Whenever the National Guard of Puerto Rico, or any part thereof, should be called to Active Federal Military Service, the Governor of Puerto Rico is hereby empowered to organize and maintain within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth, and during the time said National Guard of Puerto Rico, or any part thereof, should be rendering such services, such military forces as the Governor may deem necessary for the safety and defense of the Commonwealth.
Said forces shall be composed of those officers and enlisted men appointed or detached to same and of all those male or female citizens of the United States, bona fide residents of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, who are physically and mentally fit and who volunteer to serve in said forces. This body shall be an integral part of the Military Forces of Puerto Rico and shall be known as the “State Guard of Puerto Rico”.
While the State Guard of Puerto Rico has not been called or ordered partially or totally to service, the Governor may issue those commonwealth appointments, without federal recognition, of officers, noncommissioned officers and enlisted men that he may deem advisable to the effect of maintaining a cadre of units for the State Guard of Puerto Rico. The personnel so appointed may be called to duty with their consent with or without pay, in the discretion of the Governor, to receive periodical or annual training for the periods they may voluntarily accept; Provided, That to such effects, the Governor may delegate to the Adjutant General of Puerto Rico the appointments of noncommissioned officers and enlisted men.
History —June 23, 1969, No. 62, p. 117, § 300; May 19, 1976, No. 44, p. 117, § 10.