SecDef has control of the Guard, per an EO.
“SecDef has control of the Guard, per an EO.”
Yes, but who called them up? I’m still not clear on that, as I’ve read that it was Pence, then that it was Pelosi, then that it was the mayor of D.C.; and then apparently the governors of Virginia and Maryland activated some of their Guard units.
The Guard can be activated for service in their respective states upon declaration of a state of emergency by the governor of the state or territory where they serve, or in the case of Washington, D.C., by the Commanding General.
So, I understand who actually activates the Guard, but doesn’t the request have to come from a proper official (like, a governor)?
I was active duty USAF during Vietnam, so I am not really up on all the nuances of the Guard. But as part of the military, the Guard would necessarily fall under the umbrella of the DoD. But who would exercise direct control? I’d assume that would be the Commandant of the National Guard and the regional or state Guard commanding general. But then, wouldn’t they be subject to the direction of the civilian authority (such as a governor), who can say “Stand off and withdraw, as we are declaring the emergency over.”?
I just don’t know.