New Mexico National Guard

New Mexico National Guard. It is a dual state-federal military force composed of the New Mexico Army National Guard and the New Mexico Air National Guard. The Governor of New Mexico serves as its commander-in-chief, except when federalized by order of the President of the United States. Its history is deeply intertwined with the Southwest, from the territorial militia period through extensive modern deployments.

History

The guard's origins trace to Spanish colonial and Mexican–American War era militias, with its modern lineage formalized by the Militia Act of 1903 following New Mexico statehood in 1912. Its early 20th-century service included the 1916 Pancho Villa Expedition, where units served under General John J. Pershing. During World War I, the 1st New Mexico Infantry Regiment was redesignated as part of the 40th Infantry Division. In World War II, the 200th Coast Artillery regiment was among the first American units deployed to the Philippines and suffered heavily in the Battle of Bataan and subsequent Bataan Death March. Post-war reorganizations led to the creation of separate air and army components, with the New Mexico Air National Guard established in 1947. Throughout the Cold War, units were activated during the Korean War and Vietnam War.

Organization and structure

The guard is a component of the New Mexico Department of Military Affairs, headed by the Adjutant General of New Mexico. It receives federal oversight from the National Guard Bureau within the United States Department of Defense. The Army National Guard is divided into brigade and battalion-level commands, while the Air National Guard is organized under a single wing. Key command posts include the Joint Force Headquarters in Santa Fe. The structure supports both federal missions under the United States Army and United States Air Force, and state missions under the governor's authority, often in coordination with the New Mexico State Police and New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Missions and operations

Its dual mission encompasses federal combat operations and state emergency response. Federally, units have deployed extensively to the War in Afghanistan, Iraq War, and other theaters under operations like Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Domestically, it provides critical support for wildfire suppression, flood response, and COVID-19 pandemic operations, including logistical support and vaccination efforts. The guard also conducts joint exercises with active-duty components like the United States Army Special Operations Command and supports border security missions along the Mexico–United States border. State activations frequently assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency during presidentially declared disasters.

Facilities and major units

Primary installations include the Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, which hosts the 150th Special Operations Wing and the 58th Special Operations Wing. The Army Aviation Support Facility is located at Double Eagle II Airport. Major Army units comprise the 515th Regional Support Group and the 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry Regiment. The 93rd Troop Command oversees various support battalions. Training occurs at the New Mexico National Guard Training Site in Socorro and the Luna County facility. Other key armories and readiness centers are situated in Las Cruces, Roswell, and Farmington.

Notable members

Prominent individuals include Medal of Honor recipient John J. McGinty III, who served with the 4th Marines but was a New Mexico guardsman. Former United States Senator and Secretary of the Interior Manuel Lujan Jr. served in the New Mexico Air National Guard. Astronaut Harrison Schmitt, the Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot, was a member. Renowned artist and POW survivor Ben Steele was a Bataan Death March survivor from the 200th Coast Artillery. Former Governor of New Mexico and United States Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson also served in the guard.

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