Army National Guard Training: Is Readiness for State Missions Included

Abstract

Abstract : The Army National Guard (ARNG) was evolved from the colonial militia forces of 1636 who were primarily intended for use in local defense to the present day status as a full partner with the Active Component and U.S. Army Reserve under the Total Force policy. Increased reliance on the ARNG has placed greater demands on the training requirements which ARNG units and individuals must meet to achieve minimum acceptable standards for todays sophisticated battlefield. At the same time that ARNG personnel are primarily being trained for the Federal mission they must always be ready on short notice for a variety of state missions. A review of the historical intent of the Constitution along with subsequent legislative acts and past employment of the ARNG in support of both Federal and State governments, provides important background information in addressing the issue of ARNG training for the state mission. Information was gathered from literature on the history of the ARNG; interviews with State ARNG Headquarters personnel, the Chief, National Guard Bureau and others; and a survey of ARNG officers presently assigned at the U.S. Army War College. This study is intended to determine the extent to which readiness for the State mission is included in the training conducted by ARNG units and whether training for the state mission detracts from the readiness of the ARNG to perform federal missions. Keywords: National Guard, State missions; Federal missions; Training; Military organizations.