Under the "Total Force" concept, Guam Air National Guard units are considered to be Air Reserve Components (ARC) of the United States Air Force (USAF). Guam ANG units are trained and equipped by the Air Force and are operationally gained by a Major Command of the USAF if federalized. In addition, the Guams Air National Guard forces are assigned to Air Expeditionary Forces and are subject to deployment tasking orders along with their active duty and Air Force Reserve counterparts in their assigned cycle deployment window.
Along with their federal reserve obligations, as territorial militia units the elements of the Guam ANG are subject to being activated by order of the Governor to provide protection of life and property, and preserve peace, order and public safety. Territorial missions include disaster relief in times of earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and forest fires, search and rescue, protection of vital public services, and support to civil defense.
During exercises, contingencies, or actual war, the 254th Air Base Group's mission is to provide meteorological support and deploy with, advise, and assist the ground force commander in planning, requesting, coordinating and controlling close air support, tactical air reconnaissance, and tactical airlift.[1] The Guam Air National Guard has a strength of about 450 men and women.
