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64-652: A branch of the U.S. Army National Guard is stationed in Puerto Rico —known as the Puerto Rico Army National Guard — which performs missions equivalent to those of the Army National Guards of the different states of the United States , including ground defense, disaster relief, and control of civil unrest. The local National Guard also incorporates a branch of the U.S. Air National Guard —known as

128-680: A DIV AFT Initial Planning Conference to clarify unit alignments for all eight ARNG Division Headquarters and synchronize activities that will facilitate unity of effort between Division Headquarters and aligned for training States." The Army National Guard fields 37 multifunctional support brigades. In 2016, the Army and the Army National Guard began a training and readiness initiative that aligned some Army brigades with National Guard division headquarters, and some National Guard brigades with Army division headquarters. Among others, this program included

192-659: A continual basis, Coast Guard fixed-wing airplanes, such as the C-130 Hercules search-and-rescue plane, stationed primarily in Florida fly to Puerto Rico to support these missions. U.S. Coast Guard cutters visit Puerto Rican waters periodically in their missions of coastal patrol and search-and-rescue. U.S. Navy ships visit Puerto Rican waters on an as-required basis, just like they visit all American waters, international oceans, and foreign ones, too. On "La Puntilla" in Old San Juan

256-504: A domestic act, and the first time separatists had attacked a USAF installation. It was the greatest material loss from any single attack perpetrated against the USAF anywhere in the world. The National Guard Bureau (NGB) was aware of the shortfalls in security at Muñiz ANG Base, and of the threat, yet corrective actions had not been implemented at the time. The bombings resulted in the implementation of more strict security protocols and systems around

320-455: A novelty during these days. In a subsequent inspection of Ramey, a group of eleven generals led by Gen. George Finch of the 14th Air Force, noted the progress of the 198th in five years. Sgt. Eugenio Betancourt and Sgt. Rafael Altieri were decorated during this visit, receiving medals donated by the Legislature of Puerto Rico for outstanding service during the year. In 1956, it was relocated at

384-514: A single F-104. It was carried out by eleven commandos of the Popular Army of Puerto Rico, also known as "The Macheteros." The base was home to eighteen A-7D and one F-104 aircraft. Eleven saboteurs, disguised in military uniforms, penetrated the security fence and infiltrated the A-7 parking ramp through a hole cut in the perimeter chain link fence. Investigators believe that some, if not all, arrived near

448-457: A staff which aids in planning and day-to-day organization and management. In addition to a chief of staff, the Director's staff includes several special staff members, including a chaplain and protocol and awards specialists. It also includes a primary staff, which is organized as directorates, divisions, and branches. The directorates of the Army National Guard staff are arranged along the lines of

512-404: A state's joint force headquarters or regional training institutes are administered as Table of distribution and allowance (TDA) units. In addition to many deployable units which are non-divisional, the Army National Guard's deployable units include eight infantry divisions. These divisions, their subordinate brigades or brigades with which the divisions have a training oversight relationship, and

576-458: A typical American military staff: G-1 for personnel; G-2 for intelligence; G-3 for plans, operations and training; G-4 for logistics; G-5 for strategic plans, policy and communications; G-6 for communications; and G-8 for budgets and financial management. Of the 45 individuals to serve as President of the United States as of 2021 , 33 had military experience. Of those 33, 21 served in the militia or ARNG. (Note: President George W. Bush served in

640-649: A unit under Cpt. Nido. The unit was assigned to the Isla Grande Airport and received its first combat aircraft of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt model and Douglas B-18 Bolo model. The new PRANG was subdivided into four units. The entity was also assigned the 156th Tactical Combat Group, a medical unit. In November 1950, the 198th was activated during the Jayuya Uprising , remaining in action for 11 days, conducting aerial assaults on U.S. citizens in

704-483: Is located at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport). All nine airmen (five crewmen and four passengers) were killed in the accident. The aircraft was a Lockheed C-130H Hercules more than fifty years old, with tail number 65-0968 and serial number 4110, that had been converted to a WC-130H for weather reconnaissance operations. It was assigned to the United States Air National Guard and operated by

