Why was National Guard deployed to Iraq?

Already participating in combat operations in Afghanistan, the National Guard lived up to its motto of “Always Ready, Always There,” and answered the call in January 2003 to send troops to Iraq for the beginning stages of what would later be known as Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Does National Guard get sent to Iraq?

It’s no secret that the National Guard played a large role in the war on terror. Guard and Reserve units made up about 45 percent of the total force sent to Iraq and Afghanistan, and received about 18.4 percent of the casualties.

Why is the National Guard sent overseas?

Unlike the other branches, Guard Soldiers can be deployed by the governors of their resident states to support communities stricken by natural disasters like floods and hurricanes. Guard Soldiers can also be deployed by the president of the United States to defend our country or support our allies overseas.

How many National Guard soldiers died in Iraq?

From March 2003, when a U.S.-led coalition invaded Iraq, until December 2011, when most U.S. forces pulled out of the country, about 4,500 American military personnel died in Iraq. Among those killed in action were 29 Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers and four from the New Jersey Guard.

How many National Guard were in Iraq?

National Guard (Iraq)

Will the National Guard go to Afghanistan?

The Air National Guard is contributing to Operation Allies Refuge with 11 C-17 aircraft and 19 crews providing safe passage to Americans and Afghan allies from Kabul to locations throughout the region.