For over 365 years, the citizen soldiers of the Army National Guard have come to the aid of their neighbors during times of need. The Guard plays a key role during floods, fires and other natural disasters. The National Guard State mission mandates helping communities during natural disasters and civil emergencies.

When the heavens thunder and rain brings swelling floodwaters, it’s the Army National Guard to the rescue, saving lives, restoring order, protecting property and helping devastated neighborhoods rebuild. All around the country, the National Guard helps communities withstand the ravages of floods, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes and every natural disaster imaginable. Besides being there when natural disasters occur, the Guard is also an active participant in local community organizations that assist neighborhoods in improving the quality of life. The National Guard’s community service efforts are directed at local initiatives such as youth programs. If you are the kind of person who wants to help your community, the Army National Guard may be for you.

Here are a few of the well-publicized disasters and civil emergencies the Guard assisted with in recent years. There have been many more incidents that you might not have heard about, but the Guard was there to help the community in its time of need. 


Army National Guard helps restore order in Seattle – November 1999
Hundreds of Washington State National Guard troops were on duty helping to restore order in downtown Seattle after peaceful demonstrations turned violent. Guard soldiers supported police officers and sheriffs’ deputies on the streets. It was the first time since labor riots in 1919 that National Guard troops were called on to help restore order in Seattle.

Youth Program
The National Guard is an active member of the community. Many Guard members live, work, and go to school right where they serve. That’s why the Guard is ready to help – especially when it comes to neighborhood children. The Guard helps Little League programs, promotes scouting activities, opens its doors to kids on Armory Days and is involved with countless other programs for youth and other groups in the community. Guard members provide strong, positive role models for young kids.


Where do I serve?
Army National Guard units are based in communities and are located in every State and Territory. When you become a member of the Guard, you serve where you live. Many cities and towns have their own Armory where the Guard conducts training. This means you can join one of the Army National Guard units right in your hometown or wherever you want to live.

The Guard has more than 3,200 units located in more than 2,700 communities across the 54 States and Territories. Each state has a unique force structure and a varying number of units, personnel, armories and Army training sites.


How long do I serve?
You cherish freedom, your country, your friends and family. Serve in the Army National Guard and you’ll defend America, its values and those you love most. You’ll normally train part-time, but you’ll be ready to serve whenever and wherever you are needed. So you can go to college or work full-time. In the Guard, you’ll train to be a citizen-warrior... ready to serve anytime, anywhere. If you have never served in any branch of the U.S. Army duty commitment , there are several enlistment options available. Initially, soldiers can serve for as little as three years, with longer periods available as well. Some benefits are based upon the length of your initial enlistment. Contact your local recruiter to learn more about being a citizen-warrior.