Existing comment:
1920 National Defense Act:
After World War I, Congress passed new legislation to establish a regular army backed by standing units of the National Guard and organized Reservists. The National Defense Act of 1920 gave the Guard a voice in the conduct of National Guard affairs in the War Department's General Staff for the first time in its history.
National Guard Air Units:
National Guard air units received federal recognition in the 1920's when Minnesota's 109th Observation Squadron became part of the 34th Division. In 1926, the Army Air Corps was formed out of the preexisting Army Air Service, part of the Army Air Corps. By 1930, 18 observation squadrons were approved within the Guard structure. During the interwar period, Guard pilots, including Captain Charles A. Lindbergh of Missouri's 110th Observation Squadron, concentrated on honing their flying skills and supporting ground forces training.
Guard airmen also participated in state missions. Arkansas' 154th Observation Squadron flew over 20,000 miles carrying relief workers and supplies during a series of severe floods in 1927. During the 1930's, the Army Air Corps focused on fighter and bombardment roles while the National Guard performed aerial observation roles. Twenty-nine observation squadrons were formed by the beginning of World War II. |