History
Salem, Massachusetts 1636
As English settlements in North America landed, they brought with them small militia groups. These groups were comprised of farmers and ordinary citizens that deemed themselves responsible for the protection of their towns and homes.
On December 13th, 1936, these men organized themselves and worked to defend against the unknown as they moved into North America. As they divided into regiments, they learned increased responsiveness and efficiency.
In 1916, they became known as the National Guard and since then, they have been involved in every major American conflict. As the oldest military unit in American history, they are also one of the oldest military units in the world.
Today
Over 350,000 men and women serve in the National Guard today. They serve and work in their communities, reporting for training part-time. Guardsmen respond to natural disasters within their state and even for their country when needed.
Training in the guard gives them training in their communities. A guardsman can be trained in the fields of agriculture, marketing and everything in between.
Today is the birthday of the National Guard. Give a thanks to those men and women that maintain our freedoms here at home as well as abroad.
To learn more, click here to go to military.com.
