Does national guard have special forces?

Does National Guard Have Special Forces?

The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, composed of part-time soldiers who can be called to active duty in times of war or national emergency. While the National Guard is not typically associated with special forces, there are some units within the National Guard that are trained and equipped to perform special operations.

What are Special Forces?

Before we dive into whether the National Guard has special forces, let’s define what special forces are. Special forces are elite military units that are trained to conduct unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, direct action, and special reconnaissance. These units are typically characterized by their ability to operate in small teams, behind enemy lines, and to conduct missions that require a high degree of skill, adaptability, and initiative.

National Guard Special Forces Units

While the National Guard does not have a separate special forces branch, like the Army Special Forces (Green Berets) or the Navy SEALs, there are some National Guard units that are trained and equipped to perform special operations. These units include:

• Cavalry Scouts: The Cavalry Scouts are a National Guard unit that is trained to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering missions. They are equipped with specialized vehicles and equipment, such as Humvees and ATVs, and are trained to operate in small teams.
• Ranger Battalions: The Ranger Battalions are a National Guard unit that is trained to conduct direct action, airfield seizure, and special reconnaissance missions. They are equipped with specialized equipment, such as parachutes and rappelling gear, and are trained to operate in small teams.
• Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Units: The ISR Units are a National Guard unit that is trained to conduct intelligence gathering and surveillance missions. They are equipped with specialized equipment, such as drones and surveillance cameras, and are trained to operate in small teams.

National Guard Special Forces Training

While the National Guard does not have a separate special forces training program, like the Army’s Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), National Guard units that are trained to perform special operations receive specialized training in areas such as:

• Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE): National Guard soldiers who are trained to perform special operations receive SERE training, which teaches them how to survive in hostile environments, evade capture, resist interrogation, and escape from captivity.
• Unconventional Warfare: National Guard soldiers who are trained to perform special operations receive training in unconventional warfare, which teaches them how to conduct guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and subversion.
• Language and Culture: National Guard soldiers who are trained to perform special operations receive training in languages and cultures, which teaches them how to communicate effectively with foreign language speakers and operate in culturally diverse environments.

Comparison to Active Duty Special Forces

While the National Guard has special forces units, they are not as large or as well-funded as their active duty counterparts. For example:

• Size: The National Guard has approximately 350,000 soldiers, while the active duty special forces have approximately 70,000 soldiers.
• Budget: The National Guard’s budget is significantly smaller than the active duty special forces’ budget.
• Training: The National Guard’s special forces training is not as comprehensive as the active duty special forces’ training.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the National Guard does not have a separate special forces branch, there are some National Guard units that are trained and equipped to perform special operations. These units include Cavalry Scouts, Ranger Battalions, and ISR Units. While the National Guard’s special forces training is not as comprehensive as the active duty special forces’ training, National Guard soldiers who are trained to perform special operations receive specialized training in areas such as SERE, unconventional warfare, and language and culture.

Table: Comparison of National Guard and Active Duty Special Forces

Bullets: Key Points

• The National Guard has special forces units, including Cavalry Scouts, Ranger Battalions, and ISR Units.
• These units are trained and equipped to perform special operations, such as reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
• National Guard soldiers who are trained to perform special operations receive specialized training in areas such as SERE, unconventional warfare, and language and culture.
• The National Guard’s special forces training is not as comprehensive as the active duty special forces’ training.
• The National Guard’s budget is significantly smaller than the active duty special forces’ budget.