Read Time: 2 min 36 sec

BREWING QUESTIONS

WHAT YOU’RE ASKING

How does the National Guard work?

Ever volunteered in the church nursery on Sunday, then gone to your desk job selling paper on Monday and thought to yourself, “Self, we really have range…”?

Let us introduce you to the National Guard—the everyday Americans who make up roughly one-fifth of the U.S. military.

How’s the National Guard different?
Uncle Sam’s military has three main components: active duty, National Guard, and Reserves. What sets them apart is when they work and who gives orders:

• Active duty: always doin’ military work, always under federal control

• National Guard: typically have day jobs, generally under state control

• Reserves: typically have day jobs, always under federal control 

Guardsmen and reservists train less frequently than active duty (typically one weekend a month and two to four weeks a year), but must complete the same training and are held to the same standards. 

What does “generally under state control” mean?
Each state has its own National Guard that reports to the governor. When manpower is needed for state initiatives—like responding to or preparing for major weather events, controlling civil disturbances/protests, or even administering COVID vaccines—the governor can activate the Guard. Its mission is to support local authorities, fitting into existing emergency response plans rather than overriding them.

A state’s Guard can also be temporarily “federalized” by the president (whether the governor agrees or not) to help with federal missions, like:

• Enforcing federal laws (Desegregating schools in Little Rock, 1957)

• Major emergencies/disasters (Hurricane Katrina, 2005)

• Overseas wars (Iraq, 2003-2011)

• Nationwide protests/riots (George Floyd, 2020)

So, is there a special beeper that goes off?
No special beepers… that we know of. 

Depending on the mission, a Guardsman may get a few months’ notice (think: overseas deployment) or only a few hours’ notice (think: wildfire containment) to stop their day jobs and don their camo. 

Want to hear more about tariffs? Today’s episode of the TPO Explains podcast is for you!

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
The National Guard has been in place for 388 years to prepare and respond to big events. It’s important to remember that God doesn’t promise a world without troubles (actually, Jesus straight up said the opposite), but He does promise peace and victory over sin for all who trust in Jesus. During times dominated by uncertainty and fear, our eternity is secure, and we can cling to His promises. 

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” 
John 16:33 (CSB) (read full passage)

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WHAT YOU’LL ENJOY

Our writer’s never-disappointing crossword

The POV of a dog from a 360-degree camera…

Handmade greeting cards from TPO reader Morgan R.’s shop. She makes really cute (and punny!) cards for every occasion… whether it’s Happy Birthday or Happy Tuesday—and she even does custom work. Check ‘em out and make someone’s day!*

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WHAT YOU’VE BEAN CLICKING…

Top News Article: The rundown on the Louvre jewelry heist

Top Christian Perspective: A reminder to choose humility and always root for justice and fairness. (Download this as a wallpaper here!)

Top Whipped Cream: When you get it perfect the first time…

What We’re Enjoying

The Friday Update*

For years, my dad (a pastor of 30+ years) has sent The Friday Update to church members, friends, and family. It’s quick hits on things he’s found interesting in the last week; insights on culture, thought-provoking quotes, fascinating statistics, and Biblical wisdom.

I didn’t read it for a long time (it was an email from my dad…), but finally gave it a shot and am pleased to say that he seems wiser and more interesting than when I was in high school.

The Friday Update is loved by pastors, business leaders, and Mike’s son. You may enjoy it too. Subscribe in one click and enjoy his welcome email.

Jason Woodruff | Founder

WHAT WE’RE PRAYING

“O God of the Highest Heaven, occupy the throne of my heart, take full possession and reign supreme, lay low every rebel lust, let no vile passion resist thy holy war; manifest thy mighty power, and make me thine forever. Thou art worthy to be praised with every breath, loved with my every faculty of soul, served with my every act of life.”
Valley of Vision, “Regeneration,” 84