United States National Guard

The US National Guard is a reserved military force comprised of state militiamen. The National Guard is a joint part of the United States Army and the US Air Force. Each state has its own division of units and stands a the first line of defense if the United States is to be invaded. Under the Militia Act of 1903, state militias were united to form the National Guard. Guardsmen have been deployed into countless wars including World War I, World War II, the Yugoslav Wars, and Operation Desert Storm. The National Guard also operates as a source of aid, providing help in states or neighboring nations that have been affected by natural disasters.