The Iowa Army National Guard is the Army component of the Iowa National Guard, a military reserve force with dual federal and state missions. It is empowered to function in a state status if needed to carry out limited actions during non-emergency situations all the way to full scale law enforcement of martial law when local law enforcement officials can no longer maintain civil control. The National Guard may be called into federal service in response to a call by the President or Congress.
The Iowa Army National Guard maintains 56 armories in 53 communities.
When National Guard troops are called to federal service, the President serves as Commander-in-Chief. The federal mission assigned to the National Guard is: "To provide properly trained and equipped units for prompt mobilization for war, National emergency or as otherwise needed."
The Governor may call individuals or units of the Iowa National Guard into state service during emergencies or to assist in special situations which lend themselves to use of the National Guard. The state mission assigned to the National Guard is: "To provide trained and disciplined forces for domestic emergencies or as otherwise provided by state law."
The State Defense force is a military entity authorized by both the State Code of Iowa and executive order. The State Defense Force (SDF) is the state’s authorized militia and assumes the state mission of the Iowa National Guard in the event the Guard is mobilized. The SDF comprises retired active and reserve military personnel and selected professional persons who volunteer their time and talents in further service to their state.
The Iowa Army National Guard is a component of the United States Army and the United States National Guard. Nationwide, the Army National Guard comprises approximately one half of the US Army's available combat forces and approximately one third of its support organization. National coordination of various state National Guard units are maintained through the National Guard Bureau.
Iowa Army National Guard units are trained and equipped as part of the United States Army. The same ran ks and insignia are used and National Guardsmen are eligible to receive all United States military awards. The Iowa Guard also bestows a number of state awards for local services rendered in or to the state of Iowa.
Read more about Iowa Army National Guard: Headquarters, Major Subordinate Commands, Duties, History
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