The Indiana Guard Reserve (INGR), formerly the Liberty Guard and the Indiana Legion, is the
state defense force
In the United States, state defense forces are military units that operate under the sole authority of a state government. State defense forces are authorized by state and federal law and are under the command of the governor of each state.
...
of the state of
Indiana
Indiana () is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States. It is the 38th-largest by area and the 17th-most populous of the 50 States. Its capital and largest city is Indianapolis. Indiana was admitted to the United States as the 19th s ...
. The Indiana Guard Reserve serves under the exclusive authority of the governor of the State of Indiana through his executive agent for military matters, The Adjutant General of Indiana. The Guard Reserve is a unique military organization designed to supplement the Indiana National Guard and to defend Indiana if any part of the Indiana National Guard is in active federal service. The Indiana Guard Reserve also provides
MEMS
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), also written as micro-electro-mechanical systems (or microelectronic and microelectromechanical systems) and the related micromechatronics and microsystems constitute the technology of microscopic devices, ...
qualified soldiers who can augment Indiana Homeland Security missions and County Emergency Operations activities.
Organization
The Indiana Guard Reserve is organized pursuant to Indiana Code IC 10-16-8.
As of April 10, 2022 the Indiana Guard Reserve was reorganized into a brigade command structure by order of The Indiana Adjutant General. The Indiana National Guard 81st Troop Command will serve as the higher headquarters element for the Indiana Guard Reserve.
* Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment consists of the following:
** The Command Group - Consists of the Commanding Officer as a colonel (O-6), the Executive Officer (O-5), and Senior Enlisted Advisor (E-9).
** The Commander's Personal Staff, Special Staff, and Coordinating Staff.
** Additional subordinate units will be announced through orders over a period of approximately one year.
Purpose and missions
![Indiana Guard Reserve shakes hands with JROTC cadet](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Indiana_Guard_Reserve_shakes_hands_with_JROTC_cadet.jpg)
The purpose of any state defense force is to provide the governor of a state with a viable military force in case National Guard forces for that state have been mobilized into federal active service. The Indiana Guard Reserve has prepared for several missions if the
Indiana National Guard
The Indiana National Guard (INNG) is a component of the United States Armed Forces, the United States National Guard and the Military Department of Indiana (MDI). It consists of the Indiana Army National Guard, the Indiana Air National Guard, ...
is federalized.
Some of the missions performed by the INGR include:
* Soldier Support – Provides support to deploying or returning military personnel and civilian contractors during the deployment mobilization/demobilization process at Camp Atterbury, and hosting an annual, week-long Army JROTC leadership course;
* Incident Management – Provides emergency management training for state defense force members and civilian authority personnel, as well as internal qualification for INGR members;
*
Community Emergency Response Teams – Provides education in disaster preparedness and basic response for members and civilians;
* Community Support – Provides support for community events, such as security and traffic control; and
* Armory Support – Provides security to Indiana National Guard armories during times when the INNG is deployed under federal orders.
Training
The Indiana Guard Reserve offers specialized and general training to its members.
Some examples of training offered either at state or local levels include:
* Military Emergency Management Specialist certification
* Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
* Basic First Aid certification
* Basic Military Training
* Basic and Advanced Non Commissioned Officer Training
* Basic and Advanced Officer Training
Historic missions
The Indiana Guard Reserve has undertaken several missions in the past, including the following:
* Decontaminated and distributed medical equipment and supplies as a part of the
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...
response.
* Assisted Columbus Regional Hospital, Columbus, Indiana, with security after the flooding in June 2008.
* Assisted in providing security for Vice President Dick Cheney's visit to Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Indiana, in 2006
* Supplied trainers for Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps (JROTC) Camp
* Assisted in mobilizing and demobilizing activated National Guard and Reserve troops for missions overseas at Camp Atterbury
* Assisted as guides for the American Veterans Traveling Tribute (The traveling Vietnam Wall) in Noblesville, Indiana
* Took part in
Operation Allies Welcome
History
Indiana's militia dates back to 1801 when it was first formed organized by Governor
William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison (February 9, 1773April 4, 1841) was an American military officer and politician who served as the ninth president of the United States. Harrison died just 31 days after his inauguration in 1841, and had the shortest pres ...
. During the
American Civil War
The American Civil War (April 12, 1861 – May 26, 1865; also known by other names) was a civil war in the United States. It was fought between the Union ("the North") and the Confederacy ("the South"), the latter formed by states th ...
the Indiana Legion was created, giving the militia an official role in the state and distinguishing them from the regiments called to federal duty who would later become the
Indiana National Guard
The Indiana National Guard (INNG) is a component of the United States Armed Forces, the United States National Guard and the Military Department of Indiana (MDI). It consists of the Indiana Army National Guard, the Indiana Air National Guard, ...
. During the Civil War the Legion played a prominent role in the
Newburgh Raid
The Newburgh Raid was a successful raid by Confederate partisans on Newburgh, Indiana, on July 18, 1862, making it the first town in a northern state to be captured during the American Civil War. Confederate colonel Adam Rankin Johnson led the ...