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768-860: The 156th Airlift Wing of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard. On 12 January 1981, the Boricua Popular Army ( Ejército Popular Boricua ), a Puerto Rican separatist organization, carried out multiple bombings at the Muñiz Air National Guard Base . At the time, it was the largest attack on U.S. military forces since the Vietnam War. The attack was timed to coincide with the birthday of the Puerto Rican independence advocate Eugenio María de Hostos . The attack caused approximately $ 45,000,000 in damages to ten A-7D aircraft and

832-586: The 1976 Guatemala earthquake . In 1976, the 198th received an A-7D Corsair. In 1976, the unit's double task was modified. By 1977, the same year that the PRANG celebrated its 30th anniversary, the 140th Radar Squadron was operating additional detachments at Ramey Air Force Base. Gilormini was promoted to brigadier general and served as commander until his retirement in 1975. Colonel Nido was promoted to brigadier general and served at National Guard Headquarters as Chief of Staff for Air. Brigadier General Jose M. Portela ,

896-453: The Muñiz Air National Guard Base ; a Puerto Rico Air National Guard base at a loss of $ 40 million. Responsibility for the air defense of Puerto Rico now rests with USAF or US Navy fighters that would be flown in case of a military emergency. At different times in the 20th century, the U.S. had about 25 military or naval installations in Puerto Rico, some very small ones, as well as large installations. The largest of these installations were

960-714: The Puerto Rico Air National Guard — which performs missions equivalent to those of the Air National Guards of the U.S. states. The former Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla has been closed for decades, and no other Air Force Bases or Naval Air Stations remain. The Puerto Rico Air National Guard no longer has any fighter planes within its jurisdiction. On January 12, 1981, a group called the Boricua Popular Army , better known as Los Macheteros , claimed responsibility for blowing up six A-7 Corsair II aircraft at

1024-574: The Puerto Rico Army National Guard and the Puerto Rico State Guard , an element of the Puerto Rico National Guard . After beginning as four units, the PRANG expanded to 11 units by the 1980s, including the 1956th Tactics Combat Group, the 140th Radar Squadron and others. As commonwealth militia units, the units in the Puerto Rico Air National Guard are not in the normal United States Air Force chain of command . They are under

1088-476: The State Adjutant General . The Adjutant General (TAG) is the de facto commander of a state's military forces, and reports to the state governor. Several units have been affected by Army National Guard reorganizations. Some have been renamed or inactivated. Some have had subordinate units reallocated to other commands. A partial list of inactivated major units includes: Upon the creation of

1152-626: The United States Air Force (USAF). Puerto Rico ANG units are trained and equipped by the Air Force and are operationally gained by a Major Command of the USAF if federalized. In addition, the Puerto Rico Air National Guard forces are assigned to Air Expeditionary Forces and are subject to deployment tasking orders along with their active duty and Air Force Reserve counterparts in their assigned cycle deployment window. Along with their federal reserve obligations, as commonwealth militia units

1216-575: The United States Air Force in 1947, the National Guard Bureau was organized into two divisions; Army National Guard and Air National Guard . Each were headed by a major general who reported to the chief of the National Guard Bureau . The head of the Army National Guard was originally established as the chief of the Army Division at the National Guard Bureau . The position was downgraded to brigadier general in 1962 due to force reduction. It

1280-452: The 156th was given an award as the most prominent medical unit in all of the USNG system. One of P-47 Thunderbolts was restored for flight in 1972. Towards the year's end, the PRANG was sent with supplies for the victims of the 1972 Nicaragua earthquake . In 1974, the unit was sent to Honduras following the passing of Hurricane Fifi–Orlene . The following year, the PRANG was sent to respond to

1344-452: The 156th was recognized. In 2019 in the wake of a WC-130H crash that took the lives of all nine airman the National Guard Bureau took the flying mission from the 156th Airlift Wing redesignating it the 156th Wing leaving it with no assigned aircraft. Muñiz Air National Guard Base or "Base Muñiz" in Carolina, Puerto Rico was formally named in 1963 to honor of one of the initial members of

