The Constitution of the United States specifically grants the U.S. Congress the power to "raise armies."

After the American Civil War came to an end in 1865, a segregated company was raised in the Fifth battalion of the Connecticut National Guard so that men of color in New Haven could serve their state.

It comprises approximately 1,200 airmen and officers assigned to the 103rd Airlift Wing and 103rd Air Control Squadron.

[13] Until 2008, the organization was known as the 103rd Fighter Wing (103 FW), operationally gained by the Air Combat Command (ACC) and equipped with A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft.

As a result of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) actions, the wing's A-10 fighter aircraft were reassigned to other units and the 103rd reequipped with C-21 Learjet aircraft as a "placeholder" flying mission under the Air National Guard's VANGUARD[14] program until the 103rd's next flying mission could be determined.

Following this change in mission, the unit was redesignated the 103rd Airlift Wing and placed under the operational claimancy of Air Mobility Command (AMC).

[15] The Connecticut Air National Guard counts one astronaut amongst its former members, Jack Swigert, who flew on Apollo 13.

[16] Brigadier General Daniel L Peabody is the current Assistant Adjutant General-Air, for the CT ANG.

The SDF comprises retired active and reserve military personnel and selected professional persons who volunteer their time and talents in further service to their state.

The Agency traces its roots to May 11, 1637, when the General Courts of the Colony of Connecticut established a military arm of the government.

Agency personnel participated in several wars with Native Americans as well as with and against European colonial powers.

The Connecticut Military Department was officially established as a state agency in 1939 by Chapter 345 of the Public Acts.

[21] The Military Department remains as the largest force provider to the Governor during times of domestic emergencies.