National Guard (United States)

The National Guard is a reserve military force in the United States, consisting of both the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. It operates under both state and federal authority, allowing governors to deploy units for local emergencies, such as natural disasters, while the President can mobilize them for national defense. Guardsmen typically have civilian jobs or attend school but train regularly to maintain military readiness. This dual role helps bridge the gap between community service and military duties, providing support in various capacities during crises, while also fulfilling traditional military missions.