National Guard History

[HARDCORE]

With the mission of our National Guard being defined along the International Border, I thought it fitting that I put up this history of the National Guard that I read recently!

Rick
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http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniont...1n16guard.html

NATIONAL 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 368th birthday on Dec. 13, 2004. The National Guard traces its history to the earliest English colonies in North America. Responsible for their own defense, the Colonists drew on English military tradition and organized their male citizens into militias.

The Colonial militias protected their fellow citizens from Indian attacks and foreign invaders, and later helped to win the Revolutionary War. Following independence, the authors of the Constitution empowered Congress to ?provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia.? However, recognizing the militia's state role, the Founding Fathers reserved the appointment of officers and training of the militia to the states. Today's National Guard still remains a dual state-federal force.

Throughout the 19th century, the size of the regular Army was small, and the militia provided the bulk of the troops during the Mexican War, the early months of the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. In 1903, national defense legislation increased the role of the National Guard (as the militia was now called) as a Reserve force for the Army.

SOURCE: The National Guard Bureau