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America's National Guard was once considered a ragtag gaggle of pretend soldiers. Beginning in the 1980s the National Guard gradually transformed into today's highly flexible operational force that answers our nation's call for overseas combat deployments as well as domestic emergencies that run the gamut from lifesaving disaster responses to staffing Covid clinics.

Brigadier General Paul "Greg" Smith describes his personal journey during these years, from a callow cadet to a committed commander leading military forces in response to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Smith gives a humorous, gritty, and sometimes touching glimpse into the inner workings of this unique military organization while offering portraits of the men and women who serve as the minutemen of our age. His reflections on service, duty, and the complexities of command will enlighten anyone who seeks to better understand the challenges of leadership.

Paul "Greg" Smith served for more than 38 years in uniform, retiring as a US Army Brigadier General. He also pursued a parallel career as a special education teacher and high school administrator. His writing has appeared in Military History, ARMY, Canada's History, Country Living, Career World and other periodicals. He teaches Counterterrorism Strategy at Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts.