New York Guard

The New York Guard (NYG) is the state defense force of New York State, also called The New York State Military Reserve. Originally called the New York State Militia it can trace its lineage back to the American Revolution and the War of 1812. As of June 2008, the New York Guard, a recognized command under the New York State's Military law, has line-item funding in the state budget.[1]

Not to be confused with New York Army National Guard.

The New York Guard
The shoulder sleeve insignia of the New York Guard
Active1917–present
Country United States
Allegiance New York
Type  State defense force
Role"To Support the New York military forces"
Part ofNew York Division of Military and Naval Affairs
Commanders
Civilian leadershipGovernor Andrew Cuomo
(Governor of the State of New York)
State military leadershipBrigadier General David J. Warager (Commanding General)
Insignia
Beret flash of the New York Guard

Now with a unified command structure, formerly the organization contained an Army Division and an Air Division. The missions of the New York Guard include augmentation, assistance, and support of the New York Army National Guard and New York Air National Guard respectively and aide to civil authorities in New York State. New York also has a New York Naval Militia which, with the State Guard and the Army and Air National Guards, is under the command of the Governor of New York, the Adjutant General of New York, and the Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA).

The New York Guard is one of the largest and best organized State Guards in the United States. It is historically derived from Revolutionary and Civil War era state military units that were reorganized several times in American history in response to various international and domestic crises.

Organized under the Military Law, State of New York, the New York Guard cannot be federalized and cannot be deployed outside New York State without the consent of the governor.

Members of the New York Guard are entitled to many of the benefits accorded members of other components of the 'Organized Militia of the State of New York,' the legal collective term describing the New York Army and Air National Guards, New York Naval Militia and New York Guard. These include 'military leave' for employees of state or local governments and many private employers.

History

The 265th New York State Militia was a small unit of the New York line and could trace its lineage to the War of 1812. The new regiment was given the designation, 14th regiment, which is one of the oldest military organizations in the United States because of its direct lineage through various separate companies, to the militia companies of the Dutch burghers of New Amsterdam.[2]

Civil War era

For more detail, see List of New York Civil War Regiments

The New York Seventh in Washington, DC, 1861

Many units of the New York State Militia saw service in the American Civil War, after being activated into federal service by President Abraham Lincoln.

The activation of state militia by President Abraham Lincoln led to some conflict with State authorities in command of the units:

With the advent of the Civil War in April 1861, the 14th regiment saw its first war service in guarding the Brooklyn Navy Yard. By mid-April of that year, the "Brooklyn Chasseurs" were ready to leave New York for Washington D.C. Colonel Alfred Wood advised the Honorable Governor Morgan that the regiment was prepared to march and had accepted a three-year federal enlistment. However, the governor would not issue orders for the regiment to leave New York. While encamped at Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, Colonel Wood and Congressman Moses O'Dell went to see President Lincoln to secure orders for the regiment to march to Washington. President Lincoln lost no time in issuing those orders to the 14th Brooklyn. When Governor Morgan learned that the regiment was preparing to march, he telegraphed Colonel Wood and inquired "by what authority" did he move his regiment, Colonel Wood coolly replied, "By the authority of the President of the United States."[3]

Following the Civil War, efforts were made to link the varied military units in New York under overall headquarters. As a result of this, the 3rd Brigade, New York State Militia, came into being on August 5, 1886.[4]

New York Guard created, 1917

On August 3, 1917, the Adjutant General of New York, in order to comply with the provisions of the State Constitution requiring that troops be available to the Governor for the protection of life and property of the citizens of New York, organized a state military force known as the New York Guard. The new force replaced the New York National Guard, drafted in the service of the United States on August 5, 1917. The force consisted of the First and Second Provisional Regiments, guarding aqueducts and other infrastructure in the southern portion (First Provisional Regiment) and the remaining parts of the state.

On January 1, 1919, the Guard numbered 22,000 in active service. After the Armistice, federalized New York National Guard Units were returned to State control.

