While most Americans have heard of the National Guard and the Reserves, many do not know a great deal about the details of either organization. Besides providing relief and aid after disasters, what do members of the National Guard and Reserves do? The news runs stories about both groups being sent abroad, but how many people are there to send? And how are they connected to the rest of the military? It is important to know the history our "Citizen Soldiers." Why not check it out for yourself in your spare time. Our National Guard has a dual purpose; provide assistance to the state or other states during a time of disaster, and augmenting our active duty military forces during a time of war. The National Guard is activated by the authority of the President during a time of war. He is Commander-in- Chief of the armed forces of the United States of America.