Missouri Army National Guard
Overview
The Missouri Army National Guard (MOARNG) is a component of the United States Army and the National Guard of the United States. It is part of the Missouri National Guard, which also includes the Missouri Air National Guard. The Missouri Army National Guard is a reserve military force that can be mobilized by both the state governor and the federal government. It plays a crucial role in both state-level emergency response and national defense operations.
History
The origins of the Missouri Army National Guard can be traced back to the early 19th century. Missouri's militia was formally organized in 1808, following the establishment of the Territory of Missouri. The militia played a significant role during the War of 1812, providing defense against British incursions. During the American Civil War, Missouri was a border state with divided loyalties, leading to the formation of both Union and Confederate militias.
In 1903, the Militia Act of 1903 formally established the National Guard as a reserve component of the U.S. Army, integrating state militias into the federal military structure. The Missouri National Guard was reorganized under this act, becoming part of the newly formed National Guard of the United States.
Throughout the 20th century, the Missouri Army National Guard was activated for various conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In recent decades, it has been deployed in support of operations in the Middle East, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Structure and Organization
The Missouri Army National Guard is structured similarly to active-duty Army units, with a mix of combat, combat support, and combat service support units. It is organized into several major commands and units, including:
- **35th Infantry Division**: A division-level headquarters that provides command and control for subordinate units.
- **110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade**: Focuses on providing support to combat operations, including engineering, chemical, and military police functions.
- **70th Troop Command**: A command structure that oversees various specialized units, including aviation, medical, and transportation units.
- **Missouri Regional Training Institute**: Provides training for Missouri Army National Guard soldiers and units.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Missouri Army National Guard has dual responsibilities: state and federal.
State Role
Under state jurisdiction, the Missouri Army National Guard can be activated by the governor to respond to natural disasters, civil disturbances, and other emergencies. This includes providing support during floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters, as well as assisting in law enforcement operations when necessary.
Federal Role
When federalized, the Missouri Army National Guard serves as part of the United States Army. It can be deployed overseas for combat missions, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian assistance. The Guard also participates in training exercises and joint operations with active-duty and reserve components of the U.S. military.
Training and Readiness
The Missouri Army National Guard places a strong emphasis on training and readiness to ensure that its soldiers are prepared for both state and federal missions. Training is conducted at various levels, from individual soldier skills to large-scale unit exercises.
Individual Training
Soldiers undergo initial entry training, which includes Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. These programs are designed to develop fundamental military skills and specialized occupational skills, respectively.
Unit Training
Units conduct regular drills, typically one weekend per month, and annual training exercises, usually lasting two weeks. These training sessions focus on maintaining combat readiness and proficiency in unit-specific tasks.
Joint Exercises
The Missouri Army National Guard participates in joint exercises with other military branches and allied nations. These exercises enhance interoperability and prepare units for potential joint operations.
Equipment and Modernization
The Missouri Army National Guard is equipped with a wide range of military hardware, including armored vehicles, artillery, and aircraft. Modernization efforts are ongoing to ensure that the Guard's equipment remains current and effective.
Armored Vehicles
The Guard operates various armored vehicles, including the M1 Abrams main battle tank and the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. These vehicles provide essential firepower and mobility for ground operations.
Artillery
Artillery units are equipped with systems such as the M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, which offers long-range fire support for combat operations.
Aviation
The Missouri Army National Guard's aviation assets include helicopters like the UH-60 Black Hawk and the CH-47 Chinook, which are used for transport, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance missions.
Community Engagement and Support
The Missouri Army National Guard is actively involved in community engagement and support activities. It conducts outreach programs to foster positive relationships with local communities and provide support to veterans and military families.
Youth Programs
The Guard sponsors youth programs such as the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, which offers educational and leadership opportunities for at-risk youth.
Veteran Support
The Missouri Army National Guard provides resources and support for veterans, including assistance with employment, education, and healthcare services.
Challenges and Future Outlook
The Missouri Army National Guard faces several challenges, including budget constraints, recruitment and retention, and adapting to evolving military threats.
Budget Constraints
Like many military organizations, the Missouri Army National Guard must operate within budgetary limitations, which can impact training, equipment procurement, and personnel readiness.
Recruitment and Retention
Recruiting and retaining qualified personnel is an ongoing challenge. The Guard employs various strategies to attract new recruits and retain experienced soldiers, including offering educational benefits and career advancement opportunities.
Evolving Threats
The Missouri Army National Guard must continually adapt to new and emerging threats, such as cyber warfare and asymmetric warfare. This requires ongoing training and modernization efforts to ensure operational effectiveness.