The National Guard is a state-based military force that can be activated by the governor during emergencies. It is not under federal control, and the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of armed military troops against US citizens. The Guard can be used for domestic law enforcement in specific circumstances, and each state’s governor is in charge of their state’s guard. The Guard is a crucial source of troops, equipment, and supplies.
While there are many components of the National Guard, including the Air National Guard, the common usage of the term is to describe the United States Army National Guard. Each state has its own guard troops, which can be activated by that state’s governor in the event of a disaster or other emergency, such as a hurricane or terrorist attack.
The National Guard is supposed to do just what its name says, “protect the nation.” Yet, it usually does it one state at a time. The name is a bit confusing for people who may not remember the civics classes. Many people assume that because it is called the “National” Guard, it is under federal control.
Indeed, the federal government, as well as other state governments, cannot assume control of troops or send in external National Guard troops unless a state’s governor requests external assistance in an emergency. In times of trouble, some people express outrage at this fact, especially if the governor doesn’t act quickly, but there’s a good reason for this policy.
In essence, this rule is in place, and the Posse Comitatus Act was developed, to ensure that the federal government cannot use armed military troops against US citizens. After the Civil War, Congress created the Posse Comitatus Act, intended to protect America’s long-standing precedent of keeping military and civilian power separate. The PCA prohibits federal armed forces, including the National Guard, from being used in a domestic setting except under specific circumstances.
There are, however, times when the armed forces, including the Guard, can be used for domestic law enforcement. Sometimes referred to as state militias, but not to be confused with the commonly understood definition of a militia, each state’s components of this branch of the military may act independently. The governor of each state is basically the “commander” of his or her state’s guard, unless the guard is called up for federal service.
In a natural disaster, or in response to lawlessness such as rioting, the governor can activate the National Guard to bolster law enforcement. During an emergency, the governor must also give clearance before troops from other states can enter the state, and the governor must give authority to the federal government if it requests federal assistance.
Not to be confused with the Reserves, the National Guard operates in much the same way as the Reserves. The Guard is a crucial source of troops, equipment and supplies, as well as experience. Troops are on hand, ready in case of trouble, and the Guard is made up of men and women every bit as dedicated as those on active duty.
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