[1] with the Governor of New York Kathy Hochul serving as Commander in Chief of the state's militia forces.

[2] All of the armories in New York State are run directly or indirectly by the Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

However, there have been a significant number of individual activations to support military operations after the September 11 terrorist attacks; the legality of this policy is a major issue within the National Guard.

The New York Guard comprises a large number of retired active and reserve military personnel and selected professionals who volunteer their time and talents in further service to their state.

[4] Since 1997, New York has allowed members of the United States Coast Guard Reserve to join the naval militia as well.

[8] Time spent at the National Interagency Counterdrug Institute does not count towards this award's eligibility requirement.