The Rhode Island Army National Guard, formed in 1638 as a state militia for the protection of the people, answers the call to arms during conflicts and natural disasters in the state, the nation, and around the world. The Rhode Island Air National Guard, created in 1947 as a separate armed service when the United States Air Force was established, provides combat support in war and humanitarian aid during natural disasters throughout the world. Together they are presented as Rhode Island’s greatest asset in peace and war, with a tradition of serving as civilians in peace and soldiers in war for three centuries in defense of the nation’s security and honor.