South Dakota National GuardGovernment

The South Dakota National Guard is the joint reserve military force of the State of South Dakota, comprising the South Dakota Army National Guard and the South Dakota Air National Guard. Dual-mandated under Title 32 of the U.S. Code, its mission is to assist civil authorities during domestic emergencies, wildfires, severe winter storms, and flood relief operations under the Governor, while standing ready to deploy for federal military operations under the President of the United States. Tracing its military heritage to January 27, 1862, when Company A of the Dakota Cavalry was mustered in Yankton during the Dakota Territory era, South Dakota Guard units have served with distinction in major American conflicts ranging from the Spanish-American War to both World Wars and modern deployments in the Middle East.