The Army National Guard predates the founding of the nation and a standing military by almost a century and a half--making it the oldest component of the United States armed forces. In 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony organized America's first permanent militia regiments, among the oldest continuing units in history. (Barber, 2001) The origins of the term National Guard lie during the Civil War, as southern militia units were taking over and dismantling federal military institutions in the south, northern militia units were being called on to augment hard-pressed regular Union forces.
For the Union leadership, one of the top priorities was to secure the Capital against attack by Confederate forces. In the opening days of the conflict, militia units were rushed to Washington to perform this function to free up regular forces for operations elsewhere. In this capacity, Militiamen of the 7th New York Infantry became the first militia units to begin to refer to themselves as "National Guard" and marked their equipment as such with the insignia "NG."
The modern National Guard really came into being at the dawn of the 20th century due to greater involvement by the United States in world affairs. As the foreign policy of the United States began to expand outside of its borders, there was an increased requirement to use military forces as an instrument of foreign policy. This necessity resulted in laws and policies that made the National Guard more standardized and in-line with Regular Army forces.
This essay has the followings:
Total words: 842
Total reference: 3
Total price: £ 19.95
Click here to Order this essay!
Get Professionally written Essays that are:
• Written According to your Exact Requirements
• 100% Original and Non-Plagiarized
• Written by Expert
UK Writers
• Delivered to you before your deadline
Amazingly Low Prices - £9.95/page
