Maryland Army National Guard

Maryland Army National Guard
Unit name	Maryland Army National Guard
Dates	1634 (militia), 1903 (modern)
Country	United States
Allegiance	Maryland
Branch	Army National Guard
Command structure	Maryland National Guard
Garrison	Baltimore
Garrison label	Headquarters

Maryland Army National Guard. The Maryland Army National Guard is a component of the Maryland National Guard and the United States Army National Guard. With colonial origins dating to the 17th century, it serves under the dual authority of the Governor of Maryland for state missions and the President of the United States for federal service. Its modern organization was established by the Militia Act of 1903, and its units have participated in every major U.S. conflict from the American Revolutionary War to recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

History

The lineage of the force traces to the founding of the Province of Maryland in 1634, when colonial law required all able-bodied men to serve in the local militia. These early forces saw action during conflicts like the French and Indian War. During the American Revolutionary War, Maryland's Continental Army line, notably the Maryland 400, earned a formidable reputation at battles such as the Battle of Long Island and the Battle of Guilford Court House. In the American Civil War, Maryland units fought for both the Union Army and the Confederate States Army, with the First Maryland Infantry engaging at the Battle of Antietam. The 20th century saw its federalization for both World War I and World War II, with units like the 29th Infantry Division landing at Omaha Beach during the Normandy landings. The Cold War era included activation during the Berlin Crisis of 1961.

Organization

The Maryland Army National Guard is headquartered at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore and falls under the command of the Adjutant General of Maryland. As a state force, it is part of the Maryland Military Department and can be mobilized by the governor for state emergencies. For federal missions, it is an integral reserve component of the United States Department of the Army. Its units are typically aligned under higher United States Army commands, such as the 28th Infantry Division and the 29th Infantry Division, and it maintains close relationships with Fort George G. Meade and the Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Major units

Key formations include the 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, which provides intelligence support, and the 224th Aviation Regiment, operating helicopters from facilities like the Weide Army Heliport. The 115th Military Police Battalion handles law enforcement and security missions, while the 1297th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion provides critical logistics. Infantry capabilities are maintained by the 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, historically part of the famed 29th Infantry Division. Additional support comes from units like the 70th Regiment and various field artillery and engineer companies.

Missions and deployments

Its dual mission encompasses domestic response and federal combat operations. For the state, soldiers assist during natural disasters like Hurricane Isabel, civil disturbances, and pandemics under Title 32 status. Federally, under Title 10, units have been extensively deployed to the Global War on Terrorism, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Spartan Shield. Other missions include partnership exercises under the State Partnership Program with countries like Estonia and support for Operation Noble Eagle for homeland defense.

Training and facilities

Annual training is conducted at locations such as Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania and the Guard's own Camp Fretterd in Reisterstown. The Guard utilizes the Raven Rock Mountain Complex for certain specialized exercises and maintains armories statewide, including the historic Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore and the Cambridge Armory. Aviation units train at the Weide Army Heliport, and soldiers often complete courses at the Western Maryland Regional Training Institute. Joint exercises are held with active-duty components from Fort George G. Meade and the District of Columbia National Guard.

Notable members

Prominent individuals who have served include former Vice President Spiro Agnew, who was a member of the 29th Infantry Division. Renowned World War II correspondent and author Marguerite Higgins began her career covering the Maryland National Guard. Military leaders like Major General James F. Fretterd, for whom Camp Fretterd is named, and Brigadier General Alvin B. Kuthy have commanded its forces. Other distinguished members include Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant John H. Denig from the American Civil War and former United States Senator George L. P. Radcliffe.

Category:Maryland Army National Guard Category:Military in Maryland Category:State armies of the United States