The Air National Guard is a reserve force under the US Air Force, with primary duty to their states but can be mobilized for military use. They respond to state requests and can be used for domestic and international situations. The organization has grown since its formation in 1916.
The Air National Guard is a reserve force under the United States Air Force. Members of the Air National Guard are distinct from members of the Air Force reserves because their primary duty is to the states in which they are stationed, but they can be mobilized and used as regular members of the military if needed. In contrast, members of the Air Force Reserves report directly to the Air Force and the federal government.
Members of the Air National Guard include pilots, maintenance crews, technicians, and other support personnel. Units may be based on military bases or commercial airfields, with a number of National Guard units sharing airfield facilities in exchange for contributing to maintenance and security. Although reserves often advertise themselves as being open to people who want to serve “two weeks a year or one weekend a month,” members of the Air National Guard usually have to work much harder to maintain their qualifications. Many work as pilots in civilian life, and some work as civilian Air National Guard employees who can transition into military employees as needed.
During peacetime, Air National Guard units in their respective U.S. states and territories respond to requests from the governor and other state officials. They may be involved in things like public safety missions, environmental disaster response, forest firefighting, and other circumstances where pilots and aircrews would be useful. Governors can also call upon their State Air National Guard to deal with civil unrest, rebellion and other social issues.
The US government can also request the services of the Air National Guard. Like other members of the Reserves, National Guard personnel can be called up for active duty and sent to war zones. They can also be used to handle domestic situations and unrest, acting as a rapid response force should the United States be invaded, subjected to terrorist attacks, or embroiled in other volatile political situations. For example, the president can send the Air National Guard to deal with a rebellion in a single state.
This air militia has its roots in a number of civilian aviation organizations, with the first approximation of a true Air National Guard being formed in 1916. Since then, the organization has grown significantly. Individuals wishing to join the Guards and Reserves are eligible for a variety of benefits and programs offered in exchange for military service.
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