They are older than the formation of this United States. They are older than the US military. They have been called “weekend warriors” and “citizen soldiers,” yet they have fought in every major conflict in American history. They are 385 years old and were born on December 13, 1636.

In 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony organized the first units that men between the ages of 16 and 60 were to join. Then they were called the militia – today they are known as the US Army National Guard.

During the American Revolution, the National Guard was called “the Minutemen” because they reacted very quickly to action. The official title was used by some units in 1824 in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette and the French National Guard. It became the standard name in 1916 by an act of Congress.

The National Guard can be proud of its heritage. It formed the first African-American infantry unit during the Civil War – the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was noted for its bravery in combat. The movie “Glory” was based on his exploits. The Harlem Hellfighters, who followed in the 54th’s footsteps, were tasked with helping the French. They behaved so courageously that the whole regiment received the Croix de Guerre. There was the Irish Brigade – the Fighting 69th. Among that group were New Jersey poet Joyce Kilmer, who was killed in action, and Colonel “Wild Bill” Donovan, a Buffalo native who then headed the Office of Strategic Services and then the Central Intelligence Agency.

In 1947, the Air National Guard was formed, just as the US Air Force became a separate branch of the military. Currently, there are over 100,000 men and women serving in the Air National Guard. They are trained and equipped by the United States Air Force. The Air National Guard, like the Army National Guard, plays a dual role of federal and state missions, providing assistance during national emergencies such as natural disasters; responds to civil unrest and serves as needed in military actions abroad. Thousands of these “civilian soldiers” have been killed in action.

In 1957, the National Guard opened the doors to women. Two nurses, Captain Frances R. Comstock and Lt. Lucille Valentino, were sworn in as members of the 114th Mobile Surgical Hospital. Women now represent 17% of the National Guard. In 2019, Nicole C. Richardson became the first black female NCO helicopter aviator for the New Jersey National Guard. In 2020, Jennifer Rice became the first Hispanic woman to hold the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5 in the New Jersey National Guard. Approximately 8,000 members serve in the New Jersey National Guard.

In addition to its other functions, the National Guard works in partnership with 84 other countries, training them in military techniques, explosive ordnance disposal exercises, medical readiness and NCO / Officer development programs. New Jersey has partnered with Albania for 20 years.

Due to the uncertainty of the budget and military priorities, Army Lt. Gen. Daniel Hokanson believes the National Guard will be used more, not less, in the future.

“We must be prepared to carry out our three main missions, fight America’s war, secure the homeland and build lasting partnerships,” Hokanson said.

As we celebrate the 385th anniversary of the National Guard, let us give thanks to the men and women who have volunteered to serve their state and country with courage and dedication, and continue to live up to their motto “Always Ready, Always There”.

Carl J. Asszony, a longtime New Jersey veterans advocate, can be contacted at [email protected].