A. The state defense force shall be uniformed. The adjutant general shall by regulation prescribe the uniform and insignia of the state defense force, which uniform and insignia shall include distinctive devices identifying it as the uniform of the state defense force and distinguishing it from the national guard. When in uniform, members of the state defense force will reasonably conform to the dress and appearance standards of the national guard. The wearing of permanent military decorations earlier awarded is authorized.
B. The grade structure of the state defense force shall to the extent practicable be the same as that prescribed for the army national guard.
C. The senior line officer without distinction as to component present in any organization or formation of the state defense force shall command, unless the adjutant general shall designate otherwise.
History: 1978 Comp., § 20-5-6, enacted by Laws 1987, ch. 318, § 37; 2021, ch. 55, § 7.
Repeals and reenactments. — Laws 1987, Chapter 318 repealed former 20-5-6 NMSA 1978, as enacted by Laws 1972, ch. 42, § 1, relating to duty as workman, and enacted a new section, effective April 10, 1987.
The 2021 amendment, effective June 18, 2021, removed from the governor the duty to prescribe the uniform and insignia of the state defense force, and required the adjutant general to do so by regulation; and in Subsection A, after the second occurrence of "The", changed "governor" to "adjutant general".
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 6 C.J.S. Armed Services § 289.
Structure New Mexico Statutes
Article 5 - State Defense Force
Section 20-5-1 - New Mexico state defense force established; not in federal service; definitions.
Section 20-5-3 - Composition; enlistment; appointment.
Section 20-5-4 - Administration of oaths.
Section 20-5-5 - Standing cadre; composition of units.
Section 20-5-6 - Uniform; rank precedence and command.
Section 20-5-8 - Discharge; dismissal.
Section 20-5-9 - Arms and equipment; facilities.
Section 20-5-11 - Members not liable for acts in performance of duty.
Section 20-5-13 - Discrimination prohibited; penalty.
Section 20-5-14 - Military leave.
Section 20-5-15 - Exemptions; process; uniforms and equipment.
Section 20-5-16 - State defense force; workers' compensation; cadre duty.