Our History
In 1636, the first militia regiments in North America were organized in Massachusetts. Based upon an order of the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s General Court, the colony’s militia was organized into three permanent regiments to better defend the colony.
Today, unlike other branches of the U.S. military, the National Guard takes on different responsibilities at the state and federal level.
With its dual mission, the National Guard is a reserve force with both state and federal responsibilities. When the National Guard units are not mobilized or under federal control, they report to the governor of their respective state. Our state missions range from emergency-relief support during natural disaters, supporting civil defense authorities, maintenance of vital public services and counter drug operations.
With just a large mission, we live up to our motto: Always Ready, Always There.