The **National Guard** is a unique U.S. military force with both state and federal roles, composed of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. It serves dual missions: responding to state emergencies like natural disasters and civil unrest, and supporting federal military operations overseas. Guard members typically serve part-time while maintaining civilian careers, committing to regular training and activation when needed. The National Guard Bureau, led by a four-star general on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, oversees these components across all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories, with a total force exceeding 430,000 personnel as of 2025[3][6]. Historically, the National Guard traces its roots back to colonial militias from 1636, evolving through key legislation such as the Militia Act of 1903 and the National Defense Act of 1916, which formalized federal oversight and mobilization authority. The Total Force Policy of 1973 further integrated the Guard with active-duty forces to ensure a unified military capability[6]. In recent years, the National Guard has excelled in recruitment and operational readiness. In fiscal year 2025, it surpassed recruiting goals by enlisting nearly 50,000 new members, reflecting a historic surge in military enlistment. This success is attributed to appealing career training, practical experience across 200+ specialties, and marketing efforts like the “Uncommon is Calling” campaign highlighting the balance between civilian and military life[2][9]. The Guard now fields over 433,000 personnel. Operationally, the National Guard provides a cost-effective 20% of the joint force with only 4% of the Department of War budget. Its core missions include homeland defense, supporting combat operations globally, building partnerships, and assisting warfighters and families. The Guard also aligns with national defense strategies emphasizing homeland security, Indo-Pacific deterrence, and international burden-sharing[2][4]. Notable aspects include their domestic deployments, such as the 2025 federal