Puerto Rico State Guard

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The Puerto Rico State Guard (PRSG) is Puerto Rico’s state defense force. It operates under the governor, who delegates authority to the Puerto Rico Adjutant General. Its main job is to support the Puerto Rico National Guard and to take on its missions for Puerto Rico if the National Guard is mobilized.

History and size
The PRSG was first created in 1942 during World War II and disbanded in 1946. It was revived in 1971 and has stayed active since. It is one of the few state defense forces with an air division and is made up of about 1,500 soldiers and airmen.

Organization and role
The PRSG is a voluntary, professional military corps and a major part of the Puerto Rico Military Forces, alongside the Puerto Rico Army National Guard and the Puerto Rico Air National Guard. It reports to the Adjutant General and has units concentrated in the San Juan metro area and in Ponce, Mayagüez, Caguas, and Ceiba. The PRSG includes an air base group, six support groups, a search-and-rescue company, a military academy, and headquarters units. It is closely integrated with the PRANG and can take over PRANG installations if mobilized.

Authority and duties
As a state defense force, the PRSG is authorized under state and federal law and operates under the governor’s command. Appointments and commissions are issued by the governor. PRSG personnel are typically volunteers, including many veterans and professionals, who train and serve without federal pay. When called to state active duty, they receive pay at the level of their rank.

Functions and activities
The PRSG can support the PRNG in security, engineering, transportation, chaplaincy, emergency management, legal and medical services, and other areas. It also represents the PRNG in civic activities and helps with emergency response, natural disasters, and community services. The PRSG played a role in Puerto Rico’s COVID-19 response alongside the PRNG and civilian authorities.

Air component
Along with a ground force, the PRSG operates an air division. The 1st Air Base Group at Muñiz Air National Guard Base works with PRANG units, including the 156th Wing, and includes multiple squadrons and support units. Training for PRSG air personnel follows USAF regulations and coordinates with PRNG rules.

Legal status
PRSG members are part of a statutory military entity of Puerto Rico with ranks and training similar to the National Guard. They are subject to military law in Puerto Rico and can be called to state active duty by the governor. The PRSG is not normally eligible for federal service or benefits, but in certain circumstances the federal government may provide support or equipment.