National Guard as a Branch of Military

Help? I'm a junior, and the idea of joining the National Guard post-graduation has been crossing my mind. But is the National Guard considered a distinct branch of the military? How does it fit into the overall structure of the military?

The National Guard is indeed a part of the United States military. It's unique in its dual-state and federal mission. When it comes to the overall structure of the military in America, there are six branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. The National Guard can be understood as a "sub-branch" of the Army and Air Force, with its own Army National Guard and Air National Guard.

When National Guard members are not on a federal mission, they report to the governor of their respective states or territories, such as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the District of Columbia. The Governor can activate the National Guard in response to domestic emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil disturbances. This focus on state-level service separates the National Guard from the other branches of the military.

When National Guard units are federalized, which requires Presidential approval, they operate under the command of the Department of Defense, just like regular active-duty soldiers or airmen. They can be deployed overseas, and many have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Another distinction is that service in the National Guard can be on a part-time basis, with a requirement for one weekend of service per month and two weeks of training per year. This setup makes the National Guard particularly suitable for many who wish to simultaneously pursue civilian work or education.

So, while the National Guard is not classified as one of the six military branches, it's very much a part of the U.S. military structure with its own unique and critical role.