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
NY National Guard In the News
27East.com -- Mon, 16 Jun 2025 Malloy Promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in the New York Air National Guard Riverhead resident Timothy Daniel Malloy was promoted to chief master sergeant in the New York Air National Guard, during a ceremony on June 6 at the 106th Rescue Wing firehouse at Francis... (more)
PBS -- Sat, 14 Jun 2025 WATCH: Trumps military parade honoring Armys 250th birthday rolls through DC (Video) Note: The 42nd Infantry Division Band and the 42nd Infantry Division is highlighted at 21 minutes into the video. WASHINGTON (AP) The grand military parade that President Donald Trump had... (more)
Rome Sentinel -- Sat, 14 Jun 2025 Four receive promotions with New York Air National Guard LATHAM Four area residents have been promoted for their work with the New York Air National Guard, according to an announcement by Air Force Major Gen. Michael Bank, commander of the New... (more)