National Guard/Reserves

[Q.Y. Ranger]

In Canada we only have the Reserves, but when ever i here the news or anything mention the US National Guard or the Reserves, it sounds like they are two different things. Is there actually any difference between the Guard and the Reserves? Or is it just two names for the same thing.

Mike

 

[Michael OLeary]

The Army National Guard
http://www.arng.army.mil/

http://www.arng.army.mil/About_Us/

The Army National Guard (ARNG) is one component of The Army (which consists of the Active Army, the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves.) The Army National Guard is composed primarily of traditional Guardsmen -- civilians who serve their country, state and community on a part-time basis (usually one weekend each month and two weeks during the summer.) Each state, territory and the District of Columbia has its own National Guard, as provided for by the Constitution of the United States.

The Army Reserve
http://www.armyreserve.army.mil/usar/home/

http://www.armyreserve.army.mil/usar/mission/statement.aspx

The Army Reserve's mission, under Title 10 of the U.S. code, is to provide trained and ready Soldiers and units with the critical combat service support and combat support capabilities necessary to support nation strategy during peacetime, contingencies and war. The Army Reserve is a key element in The Army multi-component unit force, training with Active and National Guard units to ensure all three components work as a fully integrated team.

 

[Lost_Warrior]

If I remember correctly, National Guard are deployed at a state level where as Reserves are deployed at the Federal level (ie: The state controls whether or not to deploy the NG within their respected state weere as Washington decides where when and where to deploy the Reserves)

If I am wrong, someone please correct me.

 

[ward492]

That is true, but my understanding is that the feds can "federalize" the National Guard in an emergency, as they have done for various disasters.  As well the National Guard is paid for by the state, except for a fixed number of days that the feds pay for.  I don't know if the governor can actually stop the federal govt from taking control of the national guard.