8940 Military Department
Program Descriptions

6911 - NATIONAL GUARD

With an authorized force structure of 22,801, the objective of this program is to maximize the readiness of the California National Guard's Soldiers and Airmen, along with our State Military Reserve. Army National Guard support plans include a community-based land force, logistics, communications, law enforcement and other specialized support. Air National Guard support plans include rescue, air defense, airlift and unmanned aerial systems, space, intelligence, communications, and other specialized services. The Office of the Adjutant General element governs the joint activities and performance of the Military Department in areas such as personnel and fiscal resource management, judicial affairs, internal controls, facility management, and information technology. The Military Civil Support element provides liaison and coordination with federal, state, and local agencies so that mutual understanding and unity of purpose is assured during an emergency. The objectives of this element are to plan, prepare, and train for the deployment of Military Department personnel and equipment to support civil authority when called to state service by the Governor due to domestic emergency or natural disaster and to provide the state, county, city, and other public agencies with the coordination necessary to ensure a timely, organized response. The State Military Reserve is a volunteer component of the Military Department whose mission is to provide a trained, disciplined and ready force during training, preparation for mobilization, demobilization, and provision of support to civil authorities during periods of state emergencies. The federal government provides virtually all supplies, equipment, transportation, subsistence, and support services necessary for training, deployment, and commitment of the National Guard. Training is conducted in accordance with the Department of the Army and Air Force Regulations and Training Guidance.

6912 - YOUTH AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

With an annual enrollment of 13,530, the Military Department manages the California Cadet Corps and six Youth Programs. The California Cadet Corps, founded in 1911 by the California Legislature and then-Adjutant General BG Edwin B. Forbes is a school-based, applied leadership program conducted within a military framework and is designed to provide maximum growth and leadership opportunities for cadets from the elementary through the high school levels. The Cadet Corps provides applied leadership opportunities for cadets by allowing them to conduct training for junior cadets, perform as leaders in their cadet military units, and by demonstrating proper behavior and citizenship at their schools and in their communities. As part of their training, cadets provide assistance and support to the school and community. The most recent independent evaluation of the Cadet Corps proves conclusively that cadets stay in school, contribute positively to school safety, and do not join gangs. Statistics indicate that cadets do better academically than their peers, have better attendance, fewer suspensions and expulsions, do better on the California Physical Fitness Test, and do significantly better on the state's academic tests. The Youth and Community Programs also manages the Grizzly Youth Academy, Sunburst Youth Academy, San Joaquin Youth Academy, Oakland Military Institute, STARBASE Academy, Sacramento and STARBASE Academy in Los Alamitos. These programs are financed with federal, state and local funds. The California National Guard is involved in youth programs because political and community leaders at the federal, state, and local levels recognize that the National Guard brings structure, discipline, and effective leadership training methods to the educational setting.