When National Guard troops are called to federal service, the President serves as Commander-In-Chief.

The federal mission assigned to the National Guard is: "To provide properly trained and equipped units for prompt mobilization for war, National emergency or as otherwise needed."

The Governor may call individuals or units of the Colorado National Guard into state service during emergencies or to assist in special situations which lend themselves to use of the National Guard.

When active, it is responsible for augmenting the Colorado National Guard in their stateside duties.

[4] The Colorado Wing of the Civil Air Patrol falls under a federal command structure.