National Guard

The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces. Composed of National Guard military members and units from each state, the District of Columbia, and the territories of Guam and the Virgin Islands, the National Guard can be be deployed or mobilized for federal and domestic missions.

There are approximately 350,000 guardsmen currently serving.

National Guard News

Steven Sund

DC, Capitol Police 'Stunned' at Slow National Guard Response During Jan. 6 Riot

Members of the U.S. National Guard arrive at the U.S. Capitol.

How the National Guard Became the Go-To Military Force for Riots and Civil Disturbances

Tennessee National Guard offload equipment from a KC-135 Stratotanker

Tennessee State Guard Head Turns Over Command After 4 Years

National Guard troops reinforce the security zone on Capitol Hill

National Guard Deployment to Secure DC Will Cost Nearly $500 Million

UH-60 Black Hawk Idaho Army National Guard

3 Idaho Guardsmen Die in Second Fatal National Guard Black Hawk Crash This Year

Michigan National Guard at the U.S. Capitol

Enough Is Enough: It's Time for National Guard Members to Go Home

View more

National Guard Pay & Benefits Guide

Members of the Washington National Guard look at screens showing a map of damage to roads following a simulated earthquake and tsunami, June 9, 2016, in Shelton, Wash. (AP Photo/Rachel La Corte)

National Guard Pay Overview

If you're serving as a member of the National Guard, you're eligible for regular drill pay and might qualify for some special...

servicemembers boarding jet

Guard and Reserve Deployment: Pay Benefits

If you are a Reserve or Guard member who is deployed, you become eligible for basic pay, along with some extra pay benefits.

Tricare for Reserve & Guard

Tricare offers many insurance programs for Reserve and Guard members and their families.

Question mark on chalkboard

USERRA Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of FAQs about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

Join the National Guard

National Guard

The History and Roles of the National Guard

Budget Cuts Could Spark Showdown for AF, Guard and Reserves

Joining the Air Force Reserve

Joining the Army Reserves

Experts Say Coast Guard Needs More Ships

Joining the Coast Guard Reserve

Marine Corps Reserves

Joining the Marine Corps Reserve

Sailors stand in formation during a 9/11 Remembrance ceremony rehearsal aboard the Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Walter M. Wayman/Released)

Joining the Navy Reserve

Retiring from the National Guard

Learn about what is important for a military retirement

Benefits for "Gray-Area" Military Retirees

Sign by the main gate at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Ft. Worth, formerly Carswell AFB, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Guard, Reserve Soldiers and Reduced-Age Retirement

Leave the Gray Area: Guard and Reserve Retirement