Is the National Guard a branch of military?

Answer 1

Their status as a militia can be an issue of debate. However, as far as the technical aspects go, they are a militia in the sense that they are not a regular military formation, and that they can be called to serve the needs of non-federal entities. The Militia Act of 1903 defined the National Guard as the organisedmilitia, with other militia entities being the unorganisedmilitia.

A number of bills have been passed in the years since 1903 which have further separated the National Guard from the Constitutional definition of a militia, such as the National Defence Act of 1916 (which merged the National Guard into the US Army, and established the National Guard as the primary reserve force of the US Army, rather than the Army Reserve), and the Total Force Policy of 1974, which effectively defined the Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard as one entity.

But, until the Supreme Court rules otherwise (which is highly unlikely), the Militia Act of 1903 stands.

Answer 2

There is the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. The Army National Guard follows Army guidelines, policies, and directives. When federally activated, they become part of the Army. The Air National Guard follows Air Force guidelines, policies, and directives. When federally activated, they become part of the Air Force.

Answer 3

No. The Army Reserve is composed entirely of support and training units (except for one infantry battalion), and it entirely a branch of the federal armed forces. The National Guard serves both a federal and a state mission. There is the Army National Guard, and the Air National Guard, which may be subject to recall either at the federal level, or at the state level.

Answer 4

It is part of the U.S. Army.

Answer 5

The Army and Air Force.

Answer 6

Army and Air.