ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base
National Guard
National Guard
================A National Guard is a paramilitary organization that can consist of volunteers, reservists, or conscripts. In many countries, it serves as the part of the military intended for internal use, distinguishing itself from the regular army, air force, and navy.
History
------------The historical model for modern National Guards is the French National Guard, founded during the Great French Revolution in 1789. This organization was based on defects from the French Guard and served as a prototype for subsequent national guard formations.
Structure and Function
-------------------------In many countries, the National Guard acts as a reserve of armed forces or serves internal security purposes. For example, in the United States, the National Guard is a reserve component of the US Armed Forces. Similarly, in Russia, which was renamed the National Guard of Russia in April 2016, it serves as an internal security force.
International Presence
-------------------------National Guards can be found in various countries around the world, including:
* Africa:
* Egypt: The National Guard (Egypt) is a paralyzed force under the command of the Ministry of Defense.
* Guinea-Bissau: The National Guard (Guinea-Bissau) serves as part of the country's power structure.
* Mauritius: The National Guard (Mauritius) plays a role in the country's internal security.
* Europe:
* France: Introduced in 2016, the French National Guard is intended to combat terrorism and maintain internal security.
* Germany: Discussions have taken place regarding the establishment of a German National Guard for similar purposes.
* Russia: The National Guard of Russia was renamed from its previous designation in April 2016 and serves as an internal security force.
* Asia:
* Azerbaijan: The National Guard of Azerbaijan is part of the country's military structure.
* Georgia: The National Guard of Georgia plays a role in maintaining internal security.
* Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan: These countries have established their own national guard formations.
Notable Examples
-------------------* United States: The National Guard of the United States was established in 1903 and serves as a reserve component of the US Armed Forces.
* Soviet Union (former): Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, various countries inherited or established their own national guard formations.