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1408-635: The ARNG may be ordered, temporarily or indefinitely, into United States service. If mobilized for federal service, the member or unit becomes part of the U.S. ARNG, which is a reserve component of the U.S. Army . Individuals volunteering for active federal service may do so subject to the consent of their governors. Largely on the basis of a 1990 U.S. Supreme Court decision , governors generally cannot veto involuntary activations of individuals or units for federal service, either for training or national emergency. The President may also call up members and units of

1472-574: The ARNG, in its status as the militia of the several states, to repel invasion, suppress rebellion, or enforce federal laws. The Army National Guard is one of two organizations administered by the National Guard Bureau , the other being the Air National Guard . The Director of the ARNG is the head of the organization, and reports to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. Because the ARNG is both

1536-481: The Coast Guard base its small, but capable surface fleet of several 110-foot (34 m) long cutters and other patrol boats. These boats and cutters work hand in hand with the air station responding to any mission that they may be called upon to perform. A significant number of Puerto Ricans participate as members and work for the U.S. Armed Forces, largely as National Guard members and civilian employees. The size of

1600-613: The Isla Verde Airport. After serving during the Korean War, José Muñiz was placed in charge of the 198th Combat Squadron, a function that he performed until his death on 5 July 1960. During this year, the PRANG was activated to provide assistance to the government during a series of floods that affected the east coast of Puerto Rico. During the Cuban Missile Crisis , all pilots were placed on alert and waiting for orders while

1664-587: The Militia of the United States (consisting of the ARNG of each state, most territories, and the District of Columbia ), as well as the federal ARNG, as part of the National Guard as a whole (which includes the Air National Guard ). It is divided into subordinate units stationed in each state or insular area, responsible to their respective governors or other head-of-government. The Guard's origins are usually traced to

1728-710: The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials ( NALEO ), the National Council of La Raza ( NCLR ), SER jops for progress, and the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus . At the summit, the director of the LULAC National Educational Service Center ( LNESC ), Richard Royball commented, "Based on our mutually beneficial partnership, we would encourage other Hispanic organizations to ally themselves with

1792-587: The National Guard in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and he was the first Air National Guard member to attain the presidency.) Puerto Rico Air National Guard The Puerto Rico Air National Guard (PR ANG) — Spanish : Guardia Nacional Aérea de Puerto Rico — is the aerial militia of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , an unincorporated territory of the United States of America . It is, along with

1856-572: The National Guard's 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team becoming affiliated with the Army's 10th Mountain Division and the National Guard's 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment affiliating with the Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team . In addition, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division began an affiliation with the National Guard's 36th Infantry Division . Army units partnering with Army National Guard headquarters include: The Army and Air National Guard in each state are headed by

1920-515: The National Guard. The ARNG's portion of the president's proposed federal budget for Fiscal Year 2018 is approximately $ 16.2 billion to support an end strength of 343,000, including appropriations for personnel pay and allowance, facilities maintenance, construction, equipment maintenance and other activities. Deployable Army units are organized as Table of organization and equipment (TOE) organizations or modified table of organization and equipment (MTOE) organizations. Non-deployable units, such as

1984-784: The U.S. Army held the Hispanic Leadership Summit '99. The "Education and Career Opportunities for Hispanic Youth in America's Army" summit included the participation of leaders of the US Army as well as leaders of national Hispanic organizations including ASPIRA , the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP),

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2048-781: The U.S. Atlantic Fleet used to be in Puerto Rico and in the Atlantic Ocean surrounding the island, but this was ended after President George W. Bush ordered the closure of the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station and the Vieques Island training grounds. Through the years, the United States had conducted several military training exercises in Puerto Rico, the largest of these being Operation Springboard and Operation Readex. These exercises included thousands of personnel and involve air, sea, and land operations, and include training with live ammunition. On top of training exercises,

