A reserve military force under the Dept. of Defense.
Yes it is. Also State Guard.
yes
Yes the National Guard is apart of the Armed Forces of the US. This is also the case for emancipation purposes.
Readiness; retention
You are considered prior service but not a veteran.
There are actually two National Guards, but when people say the National Guard they are probably (but not necessarily) talking about the Army National Guard. The other National Guard is the Air National Guard which is to the Air Force what the Army National Guard is to the Army.
No. There is only an Army National Guard and an Air National Guard.
There is the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.
No. You are considered prior service.
Not always. See your local VA representative.
Yes. Each state has National Guard units.
No the National Guard does not have submarines. The National Guard is primarily a ground fighting organization. The Air National Guard does provide for air support within the US.