The History of the New York Guard

Since 1917 the New York Guard has stood at the ready. Our training makes us incredibly valuable to the New York Military Forces.

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1917
Formation

With the New York National Guard called up and headed to Europe the New York Guard was formed to provide home defense and to back fill jobs abandoned by the National Guard

1919

World War I Ends

The New York Guard down sizes due to the return of the National Guard

1941

Start of World War II for the United States

NYG in WWII

World War II is the busiest time in our History matched only by Operation COVID-19

1945

World War II Ends

The New York Guard again down sizes due to the return of the National Guard

1950s & 1960s

The turbulent 1950's & 1960's saw the New York Guard continue to find a role within the NY Military Forces. During the 1960's the New York Guard split into two units, an Army State Guard and an Air State Guard.

1970s & 1980's

The 1970's and 1980's saw the New York Guard looking for a mission. Without a major war, many states disband their State Guards all together.

1990's

During the time in which Communism was falling and Western Nations began downsizing from their Cold War sizes. The New York Guard continues to function as a part of the NY Military Forces. 

2000

The attacks on New York City on the morning of September 11th, 2001, showed the extreme importance of having a State Guard at the ready. 9/11 also gave New York the nudge it needed to remission the New York Guard. With a large National Guard in the state balancing their domestic operations (DOMOPS) responsibilities with their federal warfighter mission, the State Guard is tasked with becoming subject matter experts in disaster situations/DOMOPS. 

2017

100 Years!   In December of 2017 the  New York Guard celebrated 100 years of existence. While far from the oldest branch of the military in the United States, the New York Guard stands at the ready to assist the citizens of the great Empire State!

Present Day

With hurricanes, floods, snow storms and COVID-19, the New York Guard is never without a task that can be tackled. With over 100 years of history and a DOMOPS mission, the New York Guard is ready for the next 100 years!

Want to learn even more about our distinguished history?