WHATEVER IS NEEDED,
WHEREVER IT IS NEEDED
The National Guard is a unique and essential element of the U.S. military. Founded in 1636 as a citizen force organized to protect families and towns from hostile attacks, today’s National Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part-time, always ready to defend the American way of life in the event of an emergency.
Our mission.
National Guard Soldiers serve both community and country. Our versatility enables us to respond to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. The Guard always responds with speed, strength, and efficiency, helping to defend American freedom and ideals.
Our Citizen-Soldiers.
As a Guard Soldier, your primary area of operation is your home state. Any governor or the president himself can call on the Guard at a moment’s notice. Typically, Guard Soldiers live at home, where they can be near friends and family while holding a civilian job. Drill is scheduled for just one weekend each month. Two-week Annual Training takes place once each year.
SOMETIMES THE FRONT LINES ARE IN OUR OWN BACKYARD
Fires threaten homes. Floods overtake roadways. Snowstorms wipe out power. Hurricanes crush communities. Every year.
But communities are not helpless—they have heroes. Guard Soldiers protect the weak, save lives and restore neighborhoods. And you can too.
Become a Soldier in the Army National Guard who stands tall for your community. Be the first sight of hope to those in need.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
When disasters strike, your
military responds
By Department of Defense
Being prepared when disaster strikes could be the difference between life and death. Not just a fighting force, the U.S. military applies warfighting skills and assets to help protect the homeland. Service members train and prepare year-round so when hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and even volcanoes erupt; troops are ready to help those in harm’s way.
When a hurricane is on the way, members of the Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters,” often fly into the storm to gather and send back data to forecasters on the ground.
On the ground, Army officials say more than 300,000 National Guard troops are trained and ready to assist with hurricane response including evacuations, communications, delivering supplies and maintaining order. Along with its military workforce, the Guard also deploys helicopters, boats and high-water vehicles.
Seven Tips to Be Ready if a Storm is Coming
- 1-Monitor local radio and TV for updates. The path of the storm could change quickly and unexpectedly.
- 2-Hunker down and take shelter.
- 3-Communicate with friends and family.
- 4-Keep away from windows. Close storm shutters; flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
- 5-Prepare for power outages. Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting, and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer.
- 6-Storm surges pose a significant threat to safety and can cut off potential evacuation routes. If you’re told to evacuate, don’t wait.
- 7-Avoid driving through flooded areas. Almost half of flash flooding deaths occur in vehicles.
“The National Guard is the nation’s first military responder. We are the first to respond and the last to leave.”- Army Master Sgt. Michael Houk, National Guard Bureau. Hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property of all-natural disasters – bringing powerful winds, dangerous storm surges, inland flooding, and tornadoes, according to the National Hurricane Center.