U.S. National Guard

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Los Angeles Riots of 1992: National Guardsman standing watch

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U.S. National Guard

military organization, United States

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Feb 20, 2025 • Article History

News •

Judge Orders Striking N.Y. Corrections Officers Back to Work • Feb. 18, 2025, 9:47 PM ET (New York Times)

Mexico deploys the first of 10,000 National Guard troops to US border after Trump's tariff threat • Feb. 5, 2025, 11:58 PM ET (AP)

The Latest: Trump says he wants US to take charge of Gaza Strip at press conference with Netanyahu • Feb. 4, 2025, 8:00 PM ET (AP)

Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick to oversee US spy agencies, clears Senate committee • Feb. 4, 2025, 3:40 PM ET (AP)

What did US get from deals to pause tariffs on Canada and Mexico? Not that much, observers say • Feb. 4, 2025, 2:45 PM ET (AP)

U.S. National Guard, reserve group organized by the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. Every state and territory of the United States has a National Guard, which can be called on by state governors during emergencies including riots and natural disasters. Guard units may also be ordered into active duty for up to two years by the U.S. president in the event of a national emergency. Enlistment in the National Guard is voluntary.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Maren Goldberg.