Since the 13th century, the Dutch government has relied on voluntary armed citizens to defend their homes and to maintain public order.

In the turbulent times of the Interbellum the Dutch Prime Minister Hendrikus Colijn made the decision to extend the service of this force.

In the years after World War II again the need was felt for a rapidly deployable unit for the defense and security of Dutch territory.

During the Cold War the National Reserve developed into a versatile part of the Royal Dutch Army and received the status of Corps.

The Dutch Army shrank and became more frequently involved in peacekeeping or peace-enforcing missions abroad which resulted in a renewed relevance of the corps.