The year was 1636, when a group of militarily trained civilians was organized to defend a New England settlement and colony in case of an attack. These citizen-soldiers were required to drill several times a month, as well as asked to provide their own arms and equipment. Thus was born the Guard, the oldest military organization with an unbroken record of service longer than any other military service organization of the United States.

The militia forerunner of the National Guard was established by the Constitution, and guaranteed against disbandment by the Bill of Rights in 1776. The term National Guard was used to honor the French General Lafayette, who commanded the Paris "Garde Nationale" during the American Revolution. The aviation arm of the National Guard began in 1911, when a unit first flew an airplane and culminated with the establishment of the Air National Guard in 1947.

Today's National Guard is a state-run force with dual missions. Under the command of the Governor and the Adjutant General, the State mission is to protect life and property and preserve the peace, order and public safety. The Federal mission under the President of the United States is to serve as a reserve component of the Army and the Air Force, prepared for mobilization into immediate national service if needed.

National Guard units have participated in the revolutionary war and have been mobilized for the following: the War of 1812; the Mexican War; the Civil War; the Spanish-American War; both World War I & II; the Berlin Crisis; the Korean conflict; the Vietnam conflict; the invasion of Grenada and Panama; the Persian Gulf conflict, Humanitarian Mission to Somalia, Desert Storm and the Kosovo Peace keeping mission.

The New Jersey Guard dates back to 1664 when the General Assembly of New Jersey was granted self-government privileges. The assembly moved "to constitute trained bands and companies for the safety, strength and defense of said province."

The New Jersey State Militia served the Continental Army fighting in New Jersey, New York Long Island, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Canada, Ticonderoga, Princeton, Trenton, Red Bank, Monmouth, Brandywine, Morristown and Elizabeth. New Jersey's militia was present for the final surrender of the British at Yorktown. Since that time units of the New Jersey National Guard have participated in every major conflict from the Civil War to Operation Desert Shield/Storm. During all these years, the New Jersey National Guard has responded to scores of local disasters, civilian, domestic emergencies, providing immeasurable relief from suffering to the citizens of this state.