<P> Each state has two mandatory forces, namely the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard . Many states also have state defense forces and a naval militia, which assist, support and augment National Guard forces . </P> <P> The National Guard (or National Guard of a State) differs from the National Guard of the United States; however, the two do go hand - in - hand . </P> <P> The National Guard is a militia force organized by each of the states and territories of the United States . Established under Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code, state National Guard serves as part of the first - line defense for the United States . The state National Guard is divided up into units stationed in each of the 54 states and U.S. territories and operates under their respective state governor or territorial government . The National Guard may be called up for active duty by the state governors or territorial commanding generals to help respond to domestic emergencies and disasters, such as those caused by hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes . </P> <P> The National Guard of the United States is a military reserve force composed of state National Guard members or units under federally recognized active or inactive armed force service for the United States . Created by the Militia Act of 1903, the National Guard of the United States is a joint reserve component of the United States Army and the United States Air Force . The National Guard of the United States maintains two subcomponents: the Army National Guard of the United States for the Army and the Air Force's Air National Guard of the United States . </P>

Who organizes arms and calls up the militia