What is the National Guard?

The National Guard is part of the US Armed Forces Reserve, and consists of two branches: The Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. It was formed in 1903 by the Militia Act. US federal law determines the current structure of the National Guard.

According to the Defense Manpower Data Center, as of 2023, approximately 419,000 reservists serve in the National Guard. Some 9,500 are stationed in US territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands (as of 2017).

Where is the National Guard deployed?

The National Guard has a wide range of duties, and it has often been deployed to provide disaster relief. Most recently, it was called upon to help out during the devastating forest fires in California in January 2025. It was also deployed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when over 50,000 National Guard members helped with evacuations, rescue operations and restoring order in New Orleans.

It can also be deployed to ensure internal security. Following the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, over 25,000 National Guard troops were stationed in Washington D.C., to ensure security around the inauguration of President Joe Biden. During the George Floyd protests in 2020, thousands of National Guard troops were mobilized in several states to support local police forces.

The National Guard can also support military operations abroad, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Who commands the National Guard?

When reservists are deployed inside the US states, the governor of the state in question usually assumes command. When deployed nationwide, the US president is the commander-in-chief.

However, President Donald Trump decided to override the authority of California Governor Gavin Newsom when deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles during the recent protests against ICE immigration raids. Trump cited national security as the reason for this move.

Governor Newsom has criticized the deployment, accusing the Trump administration of "deliberately" inflaming tensions with its intervention.

Who can join the National Guard?

In principle, all US citizens are eligible to join the National Guard. However, they must meet certain physical, mental and legal requirements. Most National Guard members serve in the units on a part-time basis, but there is also a minority of full-time soldiers.

Soldiers who have completed military service in the army can apply to serve in the National Guard. They usually do not require any further training.

Another option is voluntary enlistment for exclusive service in the National Guard without serving in active units. In this case, training is completed at a military facility.

Typical duties of a National Guard member include one weekend per month and two weeks per year. National Guard members receive between $200 and $600 (€175-€525) for weekend duty, depending on their rank. They also have allowances for accommodation and meals, education assistance and health insurance. Pension entitlements can also be claimed for longer periods of service.

This article was originally written in German.