Role of the National Guard in Michigan

 With armories and installations in over 50 communities throughout the state, the National Guard is the community-based military service. Members of the Michigan National Guard are citizen-soldiers, just like the famed Minutemen from whose origin today's National Guard has evolved. Members of the National Guard are your neighbors, your friends, your family. They serve their nation, their state, and their communities. They are there in times of peace, natural disaster, domestic crisis, and national emergency.

Unique in the military, the National Guard has a dual role. It is charged to be trained and ready to help the nation's full-time military--Army or Air Force--defend the country and fight the nation's wars. The Guard also serves the citizens of Michigan directly in times of natural disasters, civil unrest, or more recently, to ensure the safety and security of key facilities, such as airports and border crossings. This unique dual role represents the dual value of the Michigan National Guard to state and nation.

In addition to military missions, the Michigan National Guard is active in the community through a variety of youth programs. Reduction of drug demand is often a component of the youth programs and supports other National Guard counter-drug efforts in support of local and federal law enforcement.