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, the 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 50 states and the 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.