National Guard, Army

The federal mission of the Army National Guard (ARNG), according to its website, is “to maintain well-trained, well-equipped units available for prompt mobilization during war and provide assistance during national emergencies.” As of May 2010, the ARNG did this with 363,003 members.

ARNG units are under the direct authority of their state governors, but they may be activated for federal service under Title 10 of the U.S. Code. Title 10 “allows the President to ‘federalize’ National Guard forces by ordering them to active duty in their reserve component status or by calling them into Federal service in their militia status.” This entry examines the mission, history, structure, and operations of the ARNG.