New Jersey National Guard

New Jersey National Guard. The New Jersey National Guard is a state-based military force with dual federal and state missions, composed of the New Jersey Army National Guard and the New Jersey Air National Guard. It traces its lineage to colonial militias formed in the 17th century and has participated in every major U.S. conflict. Under state authority, the governor can activate it for domestic emergencies, while the President of the United States can federalize it for national defense.

History

The guard's origins date to 1664 with the establishment of the East Jersey and West Jersey militias under English colonial rule. These forces saw action in the French and Indian War and were pivotal during the American Revolutionary War, with units fighting at the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton. In the 19th century, militia units served in the War of 1812, the Mexican–American War, and the American Civil War, with New Jersey regiments engaged at Gettysburg and the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. The Militia Act of 1903 formally organized it as part of the modern National Guard of the United States. During the 20th century, its units were federalized for both World War I and World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs was created in 1987 to oversee its state functions.

Organization and structure

The force is bifurcated into the New Jersey Army National Guard, which falls under the United States Army, and the New Jersey Air National Guard, under the United States Air Force. The Adjutant General of New Jersey, currently Major General Lisa J. Hou, commands all state military forces from the Joint Force Headquarters in Lawrenceville. Major Army commands include the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the 254th Regiment, while the Air Guard is centered on the 108th Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the 177th Fighter Wing at Atlantic City Air National Guard Base. The New Jersey Naval Militia serves as a naval component under the same department.

Missions and operations

Its federal mission is to provide trained units for active military service under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, with recent deployments to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. The state mission, under Title 32, includes responding to domestic emergencies such as natural disasters, civil unrest, and public health crises; notable activations were for Hurricane Sandy, the COVID-19 pandemic, and winter storm support. The guard also participates in overseas partnership programs like the State Partnership Program with Albania and conducts annual training at installations such as Fort Drum and the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Equipment and facilities

The Army Guard operates a fleet that includes the M1126 Stryker infantry carrier vehicle, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, and the M142 HIMARS rocket system. The Air Guard flies the KC-135 Stratotanker with the 108th Wing and the F-16 Fighting Falcon with the 177th Fighter Wing. Primary installations are Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, a major tri-service base, and the Sea Girt Training Center, a historic armory and training site. Other key facilities include the Teaneck Armory, the Lawrenceville Armory, and the Morristown Armory, which serve as readiness centers and mobilization points.

Notable members and units

Prominent historical members include General Hugh Mercer, a Continental Army officer killed at the Battle of Princeton, and Major Joyce Kilmer, the poet-soldier from the 69th Infantry who died in World War I. The 114th Infantry Regiment, with a lineage to the colonial Jersey Blues, fought in the Meuse-Argonne offensive and the Battle of the Bulge. The 112th Field Artillery Regiment has served from World War I through the Global War on Terrorism. Modern notable units include the 250th Brigade Support Battalion and the 117th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, which have deployed extensively to the Middle East.

Category:New Jersey National Guard Category:Military in New Jersey Category:State agencies of New Jersey