CHAPTER ONE SERVING COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY Before the Army Navy and Air Force who protected Americans As early as 1636 ordinary citizens formed colonial militias Men put down their farming tools and picked up weapons to protect their families and towns from attack Eventually these militias became the National Guard NATIONAL GUARD ALWAYS READY ALWAYS THERE 4
FREEDOM FACT The National Guard is the oldest U S military branch The birth of the United States National Guard 5
National Guardsman of the 1st Battalion 151st Infantry Regiment provides security in Parun Afghanistan Today the National Guard is a reserve military force made up of units from each state and territory The National Guard serves both the state and federal government The Guard helps the military in war and the community during disasters The Guard can also be called to maintain peace and order 6
Like ordinary citizens Guard members live in communities across the country They work at civilian jobs or go to school They train regularly so that they are ready wherever and whenever help is needed National Guard troops unload supplies to help people after the disaster caused by Hurricane Rita in 2005 7
