The AZNG’s federal mission is to maintain properly trained and equipped units available
for prompt mobilization in times of war, national emergencies, or as otherwise needed.
If and when necessary, the President of the United States has the authority to mobilize
the National Guard in support of its federal mission. When federalized, National Guard
units are commanded by the Combatant Commander of the theatre in which they are
assigned.
Maintaining a dual mission is an important distinction between the National Guard and
the federal Active and Reserve Army and Air Force units. While AZNG and the federal
Active and Reserve military units share similar training and engagement responsibilities,
the defining characteristic of the National Guard is its domestic response under authority
of the Governor in time of need.
Arizona National Guard soldiers and airmen train year‐round in preparation for any
mission, foreign or domestic. National Guard members are required to attend one drill
weekend each month and one training period every year. These training periods usually
last for two weeks in the summer. Many AZNG members serve in a full‐time capacity in a
role known as Active Guard and Reserve.
3.4
Arizona Army National Guard Facilities
Although the Arizona Army National Guard (AZARNG) and the Arizona Air National Guard
are equally important components of the AZNG, this JLUS focuses exclusively on AZARNG
facilities—and specifically within Pinal County. This JLUS focuses on Florence Military
Reservation, Silverbell Army Heliport, Picacho Peak Stagefield, and the Rittenhouse
Training Site, only. It is nevertheless important to understand AZARNG assets throughout
the state to fully understand the importance of these four sites. Indeed, AZARNG
installations account for more than 60,000 acres of land across the State of Arizona.
More than one‐third of that total land amount is included in the four sites that are part of
this JLUS.
In northern Arizona, Camp Navajo is approximately 10 miles west of downtown Flagstaff
in Coconino County. Covering more than 28,000 acres, it is a Multi‐Service Training Site
utilized by all branches of the military. The installation can support battalion size units
and serves as the AZARNG’s primary training site for maneuver training. Facilities include
classrooms, barracks, administrative buildings, a dining facility, rifle and pistol ranges, an
obstacle course, a land navigation course, and bivouac sites.
A bivouac is a
temporary camp
without tents or cover,
used especially by
soldiers and
mountaineers.
There are two key sites in Maricopa County in central Arizona. Papago Park Military
Reservation, approximately five miles east of downtown Phoenix, serves as the
headquarters for the AZNG and DEMA. The complex fulfills various administrative needs
for Soldiers, Airmen, and retirees, but it also has some classrooms, training facilities, an
auditorium, a helicopter airfield, and hangars for UH‐60 Black Hawk helicopters. Papago
Background Report
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