They did use the National Guard in WWII or Vietnam, but that was when an actual draft was in effect. Nowadays, we don’t appear to need a draft to call out National Guard Troops.
After the first Gulf War, Rumsfeld cut the active duty force dramatically and proposed that the bulk of forces be Reserve and Guard. Since that time, 2/3 of forces have been Reserves.
These units and individuals have provided the bulk of personnel for deployments. Our active force does not have half the personnel required for our current missions and both active and Reserve face numerous rotations. That and the services keep cutting active forces to reduce costs. Many young service members are forced out of active service after a couple hitches.
It has worked, but it’s damned hard to maintain a civilian life, despite the Sailors and Soldiers Act. Many employers don’t want to hire people who are going to be activated repeatedly. Guard units face double-jeopardy with Federal and State requirements.
One good thing is that our Reserves are more experienced, better trained and more ready than ever before, but it comes at a high price for some individuals.
This is exactly why I am suggesting a separate Home Guard that cannot be sent out of the country and could be paid less. I think there are people who would like to serve our country, but not at the risk of being sent overseas away from their families for months at a time.
Here is additional evidence of ISL/Daesh attrocities.