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Polls have shown the United States military is by far the most respected American institution. Like all institutions, its core is not buildings, mission statements or budgets, but people. The U.S. military features both active duty personnel and reserve forces. These reserve forces are comprised of Army and Air National Guard units — which are controlled by their states in peacetime — as well as the federal Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps Reserve units. The 845,000 Guard members and Reservists have served extensively in America’s wars, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. As the National Guard celebrates its 375th birthday on Dec. 13, here are five surprising facts about the Guard and Reserves.