Along with deployments at sea, the National Guard has a state mission. These state missions include several parts. The first part of the mission is to respond to natural disasters in their state and country. Almost everyone has heard of the National Guard fighting fires, helping the general public deal with all aspects of flooding, tornadoes and civil unrest. In these situations, the governor of the state, territory or district places his province in a state of emergency. This allows him to control the National Guard until the crisis arises and, in which case, the National Guard returns to its normal state as protector of the freedom and security of its state and country. The second part of this mission consists of maintaining individual combat exercises to deploy equipment. For example, if you are in an Apache unit, your mission is to maintain a certain level of control of your helicopter and maintain the standard level of maintenance on your vehicle. Part of this mission is also maintaining your individual soldier's ability to carry out their warrior duties. Keeping each state's National Guard units ready at all times requires the success of both individual missions. Success means the safety and well-being of every citizen of the state. [Quote] For example, the North Dakota National Guard battled spring flooding and is battling flooding again this year. This year, the North Dakota National Guard was ready and placed most cities in a pre-flood state of emergency in mid-February, all to avoid the damage that occurred in 2009. The huge deployments of some 750 soldiers, at its peak, were called upon to assist and work side by side with the city...... middle of paper ......y and was and still is involved in every major military struggle faced this country has faced while helping people in their own communities. The National Guard dates back to the Continuing Militia, where it did what it still does today, neighbors helping neighbors survive the struggles of their world. The settlers survived the Indian attacks and the soldiers repelled the foreign invaders. Today, citizens survive floods, fires and civil uprisings. The National Guard is made up of citizens who live within their own communities and when called upon to serve and protect, they do so with great strength, bravery and loyalty to their government. As said best: “At the end of the day, whenever we are called, the Guard will be ready, the Guard will be there,” Major General Sprynczynatyk [quote] [Quote]