The Oregon Military Department’s purpose is to administer, house, equip, and train the Oregon National Guard – a ready force to support the Governor during events of unrest or natural disasters, and as a reserve force to the United States Air Force and the United States Army. The Oregon National Guard has a long tradition and history dating back to 1843.

The Guard is found in both the United States and the Oregon Constitutions. The tradition and history of the Oregon National Guard were grounded in its mission statement; “A ready force equipped and trained to respond to any contingency. When we are needed, we are there.”

Flickr's Creative Commons Licensing governs photos contained herein. Users may republish or repurpose photographic images posted on this site for other than promotional or commercial use, as dictated in the Creative Commons Licensing Usage Agreement. Proper credit must be given to the photographer and/or the agency.

Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution authorizes the organization and funding of the Oregon National Guard. It states, in part;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress.