Definition

Noun: 1. A state-based military reserve force in the United States: The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Army and Air Force. Its units are recruited and based in individual states and territories, but are equipped by the federal government. Members have a dual status, being subject to activation by either their state governor (for state emergencies like natural disasters or civil unrest) or by the President of the United States (for federal missions).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The governor activated the National Guard to assist with flood relief efforts.
  • He served in the Army National Guard while attending college.
  • National Guard units train one weekend per month and two weeks per year.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in the National Guard": to be a member of this reserve force.
  • She has been in the National Guard for five years.
• "National Guard duty": refers to the training or active service periods performed by members.
  • He is away on National Guard duty this weekend.

Variants and Related Words

• Army National Guard: The ground force branch of the National Guard.
• Air National Guard: The air force branch of the National Guard.
• Guardsman (noun): A member of the National Guard (plural: Guardsmen).
  • The Guardsmen were deployed overseas.

Synonyms

• Militia (Note: While historically related, "militia" is a broader, less formal term. The National Guard is the modern, organized militia of the United States as defined by federal law.)
• Reserves (Note: This is a general term; the National Guard is a specific type of federal reserve force with a unique state mission.)

Related Phrases

• "Called up" or "Activated": Refers to the process of mobilizing National Guard members from part-time to full-time duty.
  • His unit was called up for a federal deployment.
• "State duty" vs. "Federal duty": Distinguishes between missions ordered by a governor (e.g., disaster response) and those ordered by the President (e.g., overseas combat missions).

Noun

1. United States military reserves recruited by the states and equipped by the federal government; subject to call by either