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The Oregon Military Department’s purpose is to administer, house, equip and train the Oregon National Guard – a ready force to support the Governor during events of unrest or natural disasters, and as a reserve force to the United States Air Force and the United States Army. The Oregon National Guard has a long tradition and history dating back to 1843.

The Guard is found in both the United States Constitution and the Oregon Constitution. The tradition and history of the Oregon National Guard was grounded on the basis of its mission statement; “A ready force equipped and trained to respond to any contingency. When we are needed, we are there.”

Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution authorizes the organization and funding of the Oregon National Guard. It states, in part;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress.