The National Guard may be called into federal service by the President under either Title 10 or Title 32 status. When National Guard troops are called to federal service, the President serves as Commander-in-Chief. The federal mission assigned to the National Guard is: "To provide properly trained and equipped units for prompt mobilization for war, National emergency or as otherwise needed."[1]
The Governor may call individuals or units of the Georgia National Guard into state service during emergencies or to assist in special situations which lend themselves to use of the National Guard. The state mission assigned to the National Guard is: "To provide trained and disciplined forces for domestic emergencies or as otherwise provided by state law."
As authorized under the Constitution, Congress has the power to regulate National Guard units; hence they are trained and equipped as a part of the United States Army, even when under state command. The same ranks and insignia are used and National Guardsmen are eligible to receive all United States military awards. All Georgia National Guard soldiers are also eligible for a number of state awards for local services rendered in or to the state of Georgia.
Georgia also maintains its own State Defense Force. This force is separate from the National Guard and reports to the Governor of Georgia as Commander-in-Chief. The GSDF services the state exclusively, especially when the National Guard is deployed and unavailable.[2]
The adjutant general is the senior military officer and de facto commander of the Georgia National Guard. Also known as TAG, they are subordinated to the governor, the chief executive. As of 2010 there had been 36 adjutants general in Georgia; the position had changed hands 42 times.[5]
References
^"Army National Guard".
^"About GSDF". Georgia State Defense Force. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
^"Georgia National Guard announces State Partnership with Argentina".
^"Georgia orders National Guard to hospitals as virus spreads". AP NEWS. 2021-08-24. Retrieved 2021-08-25.
^"TAG Lineage". Georgia Department of Defense 2010 Annual Report. Georgia National Guard Issuu. 30 March 2011.