From Alternative History

Present in all the Republics, The National Guard was originaly a sponteneous creation of revolutionaries meant to defend the constitution and the national assembly against a potential monarchist coup. After the adoption of the Constitution of Year VIII, it became a paramilitary force composed entirely of part-time volunteers under the chief-command of the Consul for the interior as a way to prevent any idea of a military takeover.

It is charged with duties such as coast guarding, disaster assitance, etc...