| California National Guard | |
|---|---|
| Active | July 27, 1849–present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | California |
| Branch | National Guard |
| Size | Authorized strength: 18,000 Army and 4,900 Air Force |
| Part of | California Military Department |
| Garrison/HQ | Sacramento, California |
| Mascot | Grizzly bear |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
MG David S. Baldwin (The Adjutant General) |
| Ceremonial chief | President of the United States of America; Governor |
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The California National Guard is the component of the United States National Guard in the U.S. state of California. It comprises both Army and Air National Guard components and is the largest national guard force in the United States with a total authorized strength of 22,900 soldiers and airmen. The Constitution of the United States specifically charges the National Guard with dual federal and state missions. In fact, the National Guard is the only United States military force empowered to function in a state status. Those 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 to assist in special situations which lend themselves to use of the National Guard. The state mission assigned to the National Guard is: "To provide trained and disciplined forces for domestic emergencies or as otherwise provided by state law."
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Major General David S. Baldwin serves as the 46th Adjutant General since he was appointed by California governor Jerry Brown on 16 April 2011.[1]
The California Army National Guard maintains the California Military Academy at Camp San Luis Obispo for the use and training of members of California and other western state National Guard units, as well as for the use of the California State Military Reserve.