The President may order or call the National Guard into federal service. Mobilization includes all activities necessary for the orderly transition of forces from reserve category to active duty for war, emergency or operational purposes.

Units of the National Guard have a dual mission.

The first is a federal or state mission to provide units organized, equipped, and trained to function efficiently in the protection of life and property and the preservation of peace, order and public safety under competent orders of federal or state authorities.

The second is a federal mission to develop, maintain, and provide the Air Force and Army with operationally ready units to augment the active duty forces upon mobilization, and support of Department of Defense peacetime operations.

Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) members are under the jurisdiction of their state law while in their usual Title 32 duty status.

AGR grade authorizations are based on the underlying military technician (civil service) grade approved for each position.

National Guard dual-status technicians are federal civilian employees who wear their service uniform and adhere to the customs and courtesies of their service. They are mandated to maintain military status as an Army or Air National Guard service member as a condition of continued employment. These members are employed in a full-time status to meet the day to day administrative, training, and logistical needs of the National Guard.