General Info

The Army National Guard is a component of the U.S. Army that also consists of the Active Army, and Army Reserves. The Army National Guard is composed of traditional guardsmen, civilians who serve their country, state and community on a part-time basis, usually one weekend each month, and two weeks during the summer. Each state, territory and the District of Columbia has its own National Guard, as provided for by the constitution of the United States. The National Guard undertakes federal and state functions. For state missions, the governor, through the state adjutant general, commands guard forces. The governor can call the National Guard into action during local and statewide emergencies, such as storms, fires, earthquakes or civil disturbances. In addition, the president of the United States can activate the National Guard for participation in federal missions. The Army National Guard is headquartered in Springfield, Mass.