National Guard

American  

noun

1. state military forces, in part equipped, trained, and quartered by the U.S. government, and paid by the U.S. government, that become an active component of the army when called into federal service by the president in civil emergencies.

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National Guard British  

noun

1. (sometimes not capitals) the armed force, first commanded by Lafayette, that was established in France in 1789 and existed intermittently until 1871

2. (in the US) a state military force that can be called into federal service by the president

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National Guard Cultural  

1. The volunteer military forces of each state, which the governor of a state can summon in times of civil disorder or natural disaster. Through congressional and presidential order, the National Guard can be called into service in the regular United States army.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

National Guard

Helen Thorpe followed three working-class women from the Indiana National Guard through deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and back home again.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

Mr Arellano recalls National Guard vehicles stationed just blocks from his wife's shop during immigration operations, while businesses across the neighbourhood suffered dramatic losses as raids continued.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

The court also ruled in December that the president did not have the power to put National Guard troops on the streets of Chicago.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026

A procession of trucks and forklifts has been outside the arena for several days, while police and National Guard troops have a visibly increased presence at the landmark.

From Barron's ● Jul. 2, 2026

During the day he traveled the city with other police officers and National Guard troops, making rescues.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers