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Citizen-soldiers have played one of the most important roles in providing an integral part to the United States national defense system. From the earliest founding of the American militia in 1636, to the participation of National Guard and Reserve forces in today's war on terror, citizen-soldiers have come forward during national emergencies to provide necessary defense. The defense system of America has always had a need for citizen roles in the military, which have become the foundation for the National Guard and Reserve. These men and women have contributed greatly to their country in times of military action, especially in their roles since the attacks of September 11, 2001. This book provides groundbreaking information on the contributions of these citizen-soldiers, and gives first-hand account biographies from the men and women that help serve America. The members of the National Guard and Reserve have become essential to the nation's first line of defense in both Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years. No other book provides the extensive information and history that has shaped this crucial extension of the American defense system.
From their creation in 1636 to the continual effort they provide for the United States, the citizen-soldier has played an integral part in shaping the history of America's defense system. Through their active participation, the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve, provide the necessary manpower that is needed to defend the nation. They have come forward not only during times of war but in national emergencies and in their daily lives as well. This work provides factual articles and interpretive essays to help examine the development of the citizen-soldier in times of war and peace. Continually, it covers the importance of the National Guard and Reserve from early colonial times through the current war in Iraq. Doubler provides a human dimension of the citizen-soldier through seven biographical sketches of key individuals. In addition, a separate section contains extracts of the key legislation that has shaped the National Guard and Reserves along with an annotated chronology and bibliography for reference. No other reference handbook provides this thorough of an examination of the National Guard and Reserve, including groundbreaking information on the roles and missions of these men and women in the war on terror since the September 11, 2001 attacks.
List of contents
Foreword
Preface
PART I
Chapter 1: The National Guard and Reserve Today
Chapter 2: The Citizen-Soldier in the Nations Defense
Chapter 3: The National Guard
Chapter 4: The Army Reserve
Chapter 5: The Navy and Marine Corps Reserve
Chapter 6: The Air Force Reserve
Chapter 7: The Coast Guard Reserve
Chapter 8: The Guard and Reserve in the War on Terrorism
Chapter 9: The Road Ahead
PART II Citizen-Soldier Biographies
PART III Key Guard and Reserve Legislation
Chronology
Glossary
Annotated Bibliography
About the author
Michael D. Doubler is a retired Army National Guard officer who holds a doctorate in military history. A freelance writer and historian, he has already written two books and numerous articles and special studies regarding the history of the National Guard. He is currently researching and writing an official history of the National Guard's involvement in the war in Iraq. Doubler has appeared on several national news venues and is a frequent commentator on The History Channel.
