 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (January 2024) |
| California National Guard | |
|---|---|
 Seal of the California National Guard | |
| Active | 27 July 1849 |
| Country |  United States |
| Allegiance |  California |
| Branch |  United States Army United States Air Force |
| Type | National Guard |
| Role | Organized militia |
| Size | 24,000 |
| Part of | National Guard Bureau California Military Department |
| Headquarters | 9800 Goethe Road, Sacramento, California 95827 |
| Nickname(s) | CalGuard CNG |
| Commanders | |
| Commander in Chief (Title 10 USC) | President of the United States (when federalized) |
| Commander in Chief (Title 32 USC) | Governor of California |
| Adjutant General | MG Matthew P. Beevers |
| Senior Enlisted Leader | CMSgt Lynn E. Williams |
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The California National Guard is part of the National Guard of the United States, a dual federal-state military reserve force. The CA National Guard has three components: the CA Army National Guard, CA Air National Guard, and CA State Guard. With a total strength of over 24,000 troops, it is the largest National Guard in the United States. As of January 2012[update], California National Guardsmen have been deployed overseas more than 38,000 times since 2001,[1] during which time twenty-nine Guardsmen have been killed in Iraq and two have died in Afghanistan.[2]
The Constitution of the United States specifically charges the National Guard with dual federal and state missions. When under the control of its state governor, National Guard functions range from limited actions during non-emergency situations to full scale law enforcement of martial law when local law enforcement officials can no longer maintain civil control. The National Guard may be called into federal service in response to a call by the President or Congress.
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."
The Governor of California may call individuals or units of the California National Guard into state service during emergencies or special situations. The state mission of the National Guard is: "To provide trained and disciplined forces for domestic emergencies or as otherwise provided by state law."
- ^ Gretel C. Kovach (18 January 2013). "S.D. National Guard Unit Preps For A Final Afghan Deployment". San Diego Union Tribune. Archived from the original on 9 May 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
California troops have served abroad in the "fight against terrorism" more than 38,000 times since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
- ^ Gretel C. Kovach (18 January 2013). "S.D. National Guard Unit Preps For A Final Afghan Deployment". San Diego Union Tribune. Archived from the original on 9 May 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
Since 2001, 29 Cal Guard soldiers have been killed in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. Many more were seriously injured.