History and Future of the Army Reserve by Chris Harmen

The need for skilled military personnel at the ready in case of emergency is not a new idea. While some people may think the Army Reserve is a function of the new dangerous world in which we live, the birth of the Army National Guard goes back to the start of the last century. Formed in 1903 by World War I the Army National Guard was 40% of the United States' French forces. The Army Reserve composed 19 full divisions of our national forces by World War II.

The Guard has also served peacekeeping functions in many hot spots throughout the decades including the Middle East, Somalia and Kosovo. And don't forget the important function served in meeting home front needs during national disasters. These soldiers even provide security for the Olympic Games when they occur on American soil!

A Carefully Designed Reserve Force

Army National Guard units receive the same careful training and thorough support as the rest of the Army. Physical and moral requirements are the same, and the character building impact of military service can be seen as thoroughly in the Army Reserve as in active troops. The same structure of units and divisions, and the same insignia and rank are used by the National Guard as in active branches of the service.

The Army National Guard is considered the part of the first line of defense in military crisis. Units are found in all fifty states plus US territories. They can be called for active duty by the governors in their respective states to respond to all manner of emergencies and disasters on home soils from natural occurrences such as hurricanes to street riots.
These valuable soldiers may be called into federal service during Congressionally-sanctioned war or national crisis. These units are trained to function as well-oiled, carefully trained and fully functioning military machines. In the event of invasion by foreign forces the Army Reserve would be called on to repel the foreign forces and maintain domestic protection.
There are some differences in the traditional Army Reserve and the Army National Guard, however. Individual Reserve members may be called into active duty, but National Guard members can only be called by unit. This difference may disappear due to the War on Terrorism and the need to have our protections be available and flexible.

Army National Guard is There in a Crisis

Army National Guard units and the Army Reserve were essential in providing essential support and maintaining the peace in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. They have served the same function during a series of wildfires in California, and during declared states of emergency throughout the country. A noble and necessary way to serve our country, many young people are showing their patriotism by becoming part of our Army Reserve forces

Chris Harmen writes career related articles for those interested in joining the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy. Those interested in learning more about US Army jobs can download a career information pack at http://www.army.net.

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