The governor can call the Guard into action during local or statewide emergencies, such as storms, drought, and civil disturbances, to name a few.

Interest in the Militia in Arkansas generally waxed and waned throughout the 19th century as various national emergencies arose and passed.

In each case, in answer to the governor's call, local militia companies would turn out and be formed into regiments or battalions for induction into federal service.

Arkansas National Guard troops participated in the Mexican Expedition in 1916–1917 and returned home briefly before being mobilized again for World War I.

The 936th and 937th Field Artillery Battalions, along with several other Arkansas Army and Air National Guard units were mobilized again for service in the Korean War.

No Arkansas National Guard Troops participated in the Vietnam War, but the state was called upon again to support Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

The years following the first Persian Gulf War saw a dramatic increase in the use of National Guard units for service overseas to support various peace-keeping operations.

During the 1980s Arkansas Nation Guard units made multiple training rotations to Honduras during a period of increased Marxist activity.

The Guard has responded to numerous tornadoes, floods and fires, in addition to being called upon to provide security and quell violence in times of civil disturbance.