Air National Guard
Stored: Air National Guard
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Air National Guard (ANG) is a federal military reserve component of the United States Air Force and the air militia for each U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with approximately 107,000 personnel across 90 wings, providing combat and support capabilities while aiding state emergencies.
Mission
The Air National Guard’s dual mission—rooted in the U.S. Constitution—combines federal readiness for air combat, homeland defense, and global operations with state-level support for governors during emergencies like natural disasters or civil unrest. It trains part-time citizen Airmen to maintain operational readiness, contributing to efforts like Operation Noble Eagle and state wildfire responses, balancing military prowess with community service.
Parent organization
The ANG operates under the United States Air Force, within the Department of Defense, and is jointly administered by the states and the National Guard Bureau, a joint Army-Air Force entity, reflecting its federal-state duality.
Legislation
The ANG was formally established by the National Security Act of 1947, signed on September 18, 1947, which created the U.S. Air Force and designated the ANG as its reserve component, building on earlier militia aviation efforts from 1908.
Partners
- State governments for domestic mission support
- National Guard Bureau for coordination and funding
- Active-duty Air Force for joint operations and training
Number of employees
As of 2025, the ANG employs approximately 107,000 personnel, including part-time Airmen and full-time Active Guard Reserve (AGR) members, across 90 wings and 1,080 units in over 180 locations nationwide.
Organization structure
The ANG is structured under the National Guard Bureau with regional and state commands:
Leader
The Air National Guard is led by the Director, currently Lieutenant General Michael A. Loh as of mid-2025, reporting to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Divisions
The ANG includes:
- Air Combat Wings for fighter and bomber operations.
- Air Mobility Wings for refueling and transport.
- Support Units for intelligence, cyberspace, and rescue missions.
List of programs
- Operation Noble Eagle (homeland defense)
- Air Defender Exercises (global readiness)
- State Partnership Program (international collaboration)
Last total enacted budget
The ANG’s FY 2024 budget was approximately $11 billion, part of the National Guard’s $25.6 billion allocation, funding personnel, training, and equipment like F-35s and KC-135 tankers.
Staff
The ANG’s 107,000-strong staff includes pilots, maintainers, cyber specialists, and support personnel, with over 70% serving part-time (typically one weekend monthly plus two weeks annually), trained to active-duty standards at bases like Lackland AFB.
Funding
Since 1947, the ANG has been funded through federal appropriations under Title 10 (federal missions) and Title 32 (state missions), with FY 2024’s $11 billion supporting its dual role, supplemented by state contributions for domestic operations.
Services provided
The ANG provides air combat capabilities (e.g., F-16s, F-35s), disaster response (e.g., hurricane evacuations), homeland defense patrols, and community support like medical training, deploying over 2,600 Airmen in exercises like Air Defender 2023 and responding to state emergencies annually.
Regulations overseen
The ANG operates under Title 10 (federal active duty) and Title 32 (state militia) U.S. Code, ensuring compliance with military and state laws, though it does not create regulations itself.
Headquarters address
3500 Fetchet Avenue, Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762
History
The ANG traces its roots to 1908 with the 1st Aero Company (New York National Guard) and was formalized on September 18, 1947, via the National Security Act. It grew from early militia aviation to a robust force, notably responding post-9/11 with Operation Noble Eagle (179 missions in 24 hours) and evolving to include modern assets like the F-35 by 2025.
Related
See Also Links to related programs articles or organizations: