Defence is also a term used when describing a military unit’s defensive tactics when working against an opposing forces offensive, perhaps by seeking to circumnavigate the enemy position, delay an enemy attack, or to wage a war of attrition whereby the enemy will lose numbers eventually allowing the defensive force to form a defensive line or perform an offensive manoeuvre.

An excellent example of employing defensive strategy tactics can be seen when used against American soldiers in the Vietnam Conflict. The Vietcong employed both regular army units and guerrilla units in order to fight an offensive and defensive strategy. By the use of smaller mobile guerrilla forces the Vietcong waged a war on the resources of the American soldiers, which included destroying supplies and supply routes. They also used the Americans resources when producing booby traps, including discarded items such as tin cans as well as unexploded bombs which they would collect and use for mines.

Eventually the efforts of the smaller mobile defensive guerrillas caused such an effect that the main army was able to overrun the American forces with a massive attack know as the Tet Offensive.

Defensive military strategy is also hugely apparent in the arms race, and more recently the nuclear arms race. The opinion being that with a nation holding such powerful weapons it would be inadvisable to attack unless of course the offensive nation holds weapons of a similar nature.

Nowhere is this example more outlined than in the Cold War stand offs of the mid to late twentieth century. One specific example of this is the Cuban Missile Crisis which involved the US and the Soviet Union in 1962. The Soviet and Cuban authorities had placed nuclear weapons on Cuba as seen by American reconnaissance planes and, with the tension between the two countries already palpable, a standoff ensued with the ‘very real’ threat of a nuclear war occurring. Fortunately diplomatic proceedings ensured that the crisis was settled relatively amicably with the dismantling of the weaponry and a no-invasion agreement in place from the American authorities.

As a Captain, you would serve as a company commander responsible for 100-200 soldiers.

As a Lieutenant Colonel, you would serve as a Battalion Commander, responsible for 400-700 soldiers.

As a Colonel, you would lead a Brigade and be responsible for 1,800-5,000 soldiers.

As a Major General, you could be a Division Commander in charge of 10,000 to 15,000 troops. Or, you could be the Adjutant General in charge of the entire state military department.

As you can see, there are many different types of commanders within the National Guard.

Most of these leaders are part-time, Citizen Soldiers. They maintain civilian jobs or businesses full-time and tend to their military duties part-time. Most commanders have a full-time AGR staff that handles day to day life within their unit.

As a commander, you can expect to drill one weekend a month minimum. In addition, you will probably visit your unit once per week or more. Also, you will attend meetings and phone conferences.

In essence, you have the same responsibility as an Active Duty Commander, but you have less time to complete your tasks. It is a challenge, but in my opinion, it’s worth it.

The biggest benefit is improving your leadership skills, serving your state and leading soldiers. It’s an experience I will never forget.

Careers in Information Technology

Nothing is hotter right now than Information Technology and Computer System Analysis. And there is no place to get better training in these areas than the service. What other opportunity is available to get paid while you learn, then walk into a career with unlimited potential?

It is certainly possible to get a good education in Information Technology in a civilian college, but you won’t get the hands on application opportunities and true work experience you can find in the Army. By serving, you enjoy GI benefits — meaning you won’t be starting your career in debt with massive school loans.

Cutting Edge Technology

People in the Army are always working with the most up to date technological and computer equipment, and frequently set up networks and undertake complicated trouble-shooting. You will gain experience in the Army National Guard that would take you years to achieve in a civilian position. Civilian companies love Army National Guard veterans because they know these professionals have received the best training possible, and they know what hard work and dedication mean.

Networking is second nature to Army veterans who have worked in systems analysis or other areas of information technology in the service. You can almost do it in your sleep. And the pressure of work deadlines is nothing to the skilled men and women with Army National Guard service behind them. You will learn how to stay focused on the job and work at your optimal performance no matter what’s going on around you with Army training under your belt.

Companies know the prize they’re getting when they hire former Army recruits. There’s no worry about choosing someone with a poor work ethic or someone who is difficult to supervise. After time working as part of a skilled team with respect for authority and everyone’s individual responsibility you’re an employee to rely on. You’re the first person to come to mind when an advancement opportunity is available because as an Army National Guard veteran you’re a known commodity and a proven leader.

The War on Terrorism

Prior to the devastating effect of 9/11 on our country units of the Army National Guard were required to serve only one year cumulative active duty with no more than half of that time served overseas. This worked well to meet peacetime military needs. The effect of the horrible September day changed the world forever, and immediately and dramatically increased our demands on our Armed Forces. Active duty personnel were stretched thin following these attacks however and it became necessary to increase mobilization time for those in the Reserves.

Today Army National Guard units may serve up to two years (twenty four months) of active duty during a six year enlistment period. One weekend a month, two weeks a year used to be the standard for Guards. That’s no longer true, however. In 2008 more than one quarter of our deployed forces in Afghanistan and Iraq are Guardsmen. These troops are now an essential part of our national safety.

Presence on the Home Front

When crises strike at home the National Guard is there. In the event of a hostile invasion our safety will depend on these highly skilled soldiers to protect our interests and repel enemy forces. But the threats to our safety don’t always come from outside our borders. Natural disasters require a quickly deployable, highly dependable, and capable force to protect our citizens. The Army National Guard is just right for the job.

