The Air National Guard was made an official component of the U.S. Air Force in 1947, following the great aerial battles of World War II. Like the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard is made up of Citizen Airmen who train part time, close to home, until called upon for duty. These professionals serve both the federal and state governments — assisting their communities and helping the U.S. Air Force guard America's skies.

Today the Air National Guard is an essential component of the U.S. Air Force. Currently, this Force is made up of 99,916 Air National Guard personnel. There are more than 140 Air National Guard units throughout the U.S. and its territories with varying service options for a Guardsman to choose from.