New Mexico National Guard | |
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Founded | April 30, 1598 |
Country | United States |
Allegiance | New Mexico |
Branch | United States Army United States Air Force |
Type | National Guard |
Role | Federal Reserve Force Organized State Militia |
Size | 3,921 |
Part of | U.S. National Guard |
Engagements | Santa Fe de Nuevo México Chimayó Rebellion
American Civil War/New Mexico Campaign War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
Commanders | |
Commander in Chief (Title 10 USC) | President of the United States (when federalized) |
Commander in Chief (Title 32 USC) | Governor of New Mexico |
Adjutant General | Major General Miguel Aguilar[1] |
The New Mexico National Guard is the militia of the U.S. state of New Mexico. Comprising the New Mexico Army National Guard and the New Mexico Air National Guard, it is part of the National Guard of the United States, a reserve force under both state and federal jurisdiction.
The New Mexico National Guard traces its history to sixteenth century colonial militias of Spanish Nuevo México. Reflecting this unique heritage, its military band is known for performing New Mexico music and having the first and only official mariachi band in the U.S. Armed Forces.[2] Elements of the New Mexico National Guard have participated in almost every major U.S. conflict, from the American Civil War to the War on Terror; it is most notable for its involvement in the opening stages of the U.S. war with Japan during World War II.
New Mexico National Guardsmen are eligible for all awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces as well as those exclusive to New Mexico. Soldiers and airmen are trained and equipped as part of the U.S. Army and Air Force and utilize identical ranks and insignias; although they serve part time, Guardsmen are held to the same standards of discipline, physical fitness, and marksmanship as their active duty counterparts.
The New Mexico National Guard is under the jurisdiction of the Governor of New Mexico through the office of the New Mexico Adjutant General; all individuals or units may be called into "state active duty" during emergencies or special situations. Under the U.S. Constitution and federal law, Guardsmen may be activated for federal service by Congress, with the President of the United States serving as commander in chief.