Every state has a National Guard that falls under the control of a governor. The District of Columbia and three U.S. territories also have a National Guard. The National Guard is one of three components that comprise the total force. There is an active duty component, a reserve component and a National Guard component. The Guard is a part of the nation’s reserve forces. It is comprised of the Army and Air National Guard. Each state has its own military awards and decorations, presented to Guard members for service to the state. Guard personnel, however, are also eligible for federal military awards and decorations when they are activated by the federal government for national emergencies or times of war.
For example, a New York National Guard member may be awarded the New York National Guard Conspicuous Service Cross for distinguishing themselves by exceptionally meritorious service in a capacity of great responsibility. The service can be performed while in an active status as a member of the New York National Guard. Similarly, a Texas National Guard member might be eligible for the Texas National Guard Humanitarian Service Ribbon which is awarded to a service member who does not meet the criteria for the federal Humanitarian Service Medal; is a member of the Texas National Guard; and while serving on state active duty or active duty under state authority, participates satisfactorily in a mission under civilian authority to protect life or property during or soon after a natural disaster or civil unrest in the state. The National Guards of the various states all have various awards and decorations, like their federal counterparts, to recognize participation in operations and to distinguish exceptional service and valor. However, most National Guard personnel also wear a variety of awards and decorations they received during periods of federal service, and they also wear many of the same badges earned by their federal counterparts, earned at active duty schools for airborne, Rangers, Special Forces, flight school, and other schools.