2112-582: The US Army." LNESC promotes military recruitment in educational service centers in several US cities and in Puerto Rico . The US military installations in Puerto Rico are part of the US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM). USNORTHCOM has authority over all US military operations that take place throughout the Northern Area of Responsibility. US Fleet Forces Command has authority over all US Naval activity in

2176-578: The US Navy has basically exited from Puerto Rico, except for the ships that steam by, and the only significant military naval presence in the island is the U.S. Navy Reserve Naval Operational Support Center Puerto Rico (NOSC Puerto Rico) at Fort Buchanan , the Puerto Rican Army and Air National Guards. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains presence at Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen and Coast Guard Station San Juan . The U.S. Navy's largest training area for

2240-688: The US used Puerto Rico as a base to rehearse and launch military operations in Latin America and throughout the world. Operations launched from Puerto Rico include the 1954 intervention in Guatemala ; the 1965 invasion of the Dominican Republic ; the 1983 invasion of Grenada ; the 1989 invasion of Panama ; support of Salvadoran military; preparation for operation Desert Storm and Desert Fox in Iraq; and preparation for

2304-639: The University of Puerto Rico – Carolina Regional College, the University of Puerto Rico - Cayey, the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez, and the University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras. Air Force ROTC programs are offered at the University of Puerto Rico - Bayamon Technological University College, the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez, and the University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras. The U.S. Military has sought to form alliances with Hispanic organizations to promote military recruitment. In January 1999, leaders of National Hispanic organizations in collaboration with

2368-711: The War in Yugoslavia . Near Aguada the United States Marine Corps operates an LF-transmitter with a 367.3 meters tall guyed mast, the tallest man-made object in the Caribbean area [1] . United States Army National Guard The Army National Guard ( ARNG ) is an organized militia force and a federal military reserve force of the United States Army . It is simultaneously part of two different organizations:

2432-501: The aircraft. The planes were destroyed using individual satchels containing four sticks of Iremite (an emulsion explosive) with detonators and incendiary charges. They were time-delayed using a simple watch and battery combination. The explosives were stolen from a Puerto Rican explosives factory, with the theft traced back to the Boricua Popular Army. The AFOSI ( United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations ) called

2496-460: The city of Salem, Massachusetts , in 1636. That year a regiment of militia drilled for the first time to defend a multi-community area within what is now the United States. The ARNG operates under Title 10 of the United States Code when under federal control, and Title 32 of the United States Code and applicable state laws when under state control. It may be called up for active duty by

2560-523: The crisis was solved in the adjacent island. In 1963, the PRANG participated in the search for Mercury Astronaut Scott Carpenter following his first orbital flight, which the 140th Radar Squadron accomplished under Col. Fred Brown. The following year, personnel and supplies were sent to the Dominican Republic in response to the Dominican Civil War . Beginning in 1964, the unit was assigned

2624-719: The current military engagement known by the United States and its allies as the War against Terrorism . A number of Puerto Rican colleges and universities have the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs. Army ROTC programs are offered at the American University of Puerto Rico , the Caribbean University, the University of Puerto Rico - Arecibo, the University of Puerto Rico – Bayamon Technological University College,

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2688-532: The elements of the Puerto Rico ANG are subject to being activated by order of the Governor to provide protection of life and property, and preserve peace, order and public safety. Commonwealth missions include disaster relief in times of earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and forest fires, search and rescue, protection of vital public services, and support to civil defense. The Puerto Rico Air National Guard consists of

2752-410: The explosives "sophisticated". It was estimated that the entire operation took less than eight minutes to complete. Officials expressed concern as to how a group of semiskilled intruders were able to inflict severe damage to mission capability. Press coverage was substantial at the time of the incident, but died down quickly. This was the first peacetime incident in which USAF aircraft were destroyed by

