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The Indiana National Guard is the armed force of the state of Indiana. It consists of the Indiana Army National Guard and the Indiana Air National Guard, and is part of the larger Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. With roots dating back to 1801, Indiana units first served in a national conflict in 1846 during the Mexican–American War, and were reorganized into their current configuration in 1903. Since then the guard has served at home and abroad as a part of multiple wars, disaster relief actions, and putting down strikes and riots.
The Indiana National Guard consists of 14,000 Soldiers and Airmen. Major Indiana Army National Guard commands include 81st Troop Command, 38th Infantry Division , 38th Aviation Brigade, 38th Sustainment Brigade , 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, 76th Infantry Brigade , and 219th Engineer Brigade, while major Indiana Air National Guard commands include 122nd Fighter Wing and 181st Intelligence Wing.
The Indiana National Guard is supported by the state's military defense force, the Indiana Guard Reserve, which is part of the Military Department of Indiana. The Indiana Guard Reserve is a supplemental military force authorized by both the State Code of Indiana and Executive Order. The Indiana Guard Reserve assumes the state mission of the Indiana National Guard in the event the Guard is federally mobilized.. The IGR is subject solely to the orders of the Governor and is commanded by the Adjutant General of Indiana.
The Constitution of the United States specifically charges the National Guard with dual federal and state missions. In fact, the National Guard is the only United States military force empowered to function in a state status. Those functions range from limited actions during non-emergency situations to full scale law enforcement of martial law when local law enforcement officials can no longer maintain civil control. The National Guard may be called into federal service in response to a call by the President or Congress.