The Oklahoma National Guard, a division of the Oklahoma Military Department, is the component of the United States National Guard in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It comprises both Army (OKARNG) and Air (OKANG) National Guard components. The Governor of Oklahoma is Commander-in-Chief of the Oklahoma National Guard when in state use. The state's highest ranking military commander, the Adjutant General of Oklahoma (TAG), serves as the military head of the Guard and is second only to the Governor. The TAG is served by two Assistant Adjutants General, both brigadier generals, one the head of the Army Guard in the state, and the other the Air Guard chief. Currently these positions are held by BG Walter E. Fountain and BG William S. Hadaway, III, respectively. Similarly, The two components each have a senior noncommissioned officer, State Command Sergeant Major for Army, currently CSM Stephen L. Jensen, and State Command Chief Master Sergant for Air, currently CCMSgt John W. Waller.
The Governor may call individuals or units of the Guard into state service during emergencies or to assist in special situations which require the Guard. In its state role, the Guard serves to execute state laws, protect the public health, suppress insurrection, and repel invasion.
The National Guard may be called into federal service in response to a call by the President of the United States or U.S. Congress. When National Guard troops are called to federal service, the President serves as Commander-in-Chief.
Read more about Oklahoma National Guard: Units
Famous quotes containing the words oklahoma, national and/or guard:
“I know only one person who ever crossed the ocean without feeling it, either spiritually or physically.... he went from Oklahoma to France and back again ... without ever getting off dry land. He remembers several places I remember too, and several French words, but he says firmly, “We must of went different ways. I don’t rightly recollect no water, ever.””
—M.F.K. Fisher (1908–1992)
“Mr. Christian, it is about time for many people to begin to come to the White House to discuss different phases of the coal strike. When anybody comes, if his special problem concerns the state, refer him to the governor of Pennsylvania. If his problem has a national phase, refer him to the United States Coal Commission. In no event bring him to me.”
—Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933)
“Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives; those who open wide their lips come to ruin.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Proverbs 13:3.