New Mexico Army National Guard

New Mexico Army National Guard
Seal of the Army National Guard
Active	1903–present
Country	United States
Allegiance	New Mexico
Branch	Army National Guard
Type	ARNG Headquarters Command
Part of	New Mexico National Guard

The New Mexico Army National Guard is a component of the United States Army and the United States National Guard. Nationwide, the Army National Guard comprises approximately one half of the US Army's available combat forces and approximately one third of its support organization. National coordination of various state National Guard units are maintained through the National Guard Bureau.

New Mexico Army National Guard units are trained and equipped as part of the United States Army. The same ranks and insignia are used and National Guardsmen are eligible to receive all United States military awards. The New Mexico Guard also bestows a number of state awards for local services rendered in or to the state of New Mexico.

The first Territorial Militia was provided for by a system of laws devised by General Stephen W. Kearny, commonly known as the Kearny Code, after Kearny occupied New Mexico in 1846. Then in 1851 the first territorial Legislature created the office of Adjutant General and placed the territorial Militia under its jurisdiction.

In 1862, the Territorial Militia, also known as the New Mexico Volunteers, played a decisive role in the defeat of Confederate forces in the Battle of Glorieta. During 1863 and 1864, the Militia was also active in Navajo and other Indian campaigns of the period.

The New Mexico Volunteer Militia was redesignated 17 March 1897 as the New Mexico National Guard.

After the Spanish–American War began in 1898, volunteer forces were organized, which included Teddy Roosevelt's "Rough Riders." Many New Mexico Guardsmen helped form the 2nd Squadron, 1st United States Cavalry, which served with Roosevelt at the legendary charge of San Juan Hill.

After the war with Spain, units of the New Mexico National Guard were again placed in active service on the Mexican border to pursue Pancho Villa after Mexican forces raided Columbus, New Mexico in 1916. The Guard spent one year on this border duty, hardening themselves to the rough field conditions of the desert southwest.