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

Members of the Florida National Guard prepare for missions in response to Hurricane Michael at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Starke, Florida on Oct. 9. (Florida National Guard photo)

Northern Command Ramps Up Efforts in Hurricane's Wake

A U.S. Army drill sergeant corrects a recruit during her first day of training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Jan. 31, 2017. (U.S. Army photo/Stephen Standifird)

The Army Is Selling National Guardsmen Hard on Drill Sergeant Duty

U.S. Army Spc. James Slape was killed by a roadside bomb in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Thursday. He became the seventh U.S. service member to die there in combat this year. (Facebook photo)

Pentagon Identifies NC National Guard Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

In this June 5, 2018 photo, emergency personnel surround a National Guard military vehicle stolen from Fort Pickett, Nottoway County, Va. Police in Virginia said they arrested a soldier who stole the armored personnel carrier after chasing him for more than 60 miles. (Grace Hollars/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)

Guardsman who Took Armored Vehicle Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

An Army National Guardsman assigned to an entry identification team watches the U.S./Mexico border near Nogales, Ariz. California Guard troops will remain at the Mexican border at least until the end of March. (US Army photo/jim Greenhill)

Gov. Brown Extends California National Guard Border Effort

Staff Sgt. James Pence, a squad leader for 76th Brigade Combat Team, gets his ear checked by Dr. Tom Maibenco M.D., at the Camp Atterbury Troop Medical Clinic for a follow-up to an injury received while deployed in Iraq. (U.S. Army/Sgt. Elizabeth Houx)

Enrollment Fee Changes Announced for Some Tricare Users

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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

Army Reseve Center

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