The Rhode Island Army National Guard is the nation's oldest military branch which consists of more that 2,200 members serving both state and federal governments. The Rhode Island Army National Guard has served and remains as an active force in the Global War on Terrorism, with units that have deployed worldwide in direct support of national security objectives. In times of local emergencies and natural disasters, the Rhode Island Guard is called upon to provide military support to civil authorities. Despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island is the only state with a Special Forces Unit, a Special Operations Detachment unit, and an Airborne Infantry.