The history of the Guard dates to 1636 with a regiment in Salem, Massachusetts. However, the Virginia Army National Guard traces its beginning to 1607.
The National Guard has many missions including:
- Homeland Security
- Stateside and International Humanitarian Missions
- Response to natural disasters
- Law enforcement
- Support of Department of Defense Missions
During peacetime each state National Guard answers to leadership in the 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia. During national emergencies, however, the President reserves the right to mobilize the National Guard, putting them in federal duty status. While federalized, the units answer to the Combatant Commander of the theatre in which they are operating and, ultimately, to the President.
The National Guard has been involved in every major conflict since the 1600s, including both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In Virginia, the first phase of the Virginia Army National Guard Museum was dedicated in February 2012 at Fort Pickett to preserve the rich history of our state’s Guard.
Learn more about the National Guard by following the links below.
National Guard Birthday (Dec. 13th 1636) 378th Birthday (2014)
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Army National Guard History: http://www.arng.army.mil/aboutus/history/Pages/default.aspx
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Virginia National Guard Historical Society: http://www.vnghs.org/index.html
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National Guard Education Foundation: http://www.ngef.org/index.asp?bid=85
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National Guard Website: http://www.nationalguard.mil/default.aspx and http://www.nationalguard.com/
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Army National Guard: http://www.arng.army.mil/Pages/Default.aspx
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Air National Guard: http://www.ang.af.mil/
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National Guard Magazine: http://www.ngaus.org/national-guard-magazine
