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This question is about what an army national guard does.
National Guard vs. Reserve
The National Guard is a division of U.S. soldiers that can be called upon to act for the federal government or a state government, while the Reserve is a group of soldiers who can only be called upon to act by the federal government.
The National Guard is unique in that it can perform state and federal functions. The National Guard is often called to respond to domestic natural disasters, such as in the wake of hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. It can also be used during times of domestic turmoil, such as keeping the peace at protests or enforcing martial law.
The Reserve is considered a permanent body of armed forces. Its existence allows the United States to reduce its peacetime military expenditures while maintaining a ready force that is prepared for military action in the event of a war. Soldiers in the Reserve receive the same training as active-duty soldiers in other military branches.
Here are the key differences between the National Guard and the Reserve:
| The National Guard can be called upon to act by both a state and the federal government. | The Reserve can only be called to act by the federal government. |
| The National Guard often responds to domestic events, such as natural disasters and social unrest. | The Reserve only responds to military conflicts abroad. |
| The fact that the National Guard can take orders from a state or federal level makes it a unique arm of the military. | The Reserve exists so there will always be a contingent of soldiers during peacetime that are ready for military action. |
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