Happy Birthday, National Guard

On December 13, 2020, the National Guard celebrates its 384th birthday, marking a historic year of support to its communities.

The National Guard is America’s oldest military organization and has 450,000 citizen soldiers and airmen located in communities across all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia.

2020 has been a historic year for National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, who have logged more than 8.4 million days serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response. As part of the historic response, the National Guard has worked to bring calm and compassion to civil disturbances across the country; flown into raging wildfires to save hundreds of people, and responded to prevent loss of life and property from hurricanes and natural disasters across the country.

Guard men and women helped distribute over 580 million meals to neighbors in need; delivered more than 380 million of pieces of protective equipment to essential workers; and tested and screened over 9 million people for the virus.

In June, 2020, the National Guard mobilized nearly 120,000 soldiers and airmen in support of overseas and homeland operations – meeting every challenge, answering every call, and performing every mission. Today, more than 56,500 Guard members remain on duty in their communities and around the globe, living up to their motto: Always Ready; Always There.

The Rhode Island National Guard

The Rhode Island National Guard (RING) consists of 3000 men and women who serve as military professionals within the state while simultaneously pursuing education, managing civilian careers, and supporting our families.  The Rhode Island National Guard traces its history from the first colonial defensive force established in 1638 and has since served the state and nation in every major American conflict.                 

Today’s RING is focused on our three core missions: fighting America’s wars, securing our homeland, and building enduring partnerships across the globe.  The RING has a unique mandate and our members have sworn a dual oath to serve both our nation and state of Rhode Island. In order to meet the demand of these core missions, our institution prioritizes taking care of our people, building military readiness, and fostering innovation.                 

More than 450 of Soldiers and Airmen have deployed in support of our federal mission over the past fiscal year.  Our members have represented the state of Rhode Island while operating in every geographic combatant command. From the outset of this past training year, Airman from the 143d Airlift Wing were engaged in humanitarian operations in during the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.                  

We are proud to be Rhode Island’s military component.  We are grateful for the support of our friends, neighbors, and employers.  The RING will remain engaged and accessible as we continue to meet our challenges and provide value and security in an increasingly complex world.  The Rhode Island National Guard is “Always Ready, Always There.”

Members of the Army Rhode Island National Guard conduct screenings for COVID-19 on March 25, 2020 in Providence Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Soldiers and Airmen have been mobilized to assist in the fight against the spread of the Corona virus. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Terry Rajsombath)