This book honors the ordinary Americans who have sworn to defend their country as members of the National Guard. The role of the "citizen-soldier" is enshrined in U.S. tradition, dating back to the militias first formed by settlers in the 17th century. That same spirit of community self-defense would inspire the Minutemen, who, more than 100 years later, would rise up against the British to help establish the worlds greatest democracy. Since then, whenever America has been under threat, the National Guard has provided the country's first line of defense-not only against enemies but also in times of natural disasters. Citizen Soldiers offers an exciting introduction to the National Guard's structure and its unique constitutional status as a federal and state institution. Along the way, we explore its missions past and present and look into the special contributions to homeland defense made by the National Guard. Book jacket.