Profile: Arizona Army National Guard

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 371th birthday in 2007. The National Guard traces its history back to the earliest English colonies in North America. Responsible for their own defense, the colonists drew on English military tradition and organized their able-bodied male citizens into militias. The citizen-Soldiers who make up the National Guard have fought in every major American war since 1637. War has changed a great deal since 1637, and today's Guard must be prepared to fight in a high-technology environment, using complex weapons and equipment. The men and women of today's Guard are ready to become full-time professional soldiers if the need arises, whether for federal or state missions just as they did in 1637.

The National Guard is one branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The National Guard consists of both an Army National Guard and Air National Guard component. The National Guard is composed of reserve forces - civilians who serve their country on a part time basis. Each state and territory has its own National Guard as provided by the United States Constitution.

The Guard has a unique dual mission, with both Federal and State responsibilities. During peacetime, Guard forces are commanded by the Governor through a State Adjutant General. The Governor can call the Guard into action during local or statewide emergencies, such as storms, drought, and civil disturbances, to name a few. In addition, the President of the United States can activate the National Guard to participate in Federal missions.  When federalized, Guard units are commanded by the Commander in Chief of the theatre in which they are operating.

There are a lot of ways to serve in the United States military.  The Arizona Army National Guard is one of them.  You may be asking yourself, “Why go into the National Guard instead of the other services?” 

The Arizona Army National Guard offers many of the same benefits as other branches, while offering minimal disruption to your everyday life at the same time.  You get the benefits of:

• Paid college
• Paid advanced training
• A monthly paycheck
• PX privileges
• Commissary privileges
• PLUS many more benefits!

All of this while having the time/opportunity to go to school, using your advance training in the civilian job market, while not being away from home allowing you to spend more time with your family and friends.