The National Guard: An Illustrated History of America's Citizen-Soldiers (review)

It is hard to decide what niche this book fits into. It is certainly not meant for a serious student as the argument it makes is rather simplistic. That is: our militia is unique in all the world (all volunteer), serves the state and the federal government, and has always been there. The authors do not delve into the much more interesting themes of the political nature of the Guard, its historical ineffectiveness upon mobilization, or the proper mix of forces so as to satisfy both the state and federal missions.

Further, it must be difficult to write an illustrated history of any subject. The author, or in this case authors, are tied to the illustrations to an unusual degree. In a "normal" history the author selects the hypothesis and sets out to prove it. The research, primary sources, and anecdotes form the core that supports the hypothesis. Pictures, maps, and diagrams provide the window dressing. In an illustrated history, especially this one, photos are the core, the text is ancillary.

In this context, the authors do an admirable job of integrating the narrative and photos. Because the narrative moves swiftly, only key events and major personalities in Guard history receive mention. The Great Railroad Strike of 1877, the 1903 National Defense Act, Major General and Congressman Charles Dick of Ohio are but a few of the topics mentioned. But, because space was limited, other important topics receive very limited discussion. For instance, although Guard divisions comprised 40 percent of the World War I American Expeditionary Forces, the authors can spare only approximately two pages of text for this topic. No mention is made of the vital contribution Guardsmen made. National Guard divisions mobilized faster, shipped overseas faster, and spent more time at the front than their draftee comrades.

World War II receives more attention with discussion of the combat records of each of the nineteen Guard divisions as well as those of the African-American units and air squadrons. The section on the post-World War II years quickly covers the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the all-volunteer force, civil disturbances, and Desert Shield and Storm. Finally, the authors include a chapter on the rise of the Air Guard and its unique and significant contribution to national defense.

This book will probably be popular with the armchair historian and current and former Guardsmen. Not a scholarly work, The National Guard would be a good starting point for those wishing to learn more about America's unique militia.