Splendid Service (Paperback)

Orlan J. Svingen

ISBN 10: 0874222869 / ISBN 13: 9780874222869

Editore: Washington State University Press, Pullman, WA, 2010

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Paperback. Although the history of the Montana National Guard is still being written as its members continue to serve around the globe, the seeds of this long-standing military organization germinated in 1867, when the territory's acting governor organized a rag-tag militia force in response to widespread fear of impending Indian uprisings against the white population. It was a fiasco that cost the government dearly. Yet from that humble beginning arose a far more worthy band of soldiers, serving honorably during natural disasters, the Spanish-American War, the Mexican border crises, labor disputes, both World Wars, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and more.Splendid Service recounts the proud moments and important achievements, and the painful failures and heart-breaking sacrifices, that the Montana National Guard experienced from 1867 to the end of the twentieth century. It chronicles how state, national, or international developments in politics, law, funding, public sentiment, and more affected the role Guardsmen played in assisting or protecting local communities, federal and state agencies, and the United States. The volume describes the process of repeated reorganizing and restructuring as state and federal governments sought to meet new challenges. It highlights some of the individuals whose contributions fostered the success of Montana's armed forces, and describes the difficulties its leaders faced, including lack of funding and supplies, inadequate facilities and training camps, and the state's large geographic area. Other aspects of military life, such as the daily camp routine, drills and training, competitions, and advances in equipment are detailed as well. The long-standing and commendable service of the Montana National Guard has indeed left a legacy for future generations. Although the history of the Montana National Guard is still being written as its members continue to serve around the globe, the seeds of this long-standing military organization germinated in 1867, when the teritory's acting governor organized a rag-tag militia force in response to widespread fear of impending Indian uprisings against the white population. It was a fiasco that cost the government dearly. Yet from that humble beginning arose a far more worthy band of soldiers, serving honorably during natural disasters, the Spanish-American War, the Mexican border crises, labor disputes, both World Wars, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and more. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Codice articolo 9780874222869

Dati bibliografici

• Titolo: Splendid Service (Paperback)
• Editore: Washington State University Press, Pullman, WA
• Data di pubblicazione: 2010
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 0874222869
• ISBN 13: 9780874222869
• Rilegatura: Paperback
• Condizione: new

Descrizione articolo

Riassunto

The origin of Montana's militia dates to 1867, when a politically ambitious acting governor organized frontiersmen in supposed fear of Plains Indian incursions into the territory's mining camps and other settled regions. After establishing posts on the upper Missouri, some skirmishing with warriors occurred, but within months these unruly volunteers were disbanded after mutiny in the ranks, their harsh punishment of horse thieves, and disputes over federal provisioning. Afterward, the U.S. Army took the forefront in the Indian campaign.

Nevertheless, from this roughhewn beginning arose a professional band of citizen soldiers, serving honorably in the Spanish-American War, the 1916 Mexican border crisis, both World Wars, the Cold War, Desert Storm, and most recently, in Iraq and Afghanistan. Adding to their merit, the Montana National Guard has provided vital assistance to Montana communities and government agencies in dire need during natural disasters and domestic emergencies.

From the 1880s to the end of the 20th century, evolving state, national, and international developments presented new challenges for the Montana National Guard. Splendid Service recounts the proud moments and achievements, as well as the sacrifices and temporary setbacks. This extensively researched volume describes key individuals from all ranks, and outlines the organization's frequent restructuring, wartime activations, and call-ups for natural disasters in a geographically vast state. The Montana National Guard's long-standing and commendable service has indeed left a legacy for future generations.

Informazioni sull'autore

Orlan J. Svingen is a Professor of History at Washington State University. He teaches public and U.S. history, and has a special interest in American Indian history.