Indiana Guard Reserve
The Indiana Guard Reserve, formerly the Liberty Guard and the Indiana Legion, is the state defense force of the state of Indiana. The Indiana Guard Reserve serves under the exclusive authority of the governor of the State of Indiana through his executive agent for military matters, The Adjutant General of Indiana. The Guard Reserve is a unique military organization designed to supplement the Indiana National Guard and to defend Indiana if any part of the Indiana National Guard is in active federal service. The Indiana Guard Reserve also provides MEMS qualified soldiers who can augment Indiana Homeland  Security missions and County Emergency Operations activities. Organization. The Indiana Guard Reserve is organized pursuant to Indiana Code IC 10-16-8. It is subdivided into the following seven major subordinate units: The Indiana Guard Reserve contains the following four specialized units: Purpose and missions. The purpose of any state defense force is to provide the governor of a state with a viable military force in case National Guard forces for that state have been mobilized into federal active service. The Indiana Guard Reserve has prepared for several missions if the Indiana National Guard is federalized. Some of the missions  performed by IGR include: Training. The Indiana Guard Reserve offers specialized and general training to its members. Some examples of training offered either at state or local levels include: Historic missions. The Indiana Guard Reserve has undertaken several missions in the past, including the following: History. Indiana's militia dates back to 1801 when it was first formed organized by Governor William Henry Harrison. During the American Civil War the Indiana Legion was created, giving the militia an official role in the state and distinguishing them from the regiments called to federal duty who would later become the Indiana National  Guard. During the Civil War the Legion played a prominent role in the Newburgh Raid, fought in the Battle of Corydon, was active throughout Morgan's Raid into Indiana, and patrolled the state's southern border and protected areas of importance. The Legion was renamed the "Liberty Guard" in 1903 and served in various functions in the state. The Liberty Guard was renamed the "Indiana Guard Reserve" in 1916 and given a more formal role in the state. Air Wing. There was formerly an Air Wing of the IGR, which wore a slightly-modified Air Force uniform. It was disbanded  in the mid-1990s. Uniform. Personnel of the Guard Reserve will be authorized to wear the U.S. Army duty uniforms, both Class A and B, as well as the Class C (ACU's ). Ownership of the Dress Blue is optional. Wear of these uniforms is authorized with minor insignia modifications. Decorations. The following ribbons are awarded to members of the Indiana Guard Reserve. The Indiana Guard Reserve also awards the INGR Medallion and expert, sharpshooter, and marksman badges for both rifle and pistol. Members who have previously served in the federal military may wear decorations awarded for prior service may also  be worn on the uniform.