Alabama
July 21, 1861

The cotton slip with full bursting boll and twisted
wreath of cotton, white and crimson red, is the military
crest of the state of Alabama. The cotton boll symbolizes
the original basis of the state's wealth and its settlement
and development during the greater portion of its history.
The twisted wreath of white and red symbolizes the fact that
the original settlement was of English origin.


After the Civil War, the National Guard began taking
steps to become a modern reserve to the Army this
included additional funding, training and equipment.

The Militia Act of 1903 prescribed Federal standards
for the Guard. These new standards meant that the
Guard was to be organized, trained and equipped
according to regular Army standards.

By the time World War I came around, the National
Guard was unstoppable. Guard divisions saw more
action than any other Army component. In fact,
the German General Staff noted that of the eight
American divisions considered being superior, six
were from the National Guard.

The roaring twenties brought about the formation
of 29 Air Corps squadrons, laying the foundation
for today's Air National Guard.

In 1933, Congress authorized the creation of the
National Guard of the U.S. (consisting of all
National Guard units), that could be ordered into
Federal Service by the president.

Anticipation World War II, President Roosevelt ordered
the National Guard of the U.S. into Federal service for
one year of accelerated training. This was to train and
prepare the Guard for war. Of the first five U.S. Army
divisions entering offensive combat, four were from the
National Guard. 148 Guard units received the Presidential
Unit Citation. Twenty Guardsmen were awarded the Medal of Honor.

From 1968-69, 12,000 Army Guardsmen and 10,511 Air Guardsmen
were called to serve their country. Over 9,500 Guardsmen were
sent to Vietnam. Once again, the National Guard demonstrated
combat-ready professionalism, earning over 4,000 decorations
during the conflict.