In the United States, the National Guard and the Reserve are both reserve components of the armed forces. Although they are often thought of as the same due to their similar uniforms, they have distinct training, roles, and responsibilities. Both the Guard and the Reserve play vital roles in the nation’s defense, but they are not always on active duty. As a result, they receive part-time training, pay, and benefits. The primary function of these components is to provide backup to active-duty soldiers when needed.
Key Takeaways
- Reserves and guards collectively form the reserve component of the armed forces, but reserves are federal militia units while guards are under state control.
- Guard units are typically called into service during natural disasters or terrorist attacks, while reserves are often sent on duty abroad to defend the nation’s interests.
- There are differences in bonuses, job guarantees, assignments, and the nature of the job between the two components.
Guard
The National Guard was established through the Dick Act in 1903. It is a state-based militia that is primarily funded by the federal government. Under presidential order, guards can be called to federal duty, but states have the right to recall their units for state emergencies. Guard units are commanded by the state where they are headquartered and reside. Some state guard units are not federally funded and cannot be called by the federal government. Until called up by the federal government, all National Guard units remain part of the state militia.
Reserve
The Reserve was formed in 1908 to assist the army’s medical corps. It is a purely federal force, with the President of the United States as the highest chain of command. Reserves are the first to be sent on duty abroad to defend the nation’s interests. Their term of service is set at eight years, although they remain part-time soldiers.
