Michigan National Guard

ilization for war, national emergency, or as otherwise needed. Our state mission is to provide trained and disciplined forces for domestic emergencies or as otherwise required by state law. The National Guard is a community-based force with many members working and serving where they live. The force operates under the command of the Adjutant General of Michigan and the Michigan Governor as Commander-in-Chief. We recognize December 13th as the birthday of the U.S. National Guard. On this date in 1636, the first militia regiments in North America were organized in Massachusetts. The history of the Michigan National Guard is one of long and honorable service that predates the state itself. As one of Michigan's first settlements, Detroit is looked upon as the birthplace of the early Michigan Militia. The first indication of an effort to organize a militia is the reference in the Cadillac Papers of a proposal made by Sr. de LaMothe. His proposal, dated November 13, 1708, called for forming four companies to act as a militia for the colony. The First Regiment of Michigan Militia, the Detroit City Guards, and a company of mounted volunteers (dragoons) made up the earliest Michigan units and were barracked in Detroit. To this day, the Michigan Army National Guard Armory on 8 Mile Road in Detroit is called the “Light Guard” armory in honor of its history. The Michigan Militia, then later, the Michigan National Guard, has participated in every major U.S. and state campaigns.