pdq's remarks do not jibe with National Guard history.
140,000 were mobilized in the Korean War, and 80,000 in Iraq.
They have served in many riots and peace-keeping operations, esp. after 1900. They have been called during floods and other disasters.
160,000 were called to duty along the Mexican border in 1916.
Many served to quell riots at the mines and elsewhere, 1900-1930.

The Army National Guard has been organized into 28 brigade combat teams and 78 support brigades.

I have in-laws serving in the Air Nat. Guard. Their training was continuous, if broken into segments, but they trained in and flew the latest fighters and bombers during their training periods. They have and are serving in active service in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world.


True, Guardsmen are not trained for specific national disasters, but their service in them is undoubted.