[3] The New Mexico Army National Guard has a dual federal and state mission.

When activated by the state of New Mexico, the Army National Guard is tasked with emergency relief support during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and forest fires; search and rescue operations; support to civil defense authorities; maintenance of vital public services, and counterdrug operations.

The New Mexico Air National Guard has a dual federal and state mission.

When in federal service, it acts as a reserve component of the United States Air Force.

The NMSDF is an all-volunteer, reserve military force which works in parallel to the state's National Guard.