Does the National Guard Get Deployed Overseas?
The National Guard is a reserve military force that consists of both Army and Air National Guard units. Many people are curious about whether the National Guard gets deployed overseas, and the answer is yes, but it’s not as common as active-duty deployments. In this article, we will explore the role of the National Guard, their deployment history, and the process of getting deployed overseas.
What is the National Guard?
The National Guard is a reserve military force that is composed of part-time soldiers and airmen who can be called upon to support both domestic and overseas operations. The National Guard is responsible for defending the United States and its territories, as well as providing support to civil authorities in times of crisis. The National Guard is organized into units, such as battalions, squadrons, and brigades, which can be mobilized to support various military operations.
History of National Guard Deployments
The National Guard has a long history of deploying overseas, dating back to World War I. During World War II, the National Guard played a significant role in the war effort, with many units deploying to Europe and the Pacific. In the Korean War, the National Guard again deployed to support combat operations, and during the Vietnam War, National Guard units were deployed to support the war effort.
In recent years, the National Guard has deployed to support operations in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world. For example, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the National Guard deployed to Iraq to support coalition forces. During Operation Enduring Freedom, the National Guard deployed to Afghanistan to support counter-terrorism operations.
Why is the National Guard Deployed Overseas?
The National Guard is deployed overseas for a variety of reasons, including:
- Supporting Combat Operations: The National Guard is deployed to support combat operations, such as peacekeeping missions, counter-terrorism operations, and humanitarian assistance missions.
- Training and Exercises: The National Guard is deployed to participate in training exercises and military operations, such as joint exercises with international partners.
- Emergency Response: The National Guard is deployed to respond to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires.
- Security and Stability: The National Guard is deployed to support security and stability operations, such as border security, counter-narcotics, and counter-piracy operations.
How are National Guard Units Selected for Deployment?
The selection process for National Guard units to deploy overseas is as follows:
- State Governors’ Request: State governors request National Guard units to deploy to support federal missions.
- National Guard Bureau Request: The National Guard Bureau requests National Guard units to deploy to support federal missions.
- Unit Selection: The National Guard Bureau selects units based on their training, equipment, and mission requirements.
- Notification: Units are notified of their deployment and begin preparing for deployment.
Types of National Guard Deployments
There are several types of National Guard deployments, including:
- Title 10 Deployments: Deployments authorized under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which allow the National Guard to deploy in support of federal missions.
- Title 32 Deployments: Deployments authorized under Title 32 of the U.S. Code, which allow the National Guard to deploy in support of state missions.
- Homeland Defense Deployments: Deployments authorized under the National Security Presidential Directive, which allow the National Guard to deploy in support of homeland defense missions.
Table: National Guard Deployment Types
| Deployment Type | Authorized by | Mission |
|---|---|---|
| Title 10 Deployments | Title 10, U.S. Code | Support federal missions |
| Title 32 Deployments | Title 32, U.S. Code | Support state missions |
| Homeland Defense Deployments | National Security Presidential Directive | Support homeland defense missions |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the National Guard does get deployed overseas, but it’s not as common as active-duty deployments. National Guard units are deployed for a variety of reasons, including supporting combat operations, training and exercises, emergency response, and security and stability operations. The selection process for National Guard units to deploy overseas involves a state governor’s request, a National Guard Bureau request, unit selection, and notification. National Guard deployments are authorized under various laws and presidential directives, and the types of deployments include Title 10, Title 32, and homeland defense deployments.
