It responds to state and national emergencies, military conflicts and natural disasters, and conducts search and rescue operations.

The modern Guard includes citizen soldiers, and its motto is "When we are needed, we are there."

The Oregon Army National Guard consists of 41 armories in 33 communities.

The current units and structure of the guard is;[1] Oregon Army National Guard soldiers have been deployed to Afghanistan, ranging from 9 months to more than a year.

Some provided security in Afghanistan during the drawdown of troops.