Wisconsin. National Guard

The Wisconsin National Guard was established as such by Chapter 208, Laws of 1879, but it was preceded by both a territorial and a state militia (WIHV91-A663). As a result of the lack of uniformity among the National Guard units participating in the Spanish-American War, Congress enacted a law in 1903 to unify the National Guard under federal supervision.

The governor, constitutionally, is the commander in chief of the Wisconsin National Guard. However, the National Guard is headed by the Adjutant General's Office (WIHV91-A665), who serves as chief of staff to the governor. Also under the Adjutant General's administration is the Wisconsin Air National Guard (WIHV91-A357), established in June 1947. The 1967 executive branch reorganization act (Ch. 75) created a Dept. of Military Affairs (WIHV91-A356) with program responsibilities for the Wisconsin National Guard and the Air Guard. The above form of name is used for Army Guard military unit records; administrative records dated before 1967 are cataloged under "Wisconsin. Adjutant General's Office" (with "Wisconsin National Guard" as a topical heading in these cases), or under "Wisconsin. Dept. of Military Affairs" or its subunits if dated after 1967.

The Wisconsin National Guard is maintained by both the federal and state governments. The federal government provides arms and ammunition, equipment and uniforms, military and support personnel pay, and major outdoor training facilities. The state assumes the obligation of providing personnel, conducting training as required under the National Defense Act, and sharing the cost of constructing, maintaining, and operating armories and other military facilities. The federal, and prime, mission of the Guard is to support the active Army in time of war or national emergency. Its secondary mission is to provide protection of life and property and preserve peace, order, and public safety.

From the description of Agency history record. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 145779310