The National Guard Association of the United States was founded in 1878 as a congressional lobbying organization for National Guard issues. A member of the Military Coalition, NGAUS lobbies on behalf of 45,000 officers who comprise the membership of the organization. It has been partially or solely responsible for winning a number of benefits, ranging from health to retirement, for National Guard forces nationwide. It also operates NGAUS Insurance Trust, which provides products to full-time federal technicians, including life insurance. It also operates the National Guard Educational Foundation, which focuses on educating the public about the National Guard.