Birth of the National Guard

By Gaurav Roy

Birth of the National Guard

Nearly 160 Soldiers, more than 60 vehicles, and equipment laden with supplies were ready to support hurricane recovery operations less than 24 hours after notification.

Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

The birth of the National Guard is celebrated nationwide by the National Guard members on December 13 every year. The National Guard organizes balls, galas, and parties to celebrate its birthday. It is not a Federally-recognized holiday, but the importance of the day on which the National Guard was founded, cannot be understated.

The History of the United States National Guard

The first militia in the North American continent was created under the Massachusetts General Court’s order in Salem on December 13, 1636. During the time of their creation in 1636, their main aim was to defend the Massachusetts Bay. There were three regiments in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. These were designated as the East, South, and North.

The National Guard is older than the country itself. In Massachusetts, it still maintains its roots. The current regiments of the National Guard are the 101st Field Artillery, the 101st Engineer Battalion, the 181st Infantry Regiment, and the 182nd Regiment.

With time, the United States was formed. As the country grew, the number of states increased. Each state established had its militia. Yet, the militia was never officially known as the National Guard until 1933. There were a few states that used to call their militia as the National Guard even before 1933. But most of the individual states had various titles for their militia.

National Guard personnel march in formation on Staten Island in New York.

Photo credit: KATHY WILLENS / AP

Two well-known examples of this are the Indiana Legion and the Mississippi State Guard.

As per the order, “all able-bodied men from 16 to 60 years old will join the standing army.” That order was the seed that grew to become today’s National Guard of the United States. The idea behind this was that the army of citizen-soldiers could be immediately assembled at a time of need.

The Way of Life

The National Guard service is not a full-time role. Yet, it requires dedication, commitment, and sacrifice from its members. The brave men and women of the National Guard take their duties as a part of their lives. The Army and Air National Guards’ men and women train every two days a month, followed by long training scheduled on an annual basis.

A regular training schedule ensures that the National Guard is ready at the time of need. Thus, they can join the US military’s active-duty forces overseas quickly. Even today, the National Guard stands proudly in the nation’s service like it did in 1636.

The Present - National Guard of the United States

The Air National Guard was established after World War II by the newly formed United States Airforce. Currently, there are around 350,000 men and women serving in the Air National Guard and National Guard. It is approximately 39% of the operational force of the army.

Today, the National Guard is ready to answer the call from the nation and the states. The United States government even deploys them overseas if required. They also respond to help in natural disasters to assist neighbors and friends.