, fought in the
Battle of Corydon, was active throughout
Morgan's Raid
Morgan's Raid was a diversionary incursion by Confederate cavalry into the Union states of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia during the American Civil War. The raid took place from June 11 to July 26, 1863, and is named for the commander ...
into Indiana, and patrolled the state's southern border and protected areas of importance. The Legion was renamed the ''Liberty Guard'' in 1903 and served in various functions in the state. The Liberty Guard was renamed the ''Indiana Guard Reserve'' in 1916 and given a more formal role in the state.
Air Wing
There was formerly an Air Wing of the INGR, which wore a slightly-modified Air Force uniform. It was disbanded in the mid-1990s.
Uniform
Personnel of the Guard Reserve are authorized to wear the US Army service uniform and the Army Combat Uniform, OCP pattern, when modifications that are distinctive to State Defense Forces are utilize
Decorations
The following ribbons are awarded to members of the Indiana Guard Reserve.
*
![In Distinguished Service Cross](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/In_Distinguished_Service_Cross.PNG)
Indiana Distinguished Service Cross (also National Guard)
*
![Indiana Distinguished Service M](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Indiana_Distinguished_Service_M.jpg)
Indiana Distinguished Service Medal (also National Guard)
*
![Ind Cmd](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Ind_Cmd.jpg)
Indiana Commendation Medal (National Guard & Guard Reserve)
*
![In NG Homeland Defense](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/In_NG_Homeland_Defense.JPG)
Indiana Homeland Defense Ribbon
*
![Ind Emergency Service Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/Ind_Emergency_Service_Ribbon.JPG)
Indiana Emergency Service Ribbon
*
![USA - IN Funeral Honors Program Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/USA_-_IN_Funeral_Honors_Program_Ribbon.png)
Indiana Funeral Honors Ribbon
*
![IGR Merit Medal](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/IGR_Merit_Medal.jpg)
INGR Merit Medal
*
![IGR Distinguished Service Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/IGR_Distinguished_Service_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Distinguished Service Ribbon
*
![IGR Commendation Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/IGR_Commendation_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Commendation Ribbon
*
![IGR Achievement Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/IGR_Achievement_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Achievement Ribbon
*
![IGR JROTC Commendation Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/IGR_JROTC_Commendation_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR JROTC Commendation Ribbon
*
![IGR Outstanding Recruiter Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/IGR_Outstanding_Recruiter_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Outstanding Recruiter Ribbon
*
![IGR JROTC Support Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/IGR_JROTC_Support_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR JROTC Support Ribbon
*
![IGR Community Service Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/IGR_Community_Service_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Community Service Ribbon
*
![IGR Search and Rescue Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/47/IGR_Search_and_Rescue_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Search and Rescue Ribbon (Being Phased Out)
*
![IGR C](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/IGR_C.E.R.T._Ribbon.jpg)
INGR C.E.R.T. Ribbon
*
![IGR Emergency Management Specialist Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/IGR_Emergency_Management_Specialist_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Emergency Management Specialist Ribbon (Being Phased Out)
*
![IGR Officer Professional Development Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/IGR_Officer_Professional_Development_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Officer Professional Development Ribbon
*
![IGR NCO Professional Development Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/IGR_NCO_Professional_Development_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR NCO Professional Development Ribbon
*
![IGR Physical Fitness Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/IGR_Physical_Fitness_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Physical Fitness Ribbon
*
![IGR 25 Year Long Service Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/IGR_25_Year_Long_Service_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR 25 Year Service Ribbon (Being Phased Out)
*
![IGR Long Service Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/IGR_Long_Service_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Long Service Ribbon
*
![IGR Service Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/IGR_Service_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Service Ribbon
*
![Indiana Defense Service Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Indiana_Defense_Service_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Defense Service Ribbon
*
![TIGRA Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/TIGRA_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR The Indiana Guard Reserve Association Ribbon
*
![Georgia State Defense Force Outstanding Unit Citation Ribbon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2d/Georgia_State_Defense_Force_Outstanding_Unit_Citation_Ribbon.jpg)
INGR Superior Unit Citation
The Indiana Guard Reserve also awards the INGR Medallion and expert, sharpshooter, and marksman badges for both rifle and pistol.
Members who have previously served in the federal military may wear decorations awarded for prior service may also be worn on the uniform.
See also
*
Indiana Naval Militia
*
Indiana Wing Civil Air Patrol
*
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA, USCGAUX, CGAux, or USCG Aux) is the civilian uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. Congress established the unit on 23 June 1939, as the United States Coast Guard Reserve ...
References
* The
State Guard Association of the United States
*
SGAUS
The State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) is a non-profit organization advocating for the advancement and support of regulated state military forces, as established by state governments under the authority of federal law. The SGAUS ...
MEMS Academy
* ''Indiana Guard Reserve'' by Felix E. Goodson (author), 219 pages, published by The Indiana Guard Reserve Retired Association (1998), ASIN B0006QZ9ZY
External links
JFHQIN-IGR Reg 10-4-9JFHQIN-IGR Reg 10-4-10
{{State Defense Forces
State defense forces of the United States
Military in Indiana