Illinois National Guard

During the War of 1812, the Illinois Territory was the scene of fighting between Native Americans and United States soldiers and settlers.

Ninian Edwards, the territorial governor, directed state militia operations.

The two components are the: When National Guard troops are called to federal service, the President serves as Commander-In-Chief.

Unlike Army Reserve members, National Guard members cannot be mobilized individually (except through voluntary transfers and Temporary Duty Assignments), but only as part of their respective units.

However, there has been a significant number of individual activations to support military operations from 2001; the legality of this policy is an unresolved issue within the National Guard.