19-10-101. Organization by governor; appointment of council; removal; control.

(a) If the national guard of Wyoming is ordered into the service of the United States, the governor may organize and maintain within this state during that period, under such regulations as the secretary of defense may prescribe, such military forces as may be authorized by the secretary of defense or as the governor deems necessary for the defense of the state. The forces shall be known as the Wyoming state guard. Insofar as practicable, the existing laws, rules and regulations governing the national guard shall be applied to the control of the Wyoming state guard. The force shall be of such strength as directed by the secretary of defense, with such expansion in the future as may be authorized. The Wyoming state guard shall be armed, trained and equipped in such manner as may be prescribed by the secretary of defense or the governor of Wyoming.

(b) For the purpose of coordinating desirable national defense activities, the governor shall appoint a Wyoming state council of defense. The council, subject to the approval of the governor, may organize necessary subordinate branches and establish rules and regulations for the operation of the council and subordinate branches, and assist in all matters pertaining to the Wyoming state guard and other state or national defense activities not otherwise covered by law. Appointment to the council of defense is not limited by any requirements as to prior military or naval service. The governor may remove any member as provided in W.S. 9-1-202.

(c) The adjutant general of Wyoming shall be in control of the Wyoming state guard, subordinate only to the governor in matters pertaining thereto. He is further charged with the responsibility of coordinating all other defense activities as are provided by W.S. 19-8-103 and 19-10-101 through 19-10-108.