Activated Unit 2020: The Puerto Rico National Guard was activated and deployed to the Southwest Border to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
• Activated Unit 2019: The Tennessee National Guard was activated and deployed to the Middle East to support U.S. Central Command.
What’s the Difference Between Federal and State Active Duty Deployments?
| State Active Duty (SAD) | Federal Active Duty (FAD) |
|---|---|
| Deployed to support state and local authorities | Deployed to support national security operations |
| Supports domestic missions | Supports international missions |
| Composed of National Guard forces | Composed of attached National Guard forces to active duty military commands |
| Subject to state laws and regulations | Subject to active duty military rules and regulations |
Deployments and Missions Outside the United States
The National Guard has deployed units and service members to various countries in support of international missions, including:
• Latin America: The National Guard has deployed units to Panama, Colombia, and Guatemala to support counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism missions.
• Africa: Units from various states have been deployed to Africa to support humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.
• Asia and the Pacific: The National Guard has deployed units to the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea to support security and stability operations.
In conclusion, the answer to the question "Does the National Guard deploy?" is a resounding yes. The National Guard’s dual mission allows it to respond to domestic emergencies and civil disturbances as well as international security operations. Whether activated for state active duty or federal active duty, the National Guard plays a vital role in supporting national security, maintaining public order, and providing humanitarian assistance. Stay informed about National Guard deployments and missions by monitoring official government sources and unit websites.