2816-453: The following major unit: Support Unit Functions and Capabilities: The Puerto Rico Air National Guard came into existence as a result of the efforts led by Colonel Mihiel Gilormini also known as "El Gallo de Yauco", Colonel Alberto A. Nido and Lieutenant Colonel José Antonio Muñiz . On 26 October 1947, several officers were sworn as members of the nascent PRANG. On 23 November 1947, 18 officials and 33 national guardsmen were organized as

2880-918: The former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba , the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, and the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility (AFWTF) on Vieques (all now closed), the National Guard training facility at Camp Santiago in Salinas , Fort Allen in Juana Diaz , the Army's Fort Buchanan in San Juan, the former U.S. Air Force Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, and the Puerto Rico Air National Guard at Muñiz Air Force base in San Juan . The former U.S. Navy facilities at Roosevelt Roads, Vieques, and Sabana Seca have been deactivated and partially turned over to

2944-507: The grounds of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport . In the past, they have operated P-47 Thunderbolts, C-47 Skytrains, C-45, T-6 Texan, B-26 Invader, L-5 Sentinel, T-33 Shooting Star, F-86D , F-86E, and F-86H Sabre Jets, F-104 Starfighters, C-54, T-29, C-131, U-3, O-2, A-7D Corsair II, F-16 Fighting Falcons, C-26, and C-130 Hercules type aircraft. Phasing out the F-16s left Puerto Rico with no air-to-air defense assets. In August 2016,

3008-614: The jurisdiction of the Governor of Puerto Rico though the office of the Puerto Rico Adjutant General unless they are federalized by order of the President of the United States . The Puerto Rico Air National Guard is headquartered at San Juan, Puerto Rico , and commanded by Brigadier General Travis Acheson. Under the "Total Force" concept, Puerto Rico Air National Guard units are considered to be Air Reserve Components (ARC) of

3072-534: The local government. Other than U.S. Coast Guard and Puerto Rico National Guard facilities, there are only two remaining military installations in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Army's small Ft. Buchanan (supporting local veterans and reserve units) and the PRANG(Puerto Rico Air National Guard) Muñiz Air Base (the C-130 Fleet). In recent years, the U.S. Congress has considered their deactivations, but these have been opposed by diverse public and private entities in Puerto Rico - such as retired military who rely on Ft. Buchanan for

3136-434: The militia of the several states and a federal reserve component of the Army, neither the Chief of the National Guard Bureau nor the Director of the ARNG "commands" it. This operational command authority is performed in each state or territory by the State Adjutant General , and in the District of Columbia by the Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard when a unit is in its militia status. While under federal activation,

3200-490: The municipalities of Utuado and Jayuya, as well as conducting reconnaissance and transporting supplies. In 1954 the PRANG received its first T-33 planes and the following year it received F-86 jets. Aboard these jets, several members of the 198th's Flying Buccaneers broke the sound barrier, including Col. Alberto Nido, Com. Mihiel Gilormini, First Lt. Peter Kryzanowski and Second Lt. José Bloise. The squadron also became distinguished since several of its members were bilingual,

3264-415: The operational command authority is transferred to the commanders of the unified combatant commands , who command all U.S. forces within their area of responsibility . The Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the Director of the ARNG serve as the channel of communications between the Department of the Army and the ARNG in each state and territory, and administer federal programs, policies, and resources for

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3328-418: The overall military-related community in Puerto Rico is estimated to be 100,000 individuals. This includes retired personnel. Fort Buchanan has about 4,000 military and civilian personnel. In addition, approximately 17,000 people are members of the Puerto Rico Army and Puerto Rico Air National Guard , or the U.S. Reserve forces. Puerto Rican soldiers have served in every US military conflict from World War I to

3392-428: The perimeter of the base. It was also determined that an increase in security personnel was in order raising the number to 22 guards, up from 11, funded entirely by the federal government, as well as electric devices added to the fence. Destroyed aircraft were A-7D AF Serial Numbers 72-0189; 72-0219; 72-0221; 72-0222; 73-0994; 73-1050; 74-1748, and 74-1755. The sole F-104C, of a Mission Design Series previously flown by

