LATHAM-- The National Guard of the United States turns 375 Years old today,Dec. 13. On this day in 1636 the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony passed a law establishing formal militia companies in the colony. These companies were made up of all adult males older than 16 and were expected to meet and train in military skills regularly.In New York, the first citizen-soldiers were members of the Burgher Guard, organized by the Dutch East Indian Company in 1640 to help protect New Amsterdam from their English neighbors in Massachusetts and Virginia or from hostile natives.
Citizen soldiers of the militia and National Guard have fought in all of America’s wars from King Philips War against Native Americans in the New England Colonies in 1675 to the struggle in Afghanistan today.
DMNA Press Releases
Loading Press Releases...NY National Guard In the News
The Boerne Star -- Tue, 17 Feb 2026 Wounded warrior to receive wheelchair after Boerne event Injured in 2024 chopper crash, soldier honored at Black Rifle Coffee Co. A program linking physically challenged service members and first responders with better mobility is helping give... (more)
Times Union -- Mon, 16 Feb 2026 Duty Calls: Painting of Revolutionary War hero-turned-traitor being restored Supersized work depicting heroic moment in Continental Army Maj. Gen. Benedict Arnold's life to go on display in 2027. A huge painting depicting a heroic moment in the Continental Army... (more)
Daily Freeman -- Sun, 15 Feb 2026 Military news: New York Army National Guard members promoted The following area residents serving in the New York Army National Guard were promoted: * Montanah Pancake of Saugerties, assigned to Bravo Company, New York Recruiting and Retention Battalion,... (more)