California Air National Guard - Overview

Overview

Under the "Total Force" concept, California Air National Guard units are considered to be reserve components of the United States Air Force (USAF). California ANG units are trained and equipped by the Air Force and are operationally gained by a Major Command of the USAF if federalized. In addition, the California Air National Guard forces are assigned to Air Expeditionary Forces and are subject to deployment tasking orders along with their active duty and Air Force Reserve counterparts in their assigned cycle deployment window.

Along with their federal reserve obligations, the California ANG is subject to activation by order of the Governor to provide protection of life and property, and preserve peace, order and public safety. State missions 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.

In addition, the California State Military Reserve (CSMR) is an all-volunteer militia force under the California Military Department that provides reserve personnel to both the California Army National Guard and the California Air National Guard. It is under state jurisdiction and its members are employed only within the State of California. It is not subject to be called, ordered or assigned as any element of the federal armed forces. It's mission is to provide units organized, equipped and trained in the protection of life or property and the preservation of peace, order and public safety under competent orders of State authorities.