In 1511, the Taino Indians rebelled against the Spanish authorities, killing Don Cristóbal de Sotomayor and burning the town. Since there was no military force on the island, for the protection of the settlers, they had to put down their plows, hoes, picks and shovels, and pick up lances, swords, crossbows, harquebuses, and muskets to defend themselves and their new colony. By necessity, they formed themselves into the first Puerto Rican National Guard of citizen soldiers.

This National Guard had to called on again in 1514, 1520, 1529, 1530, 1556 and in 1573 to defend the settlements and island against attacks by the Caribe Indians. The Caribe's were a very warlike group of carnivores, that traveled through the islands, attacking all settlements, Indian or Spanish, in their quest for slaves and food (humans).

In 1528, 1538, 1544, 1571, and 1576, the Citizens Army had to come together to defend Borinque and the settlements. They had to repulse attacks by the French Buccaneers, that were always lusting Spanish treasures.

In 1595, Sir Francis Drake attacked the island with a force of 26 ships and 3,000 men. Again, the Citizen Soldiers were called into action, and they repulsed Drake. In 1598, the island was captured by Lord Cumberland after fierce fighting and a gallant defense by the militia. Cumberland was forced to leave the island after a two month occupation, when an epidemic ravaged his troops.

In 1584, the construction of the Moro Castle, on the east entrance to Puerto Rico Bay, next to the town of San Juan was begun. This fortress was completed by 1608 and was heavily fortified and armed with large cannons. Typical of most important Spanish cities, walls were constructed around the city, with large gates that were sealed at sunset. Shortly after the completion of El Moro, the fortress of San Cristóbal were begun close to El Moro, as well as smaller fortresses around the bay, for it's defense. There is a story that while El Moro was being constructed, the King Philip was found staring into the western horizon one afternoon from his palace, El Escorial. Someone who had been observing the King for a while, approached him and asked him what he was trying to see, so intensely. The King answered, "I am trying to see the walls of El Moro in Puerto Rico. We have spent so much money on the construction of that fortification, that I calculate that we should be able to see it from Madrid." 

In 1625, the island was attacked by the Dutch, under the command of Baldwin Henry, and the militia, prevailed, expulsing the pirates.

In 1797, the English returned under Abercrombie with a force of 60 ships and 7,000 men. There advances were repulsed by the militia, under the command of Ramón de Castro.

With the continuous attacks by the Dutch, French and English, during their European Wars with Spain, the importance of Puerto Rico was noted. Its importance was what initiated the many attempts to take the island by Hawkins, Drake, Cumberland, Henrico, Abecromby, Harvey, etc. These attacks were continuously beaten back and gave the Puerto Rican citizens the opportunity to fight along side the regular Spanish troops, proving that the still had the blood and sprite of their Conquistador heritage.

This Citizens Militia was not only used for defensive functions, but was also used has an offensive force, when they were sent to attack the pirates and buccaneers in Vieques, Dominica, Guadalupe, Santa Cruz, Tortola and Tortuga. These attacks took place during the 16^th, 17^th and 18^th century.

In 1765, the Militias were reorganized by Field Marshal Alejandro O'Reilly, one of the most able soldiers in Puerto Rican history. He was considered the father of the Militias. From that day on, they became know was the Disciplined Militia. They took part during the third war with England in 1797, distinguishing themselves during the battle. Due to their conduct and valor, the Spanish Crown, awarded them very high honors.

By 1868 most of the Spanish colonies in America were fighting for their independence. In Puerto Rico, there was a small attempt for independence in the town of Lares. The Spanish government, fearful of what was going on in America, decided in 1869 to disband the Puerto Rican militia, which was composed almost entirely by native born Puerto Rican. In its place, the organized the Volunteer Institute, which was composed entirely by Spaniards, and their sons.

With Spain's loss of their American Empire, Puerto Rico lost much of it importance, and its fortifications deteriorate, becoming obsolete and the Spanish troops stationed on the island reduced to a token force.

During the Spanish American War, Puerto Rico came under the United States Flag and there was a discussion by the US military authorities over Puerto Rico's military value. There is no doubt that at the beginning of the 20^th century, taking into account that the politics of the US was against its imperial expansion, Puerto Rico offered very little military value; although it offered tremendous commercial value in expanding commerce between the US and Central and South America. This importance was initially only recognized by a few people. Because of the political changes in the Caribbean, Americas sphere of influence expanded to include Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Central America. This made the importance of Puerto Rico, grow slowly. With the opening of the Panama Canal, Puerto Rico became of prime importance in the US plans for the Caribbean basin.

Source: ¡Qué Cosas!
by: General Luis Raúl Esteves, 1953

Has the companies were being formed, all of the officers and soldiers had to purchase their own uniforms and supplies, since there was no government funding for the enterprise. This organization failed due to existing U.S. Federal law, which prohibited the formation of any armed force within the United States and its territories, without authorization from Congress.

The first regiment of the Puerto Rico National Guard, was recognized by the name, "First Infantry Regiment", organized on June 2nd, 1920 and reorganized on December 26, 1922, as the 295 Infantry Regiment. On March 1st, 1936, the 396 Infantry Regiment was organized. Before, the 296 existed as a battalion attached to the 295 Infantry Regiment.