General Info

The mission of the United States Army National Guard is to provide defense and ensure freedom for the nation. The National Guard is a component of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is composed of full- and part-time soldiers, as well as civilians. The Army National Guard delivers mission-ready forces during war times, natural disasters and civil emergencies. The organization is also an active participant in community affairs. Each state has its own National Guard as required by the constitution. Soldiers serve for a minimum of three years in combat arms and support, intelligence, medical and administrative fields. The Army National Guard offers educational benefits, career skills and leadership experience. It has more than 3,200 units located in 2,700 communities. Members ranging from doctors and lawyers to college students and teachers are required to attend one drill weekend each month and one annual training period. The United States Army National Guard was established in 1636. It operates camps in numerous cities, including Texarkana, Ark.