Happy Birthday to the United States National Guard!
The National Guard was established on December 13, 1636, after the Massachusetts General Court established multiple militias with the mission of defending their colony from Native Americans. Through the years, the National Guard’s aspirations and objectives have undergone a series of changes, but their purpose and importance has remained consistent — to stand as an organized group of Americans that are prepared to serve at home or abroad whenever duty calls.
What is the National Guard?
The National Guard serves the United States on both the state and federal level during many different types of conflicts and emergencies — domestic and elsewhere. Soldiers of the National Guard must be prepared for all situations and live up to their motto of remaining “Always Ready, Always There.”
The United States Constitution requires that each of the 50 states have their own official Guard — making the National Guard the only mandatory military branch according to the Constitution.
National Guard Requirements
Soldiers of the National Guard are notorious for being brave, confident and well prepared. In order to serve in the National Guard, recruits must meet specific physical standards as well as the following requirements:
- 17 to 35 years of age
- A citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- Possess a High School Diploma, GED certificate, or a current junior or senior in high school
- Earn the minimum required score on the ASVAB test
Joining the National Guard
If you meet the requirements, and you’re passionate about serving your country, consider joining the National Guard. Visit www.nationalguard.com/how-to-join to fill out a contact form, and a recruiter will follow up to answer any questions or concerns you might have about the process.
If you’re curious about some of the other benefits to joining the National Guard, we invite you to read our article on Army National Guard Scholarships.
Already in the US Military?
If you’re already a United States service member, we thank you for your service and invite to shop our full selection of military and tactical gear made available by our veteran-owned and managed business. Join us once again in wishing a Happy Birthday to the National Guard!