The military offers training in teamwork, problem solving, and crisis intervention unsurpassed by anything offered in the private sector. Army careers have changed exponentially in the last few decades. Military careers were once thought to consist mostly of hand to hand combat skills but reserve and active service positions today include highly skilled, technical and professional career choices always on the cutting edge of technology.

Military boot camps are beneficial to troubled teens. It teaches them the qualities of discipline, leadership and training for a systematic and sensible lifestyle. All the beneficial qualities that are attributed to the military system are imparted to adolescents. They learn to cope with themselves, their problems and with others. They learn to face the hardship of the real world with courage and rectitude.

Military boot camps have their disadvantages in helping troubled teens. The discipline taught at the camps is too harsh and may have an adverse effect on a troubled teen. Parents should consult with a qualified counsellor before taking the step of sending children to structured camps. Insubordination is not tolerated at the camps even if the insubordination is reasonable. Some programs are expensive and unruly behavior will result in expulsion before completion and the teen will not be re admitted once expelled. Experts believe that teaching blind obedience will not help to develop a rational attitude or spirit of enquiry in adolescents.

The significance of military camps is that they teach teens to act responsibly and in a disciplined manner with their peers and with their parents. They help to make the teen emotionally and physically tough. Their mental balance improves when they follow a regimented routine. The lessons taught at military boot camps are lessons that will keep adolescents in good stead all their lives.

The effects of teen behavioral improvement at a military boot camp are that teens get rid of their negative attitudes and learn to face life positively and with confidence. A range of problems from addiction to psychological disorders can be treated at military boot camps. The routine demands hard work and discipline and leaves no room for negative thoughts or behavior.

Military boot camps can help discipline troubled teens. However, experts believe that sending teens to the harsh disciplining atmosphere of a military boot camp must be a last resort option for parents.

Basically, their services include those that you can expect from your local police forces or governmental military. Of course, their services are not as large scale. However, they are not allowed to adopt an offensive stance and use force in war zones. Their personnel maybe regarded as unlawful combatants and their actions may be regarded as crimes.

Controlling Private Military Companies

There are issues surrounding these companies. Not everyone approves of their existence or the use of their service. There have been cases where the wisdom of employing these companies has been raised. Various states have suggested actions in order to control them.

There is a general consensus that governments or states employing the services of these companies should set aside a budget or a fund for private military company control. It is also important that a certain governing body should be created. This body shall control the fund and formulate rules concerning the proper selection and hiring of personnel from private military companies.

In order to regulate them, a licensing system should also be created. Standards of practice should also be formulated. The governing body will give the license, set up the standards and regulate various activities. The governing body should also classify and describe actions or activities that are illegal or prohibited. They will also monitor the various activities of every licensed company.

It has also been suggested that the employment of private military companies must be disclosed to the public. Rules should be formulated in order to determine how the public is to be informed and what forum is to be used.

There are numerous private military companies. In fact, the number is growing everyday. These companies are hired not only by the government but by private individuals as well. Nowadays, they serve various purposes. Governments, however, are encouraged to regulate these companies which is just right considering that the latter’s services are mostly used by governments.

Almost all of the positions within the National Guard are part-time, as members are expected to serve just one weekend a month, and are trained for only two weeks in a year. Hence, the members can enjoy both lives; as full time civilians, while getting the benefits of a military career, which has excellent benefit packages, like the waiver of school and college tuition, enhancing career skills, and a regular salary. In return, they have to be ready to serve the country when the need arises. The members of the National Guard serve the people closest to them and society as a whole.

Primary Duties

The primary duty of the Air National Guard as well as the Army National Guard is to help protect the people at times of crisis, and serve the country in emergencies. Natural calamities like earthquakes, storms or floods, and communal disturbances such as riots, are some of the emergencies wherein the National Guard is expected to come to the aid of the people.

The Air National Guard is responsible for the air defense of the entire nation. It also serves as a backup force to the regular United States Air Force. A person who wants to enroll for the Air National Guard must comply with some academic and non-academic constraints like being in the age group of 17 to 34, having a high school diploma or GED, being free of major law violations, being free of illegal drug use etc., to be eligible.

Aside from that, he or she must pass a physical test and clear the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (ASVAB). Once this is done, a recruit can choose a specific career interest and reserve a position before the start of the training program. In addition to paychecks and fee waivers at some schools in their state, the other benefits enjoyed by members are life insurance at very low premium rates, and shopping benefits at military canteens and base exchanges, where they can buy electronic goods and other commodities at cheaper rates.

Career Options

The state as well as the federal government is in command of the Army National Guard. The career options in the Army National Guard can be primarily classified into three sections – combat, combat support and combat service support. Combat can be further classified into infantry, armor, artillery, aviation and air defense, while combat support can be subdivided into engineering, chemical, military policing, signaling, military intelligence and civil affairs, combat service support can be sub-grouped into finance, personnel, public affairs, maintenance supply and transportation.

Enlisting in the National Guard is not only patriotic, but can prove to be very useful for those pursuing higher education and seeking to enhance their career skills. While it provides a regular paycheck and free education, it also opens the doors to other job opportunities that require experience and expertise.