About the Department
Ridgeway Department of Defense
The state authority responsible for the organization, training, and employment of the Ridgeway National Guard and Ridgeway State Guard.
The Ridgeway Department of Defense (RW DoD) is the executive department of the State of Ridgeway responsible for the organization, equipping, training, and employment of the state’s military forces. The Department operates under the authority of the Governor and is led by the Secretary of Defense.
Two component commands fall under the Department: the Ridgeway National Guard (RNG), which may be federally recognized and called into national service, and the Ridgeway State Guard (RSG), an entirely state-controlled reserve militia that provides continuity of security and support functions whenever the National Guard is deployed or federalized.
Together, these forces are tasked with homeland defense, disaster response, critical infrastructure protection, and support to civil authorities during states of emergency.
National Guard
Federally recognized reserve force
Department of Defense
Executive command authority
State Guard
State-controlled defense militia
Our Mission
To protect the lives, property, and interests of the people of Ridgeway through a ready, professional, and accountable defense force, prepared to respond to state emergencies and support national defense when called.
Leadership
The Department is led by the Secretary of Defense, who serves concurrently as the Adjutant General, and is appointed by the Governor & confirmed by the State Senate. The Adjutant General commands the Department of Defense and the Ridgeway National Guard, and the Commander, State Guard leads the Ridgeway State Guard.