The New Mexico Army National Guard has a dual federal and state mission. When in federal service, it acts as a reserve component of the United States Army. When activated by the state of New Mexico, the Army National Guard is tasked with emergency relief support during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and forest fires; search and rescue operations; support to civil defense authorities; maintenance of vital public services, and counterdrug operations.
The New Mexico Air National Guard has a dual federal and state mission. When in federal service, it acts as a reserve component of the United States Air Force. Like the New Mexico Army National Guard, when activated by the state of New Mexico, the New Mexico Air National Guard may be deployed to support emergency services operations. In addition, the Air National Guard has complete responsibility for the air defense of the United States. The New Mexico Air National Guard is headquartered at Kirtland Air Force Base.
The New Mexico State Defense Force is the state defense force of the state of New Mexico. The NMSDF is an all-volunteer, reserve military force which works in parallel to the state's National Guard. It is authorized by Title 32, Section 109, United States Code, NGB Reg. 10–4, Chapter 20, NMSA, 1978 Comp., the U.S. Constitution, and the New Mexico State Constitution.
The New Mexico Wing Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the highest echelon of Civil Air Patrol in the state of New Mexico. Its headquarters is located at Kirtland Air Force Base.
