The New Hampshire Army National Guard (NH ARNG) is the Army component of the United States National Guard for the State of New Hampshire. It operates under a dual state‑federal mission: in peacetime, it is under the authority of the Governor of New Hampshire and administered by the State’s Adjutant General; in times of war or national emergency, it can be federalized by the President of the United States and integrated into the U.S. Army.
Organization and Major Units
- 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) – Headquarters located in Concord; the brigade provides light infantry capabilities and has been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other overseas operations.
- 197th Field Artillery Regiment – Provides fire support with artillery assets; its batteries have served in both state and federal missions.
- 113th Transportation Company – Handles medium‑weight transport and logistical support.
- 174th Air Defense Artillery Battalion – Provides air defense capabilities.
- State Aviation Assets – While primarily part of the Air National Guard, the NH ARNG collaborates with aviation units for joint missions.
Mission
- State Missions – Respond to natural disasters (e.g., floods, snowstorms), civil disturbances, and assist with emergency management under the direction of the Governor.
- Federal Missions – Deploy overseas or support domestic operations under the authority of the Department of Defense; tasks include combat operations, peacekeeping, and support to other federal agencies.
History
- Origins – Traces its lineage to colonial militia formations dating to the 17th century. Formal National Guard organization began after the Militia Act of 1903 (Dick Act) which standardized state militias into the National Guard system.
- World Wars – Units from New Hampshire served in World I and World II, providing infantry, artillery, and support elements.
- Cold War & Post‑Cold War – Participated in training rotations, NATO exercises, and domestic response missions (e.g., hurricane relief).
- 21st Century Deployments – NH ARNG units have been activated for Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terror, as well as domestic support during the COVID‑19 pandemic and the 2023 winter storm response.
Training and Readiness
- Annual Training – Typically 2–3 weeks of collective training at the U.S. Army’s National Guard training centers, plus additional drill weekends.
- Professional Development – Soldiers attend schools such as the Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, and various NCO and officer courses.
- State‑Supported Facilities – The New Hampshire National Guard Armory network includes facilities in Concord, Manchester, Portsmouth, and other locations.
Leadership
- Adjutant General – The senior military officer for New Hampshire’s National Guard, appointed by the Governor and responsible for both the Army and Air components.
- Command Structure – The NH ARNG reports to the U.S. Army National Guard through the U.S. Army National Guard Command (ARNG) and to the Governor via the Adjutant General’s office.
Notable Contributions
- Disaster Response – Provided snow removal, road clearance, and emergency medical support during severe winter storms (e.g., the 2015 nor'easter).
- Community Engagement – Conducts youth programs such as the Youth Challenge Academy and participates in local ceremonies and parades.
- International Deployments – Units have earned campaign medals for service in Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other overseas theaters.
Legal Framework
- Governed by Title 32 of the U.S. Code for state missions and Title 10 when federalized.
- Subject to the same regulations as the regular U.S. Army, with additional state statutes governing activation and use for state emergencies.
Current Status
As of the latest publicly available data (2024), the New Hampshire Army National Guard maintains approximately 2,300 enlisted soldiers and officers combined across its units, meeting both readiness standards set by the U.S. Army and the operational needs of the State of New Hampshire.