General Pershing and Private Ruth in Washington, 1924

On May 21, 1924, Babe Ruth joined the New York National Guard and was Assigned to the 104th Field Artillery in Jamaica Queens Armory.

George Herman Ruth, popularly known as "The Babe", "The Bambino", and "The Sultan of Swat", was a member of the 104th Field Artillery in Jamaica Queens. On May 21, 1924* he signed the dotted line for three years and joined the ranks of civilian soldiers.

Babe Ruth was sworn in by Colonel James Austin at the Isle of Safety in Times Square in front of a military tent used for enlistment drives. Once the enlistment papers were filled he symbolically placed them into the open jaws of a horse drawn French 75-millimeter gun. He was then immediately placed under the command of First Sergeant Adrian Jacques who was in charge of the regiment present. He served while he played in the stadium he was destined to rebuild. A May 29 Washington Post article reported that he appeared before General John Joseph Pershing at State, War and Navy building in Washington** once he was fitted and squared away.

104th Field Artillery Armory

The 104th Field Artillery underwent several changes over the years while in active duty. The unit served briefly under Federal control on November 5, 1916 for Mexican border control, then returned to state status on November 15, 1916. In addition, the unit was activated for Federal service during World War I and II. It wasn't until 1917 that the unit received its destination as the 104th Field Artillery and saw extensive service in France.

After World War I, the unit was demobilized but shortly reactivated into the New York National Guard until 1959 when it reorganized as the 104th Field Artillery Regiment. Consolidated 1 September 1992 with the 104th Field Artillery and consolidated unit designated as the 258th Field Artillery, to consist of the 1st Battalion, an element of the 42d Infantry Division.[5][6]

New York Guard, 1940

With the advent of World War II, New York National Guard units were federalized and the New York Guard was created for service to the State.[7]

In 1942, former Heavyweight champion boxer Lt Jack Dempsey joined New York Guard.

New York Guard, 2001 to present

In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the New York Guard provided security, disaster relief, legal, communications and other services to New York City and the surrounding areas in cooperation with the National Guard. During this period, Major General John F. Bahrenburg was Commander of the New York Guard (his tenure as Commander was from 1999 to 2002).[8]

The New York Guard experienced a resurgence after the September 11, 2001 attacks. New York Guard units were activated after the attacks, performing a variety of missions, including, logistical support to forces stationed at "Ground Zero". Medical units of the Guard worked in conjunction with other DMNA forces providing care at several location including Camp Smith, in Westchester county.

New York Guard Staff Sgt. Joseph Dee fires an M9 pistol during the 35th Annual "TAG (The Adjutant General) Match.
Members of the New York Guard load supplies onto a flatbed as a part of the State Active Duty mission in the Fall of 2017 Hurricane Maria deployment.

Principal occupational specialties of the New York Guard include, communications, engineering, medical and legal services, provided in support of all components of New York State military forces, i.e., the Army and Air National Guards, Naval Militia and the New York Guard, as well as to civil authorities.

Trained and state-certified New York Guard soldiers augment and assist National Guard units in the following missions: weapons of mass destruction [WMD] decontamination – the joint New York Army National Guard / New York Air National Guard / New York Guard decontamination, or CERF, team was activated by the governor for state duty for 11 days during the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City, Military Emergency Radio Network – the Guard is assigned to operate the MERN at various locations to ensure the free flow of information during an emergency, and search and rescue (SAR) a secondary mission to the state. New York Guard SAR teams have been mobilized, for example, in the summer of 2006 to search for a missing camper in the Adirondack Mountains preserve. Selected units and personnel of the New York Guard were called to State Active Duty with pay in response to Hurricane Irene in 2011.

2012 saw the largest deployment of the New York Guard since the September 11, 2001 attacks. Every brigade was at least partially activated for service during 'Superstorm' Sandy. New York Guard members served as equals alongside the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and New York Naval Militia, at one point making up approximately one third of all troops in the field during a two-month deployment.

New York State Guard personnel provide training to the New York Army and Air national guards including first aid and firearms training at Camp Smith training center.

