Thesis Statement: National Guard Training and Readiness is vital to support Army operations worldwide in both peacetime and times of war. National Guard Training and Readiness is vital to support Army operations worldwide in both peacetime and times of war. The history of the Army National Guard (ARNG) began on December 13, 1636. Its history traces back to the earliest English colonies in North America. All males between the age of 16 and 60 were obligated to own and take part in the defense of the community. In 1940, The National Guard doubled the size of the Regular Army, as they mobilized a year before Pearl Harbor where they contributed 19 Divisions to that war, as well as other units including Guard aviation squadrons (Doubler, 110). The history of the ARNG is replete with problems from recruitment, morale, and political battles over its various uses. The ARNGs problems have hampered both its training and readiness when they were called upon.

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