District of Columbia Army National Guard
The District of Columbia Army National Guard is the Army component of the District of Columbia National Guard. As the District of Columbia is a federal district and not a state, the guard is placed under the authority of the President of the United States, unlike most other National Guard units which are headed by their state's governor.
| District of Columbia Army National Guard | |
|---|---|
Distinctive shoulder insignia | |
| Active | March 2, 1802 – present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Type | District Army National Guard |
| Size | 1,350 |
| Part of | District of Columbia National Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | D.C. Armory |
| Anniversaries | March 3rd, 1802 |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Brigadier General Robert K. Ryan |
The District of Columbia Army National Guard was formed in 1802 by President Thomas Jefferson to defend the newly created District of Columbia. It has always been led by a Commanding General as opposed to an Adjutant General and is the only Army National Guard state-level organization activated by the President of the United States for natural and civil emergencies. The Mayor of the District of Columbia may request assistance of the National Guard assets for local purposes after consulting with the President.
District of Columbia Army National Guard units are trained and equipped as part of the United States Army. The same ranks and insignia are used and National Guardsmen are eligible to receive all United States military awards. The District of Columbia National Guard also bestows a number of state awards for local services rendered in or to the District of Columbia.