N.D. Cent. Code § 37-03-01
The governor shall appoint the adjutant general. Each candidate for the office must have been a federally recognized commissioned officer of the national guard for a period of at least three years immediately preceding the appointment, must have obtained the rank of lieutenant colonel or higher, and must have completed the educational requirements for appointment as a federally recognized general officer. The term of office is for six years and commences on July 1, 2001, and on every sixth anniversary thereof. The governor shall fill a vacancy for an unexpired term. The salary of the adjutant general must be within the appropriation for salaries by the legislative assembly. The adjutant general must have an office at the state capital. The provisions of chapter 37-04 relating to the vacation of commissions, retirement, and discharge apply to the adjutant general.
N.D.C.C. § 37-03-01