National Guard Birthday

Today is considered the birthday of the National Guard here in the United States.  

The Guard was actually first established in Massachusetts in 1636 for the American Colonies. At the time it required all able-bodied men ages 16 to 60 to join.  There were three regiments created and these regiments remain to this day in Massachusetts!

You will find that the National Guard of today has changed a bit.  The ages have changed from 17 to 35.  The Guard is now a branch of the United States Army. They have access to the latest technologies that the Army does. 

In general, the National Guard is made up of men and women who are civilians with regular jobs.  If you want to join, the minimum time commitment is 1 weekend a month and then 15 additional days.  Over those 39 days you would participate in drills and training activities.

What is unique about the National Guard is that they exist in each state subsequently, they are available to support each governor’s needs.  In addition, units can also be deployed for longer deployments. There are National Guard men and women who served in places like Iraq and Afghanistan for example.

After World War II the Air National Guard was also established.  Today, there are approximately 350,000 men and women who make up the Army and Air National Guard.  This accounts for 39% of the Army.

Private Home Health Care salutes those men and women who help serve our state and our country.  If you know someone in the Guard please thank them for their service.

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