The military organization we know today as the National Guard came into existence with a direct declaration on Dec. 13, 1636. On this date, the Massachusetts General Court in Salem, for the first time in the history of the North American continent, established that all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60 were required to join the militia.
The North, South and East Regiments were established with this order. The decree excluded ministers and judges. Simply stated, citizen-soldiers who mustered for military training could be and would be called upon to fight when needed.
NGAUS is hosting a celebration of the day this evening at the Cannon House Office Building Caucus Room. Pentagon leadership, members of Congress and congressional staff are expected to join National Guard Bureau officials in marking the special date.
Soon after the establishment of the militia in Massachusetts, the entire New England region defended itself against the aggression of the Pequot nation. Other colonies such as Connecticut and Rhode Island mustered militia units to fight the Indian tribe, and succeeded in forcing the Pequots to capitulate in 1638.
Although other colonial settlements in North America, such as those in Florida, Virginia and New Mexico, utilized military protection in order to allow settlers safe passage and to defend against aggressors, Massachusetts was the first entity to have its government establish and raise a militia.
Nor did these other colonies’ militia service remain continuous. The tie to legal precedent in this manner remains to this day. That record of service has remained continuous and unbroken, no matter the change in each unit’s function as a part of the militia or the National Guard.
This distinction qualifies Massachusetts as the birthplace of the militia in the United States. With the North, South and East Regiments established, its exemplary military tradition continues with four Massachusetts National Guard units—the 101st Engineer Battalion, the 101st Field Artillery, the 181st Infantry Regiment and the 182nd Infantry Regiment.