The 244th Medical Clinic works with the NY Army National Guard Medical Command (MEDCOM), augmenting National Guard personnel for in-state MEDCOM missions. These have included screening of National Guard personnel in Soldier Readiness Programs and 'reintegration' programs for both soldiers and their families upon troops' return from overseas deployment.

In addition to its SAR work as a secondary mission under the New York State Defense Emergency Act and Article 2-B of State and Local, Natural and Man-Made disasters Act, engineer units of the NY Guard 10th and 65th Brigades have built facilities for the National Guard.

Civil affairs units provide legal services to about-to-deploy troops such as wills and counseling on legal protections under federal and state law.

The New York Guard augments the capabilities of the National Guard, serving only within New York State. Guard personnel are drawn from almost every profession – from plumbers to professors, clerks and CEOs, persons with long prior military service and those without, and every part of the state.

The headquarters unit of the New York Guard is located at Camp Smith, Cortlandt Manor, New York. Camp Smith is a New York State military reservation. It is adjacent to Peekskill, New York, and about 35 miles north of New York City.

In March 2020, 60 New York Guard members were activated to support National Guard efforts at combating the coronavirus pandemic. State guardsmen were activated to serve in essential command and control roles to support operations throughout New York State.[9]

Area Commands

The major subordinate commands of the New York Guard are:[10]

  • HQ, New York Guard, Camp Smith, NY; Overall HQ functions, and is prepared to support New York State Joint Force HQs (JFHQ) and Joint Task Force GQ (JTF HQ) during an emergency.
  • 10th Area Command, covering the western and northern New York, currently headquartered in Syracuse, New York; Logistical Support Operations, Engineer Operations, Road/Powerline Clearance, Debris Removal, Equipment Operations. The structure of the 10th Area Command is as follows-
    • HQ 10th AC(Syracuse)
    • 2nd Detachment(Latham)
    • 3rd Detachment(Syracuse)
    • 21st Detachment(Rochester)
    • 65th Detachment(Buffalo)
    • 102nd Detachment(Binghamton)
  • 56th Area Command, covering the Lower Hudson Valley, headquartered in Peekskill, New York; Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, And Integration (JRSOI) Operations, Camp Smith support, Communications, Light Urban Search and Rescue (Wellness Checks), Be Prepared To (BPT) Staff one Logistical Support Center. The structure of the 56th Area Command is as follows-
    • HQ 56th AC(Peekskill)
    • 1st Detachment(CSTS)
    • 2nd Detachment(Newburgh)
    • 5th Legal Support DET.(Peekskill)
  • 88th Area Command, covering New York City, headquartered in upper Manhattan; : Logistical Support (2 Log centers), Movement Control, Light Urban SAR (Wellness Checks), Legal Support Operations.
  • 12th Regional Training Institute, headquartered at Camp Smith, Cortlandt Manor, New York; Augment 106th RTI (NY Army National Guard) as tasked, Provide Professional and MOS training to NYG soldiers.
  • 244th Medical Clinic, headquartered at Camp Smith; Medical Support to New York Military Forces (NYMF) units deployed for emergency, Medical Support to JRSOI Site, Medical Support to NYG IDT programs and units.
  • 89th Army Band: Representing the NY Guard by participating in parades, ceremonies, patriotic events. The band also honors and supports our veterans, especially those in veteran's homes and hospitals.

Membership

Eligibility
The New York Guard conducts annual training at Camp Smith.

To join, an applicant must be between 18–62 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and be in reasonably good health.[11]

The following are some of the many positions in the New York state guard:

  • Medical, including Physicians, Dentists, Nurses, Psychologists, Physical and Occupational Therapists, counselors and allied specialties
  • Engineering/Construction
  • Legal
  • Band
  • Public Affairs
  • Generalist

Training

All New York Guard enlisted recruits, unless they have prior military experience, must attend Initial Entry Training (IET). After completion of one week of IET at Camp Smith, soldiers may take any of the following courses based on their TDA position and rank. Officers, unless they have prior commissioned military experience, must complete the officer's basic course after appointment.

