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

Commandos for the National Guard Special Forces, or FERI, secured the training exercise area and rescued a "hostage" amid a haze of explosions, smoke, and rattling gunfire.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

The administration enacted the policies on national-security grounds last winter, following the fatal shooting of a National Guard member in Washington, D.C.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

There has been a renewed focus on strengthening the National Guard, boosting intelligence, and targeted troop deployments.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

Koslow is a retired state command chief master sergeant in the California Air National Guard, according to his campaign website.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The National Guard officer at the table said, “The island flooded. It’s gone.”

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret