Overview
As state militia units, the units in the Michigan Air National Guard are not in the normal United States Air Force chain of command. They are under the jurisdiction of the United States National Guard Bureau unless they are federalized by order of the President of the United States.
Under the "Total Force" concept, Michigan Air National Guard units are considered to be reserve components of the United States Air Force (USAF). Michigan ANG units are trained and equipped by the Air Force and are operationally gained by a Major Command of the USAF if federalized.
Personnel are expected to adhere to the same moral and physical standards as their "full-time" active duty and "part-time" Air Force Reserve federal counterparts. The same ranks and insignia of the Air Force are used by the Air National Guard, and Air National Guardsmen are eligible to receive all United States military awards. The Air National Guard also bestows a number of state awards for local services rendered.
Its state mission "under order of state authorities, provides protection of life and property, and preserves peace, order and public safety. State missions, which are funded by the individual states, include disaster relief in times of earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and forest fires, search and rescue, protection of vital public services, and support to civil defense."
The Michigan Air National Guard is headquartered in Lansing, and its commander is currently Major General Thomas G. Cutler.
Read more about this topic: Michigan Air National Guard