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HomeMilitary and Veterans CodeDiv. 2Pt. 1Ch. 2Art. 3§ 162 Adjutant General Appointment Requirements

§ 162 Adjutant General Appointment Requirements

Military and Veterans Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 162 Adjutant General Appointment Requirements

This law says the Governor chooses the Adjutant General, but only someone who has at least 10 years in the National Guard and specific recent leadership experience can be picked.

Key Takeaways

  • •The Governor appoints the Adjutant General with Senate approval.
  • •The appointee must have at least 10 years of National Guard service.
  • •Within the last 10 years, they need at least 4 years as a field‑grade officer in the California National Guard and 4 years in a battalion‑level command or equivalent staff role.

Example

The Governor wants to name a new Adjutant General and looks at Colonel Jane Doe, who has served 12 years in the National Guard, spent the last 5 years as a battalion commander, and also worked 4 years as a staff officer at the brigade level.

Because Jane meets the 10‑year total service rule and has the required recent command or staff time, the Governor can nominate her, the Senate must approve, and she will serve until the Governor decides to replace her or a new qualified person is chosen.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 162 Adjutant General Appointment Requirements

The Governor, as Commander in Chief, shall appoint the Adjutant General, who shall be on state active duty, in the grade of lieutenant general, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and that person shall hold office at the pleasure of the Governor, or until their successor is appointed and has qualified. A person is not eligible for appointment as Adjutant General unless they have no less than a total of 10 years of commissioned service in the National Guard of the United States, of which at least four years shall be service as a field grade officer in the California National Guard within the preceding 10-year period prior to the date of appointment and of which at least four years shall have been in command of army or air troops at the battalion or equivalent or higher command level or four years as a staff officer at brigade or equivalent or higher staff level. (Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 129, Sec. 13. (SB 1097) Effective January 1, 2025.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

Adjutant GeneralCommander in ChiefNational Guardfield grade officerbattalion or equivalentbrigade or equivalent

Related Statutes

  • § 176 National Guard Exhibitions
  • § 160 Adjutant General'S Authority
  • § 160.5 Military Leadership Reference Update
  • § 163 Adjutant General Duties
  • § 164 Adjutant General Staff Appointments

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Military and Veterans Code. Section 162.
View Official Source