Schools
New York Guard Staff Sgt. Joe Dee stands front and center holding the "Sergeant Joe Dee Combined Arms Team Champion' award.

The following schools are offered by the New York Guard.

  • Initial Enlisted Training
  • Basic and Advanced Communications
  • Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course (BNCOC)
  • Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course (ANCOC)
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) given in concert with FEMA/DHS
  • Officer Candidate School (OCS) and Basic Officer Course
  • Company Grade and Field Grade Officer courses.

Additional training

Most NYG soldiers have augmented their training by taking courses with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and various other local and state agencies.

Pay and Benefits

To reward service to the nation, state and community, government and private organizations provide benefits to NY Guard soldiers.[12] The benefits include:

  • Active Military Pay when Activated by Governor for State Active Duty with pay. New York Guard members are paid at the same rate of pay for their rank or grade as their National Guard counterparts.
  • Discounts at many civilian stores, eating establishments, and entertainment facilities with your ID
  • Free New York State Hunting and Fishing License for NY state residents.
  • Job Protections When Called to Duty
  • Paid Military Leave (for NY State and Municipal Employees)
  • New York State Guard License Plate Eligibility
  • Travel Allowances when Activated by the Governor for State Active Duty
  • Free Empire Passports to New York State Parks
  • Waiver of Toll Road Fees within NY (requires a form provided by your unit)
  • Protections and benefits of New York State Patriot's Plan.[13] Many, but not all provisions are applicable to the New York Guard.

Businesses in New York are forbidden from adopting policies that discriminate against members of the New York Guard during the hiring process or after a person has already been hired. Individuals who enforce such policies or in any way discriminate against New York Guard employees in regards to their employment are guilty under New York law of a misdemeanor offense.[14] Employers in the state of New York are required under New York law to grant a leave of absence to employees who are also members of the NYG whenever these employees are activated to take part in drill, training, or an emergency mission. Employers are then required to reinstate these employees to their previous positions of employment when they return from their deployment.[15]

Awards and decorations

New York Guard personnel are eligible to receive both New York State and New York Guard awards and decorations. The New York Guard issues several awards.

New York Guard (NYG) awards:[16]

  • NYG Meritorious Service Medal
  • NYG Commendation Medal
  • NYG Commander's Citation
  • NYG Achievement Medal
  • NYG Good Conduct Medal
  • NYG Operations Support Medal
  • NYG Service Ribbon
  • NYG Distinguished Graduate Ribbon
  • First Provisional Regiment Medal

Descriptions of New York State awards and decorations can be found at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs website: dmna.ny.gov.[17]

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See also

References
  1. The State Guard Sentinel; Volume 1, No. 3 Archived October 31, 2008, at the Wayback Machine New York Guard, Spring 2008
  2. A History of the 14th Regiment N.Y.S.M. Infantry
  3. A History of the 14th Regiment N.Y.S.M. Infantry
  4. "53rd Troop Command History". New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs. Retrieved August 14, 2010.
  5. New York Times, May 21, 1924, pg. 10
  6. The Washington Post, May 29, 1924
  7. NY Guard Members Remember New York Guard State Volunteer Force, May 6, 2011
  8. https://dmna.ny.gov/historic/articles/NYG_History_Units_Commanders_Stenzel.pdf
  9. "The New York Guard in Action during the COVID-19 Activation". statedefenseforce.com. March 24, 2020. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
  10. https://www.facebook.com/notes/ny-guard/new-york-guard-organization-and-missions-summary/898506826873848
  11. https://dmna.ny.gov/nyg/?id=enlist
  12. NYG Pay and Benefits
  13. New York State Patriot’s Plan
  14. "New York Consolidated Laws, Military Law - MIL § 252. Discrimination against members of organized militia". FindLaw. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
  15. "New York Consolidated Laws, Military Law - MIL § 317. Reemployment in private industry". FindLaw. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
  16. New York Guard Decorations and Awards
  17. New York Guard Awards Order of Precedence

Unit pages
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