District of Columbia Army National Guard

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The District of Columbia National Guard is comprised of both Army National Guard and Air National Guard components. The Constitution of the United States specifically charges the National Guard with dual federal and state missions. In fact, the National Guard is the only United States military force empowered to function in a state status. Those functions range from limited actions during non-emergency situations to full scale law enforcement of martial law when local law enforcement officials can no longer maintain civil control. The National Guard may be called into federal service in response to a call by the President or Congress.

The District of Columbia Army National Guard is composed of 12 units: the 74th Troop Command, the 260th Regiment RTI (Officer Candidate School), the 33rd WMD Civil Support Team, the 104th Maintenance Company, the 121st Medivac Air Ambulance, the 140th Transportation Company, the 260th Military Police Command, the 715th Public Affairs Team, the 547th Transportation Company (Lt-Med Trucks), the 257th AG Band Army, Detachment 3 Health and Dental Clinic, Detachment 4 OSAC and HQ District Area Command.

When National Guard troops are called to federal service, the President serves as Commander-in-Chief. The federal mission assigned to the National Guard is: "To provide properly trained and equipped units for prompt mobilization for war, National emergency or as otherwise needed."

The District of Columbia Army National Guard has a unique mission. It is led by a Commanding General, and is the only Army National Guard organization activated by the President of the United States for natural and civil emergencies. The D.C. National Guard is also unique from other National Guard organizations because, unlike state organizations who have dual jurisdiction for federal and local matters, the D.C. National Guard has no local jurisdiction. This means the mayor cannot call upon the District of Columbia National Guard forces to protect local interests in Washington, D.C. (hence the City's nickname, the Federal City). Like all other Army National Guard units, the D.C. Army National Guard continues to support the United States Army and its national security objectives.

District of Columbia Army National Guard units are trained and equipped as part of the United States Army. The same ranks and insignia are used and National Guardsmen are eligible to receive all United States military awards. The District of Columbia National Guard also bestows a number of state awards for local services rendered in or to the District of Columbia.

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