3456-409: The previous D and E models, which had to stop for fuel at Guantanamo, Cuba. . Muñiz ANGB is the home of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard's 156th Airlift Wing and the 198th Airlift Squadron . On 2 May 2018, a Lockheed WC-130H weather reconnaissance aircraft of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard crashed in the US state of Georgia, shortly after departing from Savannah Air National Guard Base (which

3520-489: The ramp in a boat guided along a nearby channel. The operation occurred during a shift change of the base security, which was provided by both contracted civilian guards and uniformed Air National Guard Security Forces . The perpetrators exited the area the same way they came in, using the entry point as the exit point. Choosing to strike at shift change indicates the possibility of prior surveillance or insider information. The commandos placed approximately 25 explosive devices on

3584-472: The runway, his afterburner nozzles failed open, indicating a loss of power. The ejection seats in use at the time could not safely extract a pilot at low altitude and Joe went in little after takeoff. No one in the flight mentioned the event; we executed the flyover and were notified of the loss upon our return to base. Shortly after that, we received the F-86H which did not use afterburning and could fly non-stop from Homestead AFB (in Florida) to San Juan unlike

3648-472: The services available there. The coastal defense of Puerto Rico is the responsibility of the U.S. Navy from ships at sea, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The U.S. Coast Guard has a significant presence in Puerto Rico. Located on what was formerly Ramey Air Force Base , the Coast Guard maintains what is now referred to as "Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen". HH-65C helicopters operate out of Borinquen performing search-and-rescue as well as law-enforcement missions. On

3712-427: The state or territorial governors to help respond to domestic emergencies and disasters, such as those caused by hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, as well as civil disorder . The District of Columbia Army National Guard is a federal militia, controlled by the President of the United States with authority delegated to the Secretary of Defense , and through him to the Secretary of the Army . Members or units of

3776-449: The states represented by the largest units include: Army Aviation Magazine wrote on 31 March 2021 that "The ARNG is pressing forward with the Division Alignment for Training (DIV AFT) effort. The DIV AFT intent is to enhance leader development and training readiness through codified relationships across echelons and states to develop combat capable division formations for large scale combat operations. The Director, ARNG. recently convened

3840-451: The tactical combat and surveillance of the Puerto Rico air space. The 198th Tactical Combat Squadron was placed under Commander Jan Johnson, receiving F-86E, F-86D, F-86H and F-104 models in 1967. This same year, its home base was renamed after Lt. Col. José Muñiz and the PRANG also trained personnel for three groups IOC the Venezuelan Air Force . The entity recruited poor children, hosting a camp for that population in 1970. That same year,

3904-434: The unit who was killed in the line of duty. Lieutenant Colonel José Antonio Muñiz (full name: José Antonio Muñiz Vázquez) was lost on 4 July 1960 when his F-86D lost power on climbout for a formation fly-by. Major General Orlando Llenza , then a fellow aviator in the unit, later described the loss in the following translation: We were short one pilot and Joe offered to stand in. I was formation lead. Right after departing

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3968-452: The waters of the Caribbean. Air Forces North has authority over all US military flights and air operations over the Caribbean. Marine Forces North has authority over all USMC operations in the Caribbean, while US Army North has authority over all US Army operations in the Caribbean. US Special Operations North has authority over all special operations in the Caribbean. With the closing of the Roosevelt Roads and Vieques Island training facilities,

4032-433: The youngest C-141 Starlifter aircraft commander and captain, the only reservist ever to serve as director of mobility forces for Bosnia , served as commander of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard from 11 January 2005 to November 2006. The tactical aviation element of PRANG operates as the 156th Airlift Wing, 198th Airlift Squadron, flying C-130E aircraft. They operate out of Muñiz Air National Guard Base , located within

4096-411: Was renamed to Director of the Army National Guard and elevated back to major general in 1970. The position was later elevated to the rank of lieutenant general in 2001. The Army National Guard is also authorized a deputy director which was originally established as a brigadier general office in 1970. It was elevated to the rank of major general in 2006. The director of the Army National Guard oversees

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