National Guard

The National Guard is a unique state-based military force shared by the state and federal government. Members of the Army and Air National Guard perform duty a minimum of 39 days per year but often much more. They can be called upon to augment active military forces in times of national emergency and serve their states and local communities when natural disasters and other contingencies occur. When on state duty (or state and federal shared duty), they are under the tactical and administrative control of the governor. When mobilized or performing strictly federal duty, they are under the control of the President as Commander-in-Chief.