The ABDF has responsibility for several different roles: internal security, prevention of drug smuggling, the protection and support of fishing rights, prevention of marine pollution, search and rescue, ceremonial duties, assistance to government programs, provision of relief during natural disasters, assistance in the maintenance of essential services, and support of the police in maintaining law and order.

The Defence Board has the authority to govern its work, how it will carry out its duties, and the responsibilities of its members.

It can also assign any member of the Board any authority or duty, by publishing a notice in the Official Gazette; consult with non-members as appropriate, including officers commanding units of the Force, regarding matters pertaining to their units; and the officers are required to attend the meetings as the Board requests; decide on the protocol to be followed in conducting its business; and provide for any other matter that it deems necessary or desirable for achieving the better performance of its functions.

His Majesty has the authority to appoint people to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, and the Governor-General may act in that capacity.

[7] Each officer and soldier in the first class of the Reserve is required to report for duty at the location and for the duration determined by the Defence Board.

Under section 203, officers and soldiers who are called out for duty are not required to serve for more than ninety days at a time.

[7] The Governor-General may, on the advice of the Prime Minister, by proclamation order that the Reserve, or any class thereof, be called out on permanent service in the event of a state of war, insurrection, hostilities, or public emergency; the Defence Board will then take appropriate action.

[9] Every regular force soldier who is eligible for discharge will be released as soon as possible, subject to the Defence Act.

Upon their release from active duty, all regular force soldiers will receive a certificate of discharge that includes the necessary information.

If a regular force warrant officer is demoted to the ranks, he or she may request to be discharged, barring a state of war, insurrection, hostilities, or public emergency.

Regular Force soldiers have the right to request their discharge at any point within three months of the date of their first attestation.