During the Civil War, the Kentish Guards organized and Mustered two companies for federal service.  Company "H" of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers and Company "H" of the 7th Rhode Island Volunteers.  Each saw extensive service in the Peninsular Campaign.  The 2nd RI distinguished itself by covering the retreat of the Union Army at the First Battle of Bull Run, and being the last unit out of the wilderness.  The 2nd RI, under the command of Elisha Hunt Rhodes, was a primary focus of the television series by Ken Burns on the Civil War.

The Guards were on alert during the Spanish-American War.  Guardsmen have since participated in all the major wars of this century in federal service.  Just after the turn of the 20th century they declined the opportunity to join the National Guard system then being formed.  They chose to continue under their old charter under which they elect their own officers and have control of their own affairs.

The Kentish Guards continue under their charter and the laws of the state of Rhode Island, and are subject to its good regulation, including inspection by the Adjutant General and the command of the Governor.  They were most recently activated by the Governor in 1994 for ceremonial duties connected with the commissioning of the USS Rhode Island.  They participate in the annual state run cannon and musket qualification and competition that is held for all the militia companies.

The Kentish Guards had a military band from 1937 to 1977, which in its day was one of the premier musical organizations in the state.  In 1774 the Guards had two fifers and two drummers, appropriate for a company sized organization.  In 1966 they organized a regimental sized fife and drum corps. The Fife and Drum Corps continues as one of the leading corps in the nation.

The 1774 uniform of the Guards was a red coat with green facings and silver trim, with a white vest and pants styled after the English military model.  At the beginning of the Revolution, Rhode Island having a locally elected charter government was wealthy (from smuggling).  As a result, Rhode Island's militia could afford to be fully uniformed, unlike the Minutemen of Massachusetts who were oppressed by the Royal Governor.  Since then, the Guards have worn a succession of military uniforms based on the styles of the day.  The current parade uniform is based on the uniform worn by the Guards between the 1790's and just before the War of 1812.  It is a dark blue coat with red lapels and white trim, with white false-turnbacks on the coat tails.  The vest is white, the pants a dark blue with red piping as are the leggings.  A bear-fur crested light infantry helmet is worn by the militia company.  The Fife and Drum Corps wears the same uniform except for black "bicorn" hats with black cockades fasted by a brass "KG" button.  These would have been appropriate for the period. 

The Kentish Guards company flag has a white field, which represents Rhode Island.  The canton in the upper left corner is red with a federal eagle, sixteen stars and stripes, and the Rhode Island Anchor.  It was adopted between 1796 and 1803.