Role of the National Guard
America's oldest military institution is the National Guard. During the colonial era of the United States, militias were formed from the ranks of colonists who banded together in order to protect their communities from hostile Native Americans and from foreign invaders. They also played a role in the Revolutionary War. Civilian soldiers continue to fill the ranks of the modern National Guard, and this organization has come to define itself by its humanitarian, anti-terrorism and national security functions.
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Protecting America
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Terrorist events that occurred on September 11, 2001, within the United States, prompted the government to activate 50,000 guardsmen to protect the nation and to help in the war efforts against terrorism. Air and National Guardsmen play a vital part with Homeland Security, and they are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for combat and support roles. Civilian soldiers in the National Guard are used to protect American lives and property all throughout the United States.
Humanitarian Efforts
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When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf States in 2005 the National Guard sent 50,000 troops to assist the region with humanitarian efforts. Haiti was devastated by an earthquake in 2010 and the National Guard was there, helping to keep order and providing nutrition and medical services. Chile suffered heavy damage from an earthquake in 2010 and the National Guardsmen were activated in the area in order to save lives, to transport emergency personnel and to provide assistance for relief efforts when needed.
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CD Program
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Anti-drug efforts are carried out by the National Guards Counter Drug (CD) program. This role for the National Guard began in 1989. It was created to work with law enforcement agencies and community organizations by providing counter-drug support. They also support the objectives of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONCDP). Guardsmen provide anti-drug programs to local communities and provide aviation support for law enforcement agencies. CD operations occur in 54 states and territories and have 2,500 assigned soldiers and airmen to aid law enforcement personnel to carry out this mission.
Infrastructure
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Critical Infrastructure Program (CIP) is an important role for the National Guard. It provides assessments for key structures and infrastructure located throughout the United States. CIP personnel evaluate the national infrastructures capability to withstand attacks from hazards and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Important areas of society such as power stations, medical facilities and federal buildings are examined in order to create reports for risk management decisions. Cyber evaluations are conducted to create risk management decisions for infrastructure that operates with the use of computer technology.
NGRF
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Reaction Forces provide a squad of National Guard combatants that consist of 75 to 125 soldiers who can occupy a particular scene within four to eight hours. Additional soldiers can be sent to an area within 24 to 36 hours. The numbers for these troops can range up to 375 soldiers. The National Guard Reaction Force (NGRF) is designed to provide governors and combat commanders with rapid response capabilities for each state or territory. Their goal is to protect important infrastructure and key assets, as well as to promote stability and security on a local and national level.
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- Photo Credit security guard with gun image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
