National Guard

National Guard. The citizen militia of the United States is oldest wing of the United States Armed Forces. All 50 states have their own National Guard, as well as the District of Columbia and the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and The Virgin Islands. They are often tasked with aid, in times of natural and man-made disasters; including floods or terrorist attacks. They can also brought to attention during times of national emergency.

At a national level, the National Guard traces its origin to the original 13 American colonies. However the New Mexico National Guard is the oldest in the nation, and dates back to 1598 and the founding of the Santa Fe de Nuevo México culture.