National_Guard

Today, the California National Guard is the largest National Guard force in the United States, supporting 118 armories, 10 air bases, and three army bases located throughout the state. The California National Guard is a broad based organization with over 18,000 men and women in uniform performing many different types of missions and operations, with both Federal and State responsibilities. During peacetime, the Governor through The Adjutant General (TAG) and the California Military Department commands these forces. The Governor, as commander-in-chief of this state’s military forces, has the authority to call the California National Guard into action during any local or statewide emergency, such as fire, earthquake, or civil disturbance, to name a few. The President of the United States, as commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the United States, has the authority to activate the California National Guard in support of any number of Federal missions.

Californians have a long and proud tradition of service that stretches back over two centuries when Alta California was a Spanish colony and later a Mexican province. Since joining the Union, California has provided more of its citizens to our common defense than any other state. From the lonely 18th century colonial presidios of the El Real Ejército de California (Royal Spanish Army of California) to the mountains of Afghanistan, Californians have always been there and continue the tradition of selfless service.

Thus, California National Guard's origins can be said to be part of two of the oldest military institutions in America. In one respect, the National Guard predates the birth of the nation by 150 years with its origins traced back 370 years to the formation of those militia companies upon whom it fell the defense of the American colonies. But California can also trace its militia history to the establishment of the old Spanish military system introduced by the Spanish in the late 17th Century.

California's National Guard

A Brief Historical Introduction