Guard History

The National Guard, the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States and one of the nation's longest enduring institutions, celebrated its 369th birthday in 2005. The National Guard traces its history back to the earliest English colonies in North America. Responsible for their own defense, the colonists drew on English military tradition and organized their able-bodied male citizens into militias. The citizen-Soldiers who make up the National Guard have fought in every major American war since 1637. War has changed a great deal since 1637, and today's Guard must be prepared to fight in a high-technology environment, using complex weapons and equipment. The men and women of today's Guard are ready to become full-time professional soldiers if the need arises, whether for federal or state missions just as they did in 1637.