Is the national guard a branch of the military?

Okay, this might sound dumb, but there's something I've been getting confused about. Is the National Guard considered one of the official branches of the military? Their role seems a little different, so I wasn't sure. Can any military folks here clear things up for me?

Yes, the National Guard is indeed part of the U.S. military. Specifically, it operates as a reserve component of both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. Each state and territory, including Washington, D.C., has its own National Guard unit, which falls under the dual control of the state and federal governments.

In peacetime, the governor of a state or territory can call upon the National Guard to assist with natural disasters or other domestic emergencies. For instance, when you see news reports of soldiers helping after hurricanes or wildfires, they are often members of the national guard.

Meanwhile, in times of war or national emergency, the President of the United States can mobilize the National Guard and place it under federal control. At that point, members of the National Guard become full-time active duty military personnel.

So, though the roles of the National Guard can seem different because they serve in both a state and federal capacity, they are nonetheless a vital part of the U.S military structure. Their unique responsibilities mean they can serve their communities at home, while also standing ready to defend the nation oversees if called upon by the president.