New York Guard, state volunteer defense force, conducts annual training at Camp Smith Training Site Sep. 12-17
Media Advisory
CORTLANDT MANOR, NY (09/14/2021) — Some 160 members of the New York Guard, the state's volunteer state defense force, will conduct their week-long annual training at Camp Smith Training Site here September 12-17. Training will include certification of chainsaw operators for debris clearance operations that often follow severe storms.
News media are invited to visit their training on Wednesday.
WHAT: Debris removal training with chainsaws
WHO: Instructors and a dozen members of the New York Guard
WHEN: 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 15
WHERE: Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.
Media Opportunity
Interviews with New York Guard volunteers during their week-long annual training as members receive training for operating chainsaws in debris clearance missions. Visuals of troops using chainsaws.
For access to this secure facility, news media must contact New York Guard Capt. Mark Getman, 516-644-9743.
Background
The New York Guard is a force of 500 uniformed volunteers, organized as a military unit, who augment the New York National Guard during state emergencies. They provide administrative and logistics support to the National Guard. Members of the New York Guard have been involved in flood control efforts along the Lake Ontario shoreline this summer.
Unlike members of the New York National Guard, New York Guard members do not have a federal military role and do not deploy outside the state. New York Guard members usually train in a volunteer status and are only paid when they are placed on state duty during emergencies.
Many members of the New York Guard are retired members of the National Guard and Reserve forces, who bring a wealth of experience to the force. Previous military membership is not a requirement for New York Guard service.
During the week-long training session, members who are new to the New York Guard will go through an initial entry training program and current members will conduct primary leadership and officer training.
New York Guard engineers will also be involved in construction projects at Camp Smith.
The New York Guard traces its origins to the First World War. When the 24,000 members of the New York National Guard mobilized to fight in France in 1917, the state created the New York Guard as a state militia to replace the National Guard.
National Guard Soldiers had been guarding railroad bridges, the New York City water system, and the Erie Canal to prevent sabotage by enemy agents and state officials want to replace that force. Eventually there were 10,000 New York Guard members across this state with about 2000 serving on active duty as a security force.
During World War II the New York Guard was created again, and in the 1950s the New York Guard was established as a permanent force.
Media Attachments
New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen clear downed trees near the intersection of the Queens Midtown Expressway and 71st Street in Maspeth Aug. 8, 2020. New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen responded in the Queens area and Putnam County after Hurricane Isaias moved through the region Aug. 5, 2020.
New York National Guard
New York Guard Capt. Mark Getman, 516-644-9743Share this Story
Recent News
- East Moriches resident retires from Air National Guard after 32 years of service
- NY National Guard chaplain Timothy Miller, a Colonie resident, represents U.S. at South African conference
- New 42nd Infantry Division Commander is promoted to major general in the New York Army National Guard
- Palm Harbor resident Jack James is promoted to major general in the New York Army National Guard
- NY Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Isabel Rivera Smith takes command of 53rd Troop Command
- Carl Rosenkranz, a Poestenkill resident, is promoted to Major in New York Army National Guard
- NY Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing begins 37th year of support Antarctic Science
- Army Guard command headquartered at Camp Smith gets new commander on Saturday, October 19
- Darien Center resident Mike Bank, promoted to two-star general during ceremony on board C-17 at Stewart Air Guard Base on Tuesday, October 8
- NY Air Guard commander gets two-star rank during ceremony at Stewart Air National Guard Base