him. Negotiations between the United States and Mexico averted further war, although
Villa remained at large.
Led by General Pershing, the First Arizona Infantry Regiment patrolled the US‐Mexico
border between Douglas and Naco, Arizona until being drafted into federal service when
World War I was declared. The regiment was re‐designated as the 158th Infantry
Regiment and was sent overseas to France in July and August 1918. The regiment’s
federal service ended in May 1919.
The 158th Infantry Regiment was again deployed for federal service during World War II.
Soldiers were sent to Panama to train for jungle warfare and to protect the Panama Canal
Zone. It is there that the regiment took on the name “Bushmasters” after the deadly
bushmaster snake that lived in the jungle. The Bushmasters also served a pivotal role in
the Pacific Theater, including in Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, and in the final
invasion of Japan in 1945. Arizona’s military facilities were also instrumental during
World War II. Army Air Corps training fields were located throughout the state and were
used to train thousands of pilots from all over the country.
Since World War II, Arizona National Guard (AZNG) Soldiers and Airmen have been
involved in many international conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War,
Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The AZNG
has been active in U.S. efforts abroad since September 11, 2001. Within the U.S., AZNG
troops have supported relief efforts following natural disasters, such as Hurricane
Katrina, as well as providing for local community programs.
3.3
Arizona National Guard Missions
As with other state’s and territory’s National Guards, the AZNG has a unique dual
mission, with both state and federal responsibilities. The dual mission is a provision of
the U.S. Constitution and the United States Code of Laws, with each guardsman holding
membership in the National Guard of his or her state and in the National Guard of the
United States.
The AZNG’s state mission is to protect the public safety of the citizens of Arizona by
providing support to civil authorities during natural disasters, civil unrest, and other
emergencies. The governor serves as the Commander in Chief for the AZNG and is
responsible for mobilizing AZNG personnel as needed to fulfill the state mission.
Mobilization is done in coordination with the Adjutant General. In Arizona, the Adjutant
General is the director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs
(DEMA). The agency combines the AZNG and the state’s Division of Emergency
Management, supported by an internal Division of Administrative Services.
3-4
Arizona Army National Guard Profile