Each of the 50 states and the 4 territories within the United States has its own local National Guard. Your local National Guard consists of the Air National Guard and the Army National Guard. It is the responsibility of your local National Guard to remain connected with the other 100 plus units that make up the National Guard. The Bureau is responsible for maintaining the regularity of the various local National Guard units. They design programs that will make sure that the equipment is properly maintained and that personnel training continues. This is important because whenever there is a national emergency, it is up to your local National Guard to respond to the call. Of course, the Bureau is responsible for coordinating these responses. The Bureau performs these same actions for the Army and Air Force as well. Your local National Guard plays an important role in providing backup for the Army and Air Force. The main reason for this is that they want to nurture democracy, encourage market economics, promote stability within the region and also provide citizens from across the United States with opportunities to interact with one another. The Air National Guard is completely responsible for the United States' air defense. On the other hand, the Army National Guard is a very important part of America's defense forces. More than likely you have seen the numerous state and community based programs that your local National Guard is in charge of. These programs are responsible for improving the environment, safeguarding each state from any drug trafficking and bringing together the various families who have family members that are a part of the National Guard.
