National Guard.

The National Guard is a state-based military force with units in each state, the District of Columbia (D.C.), and the territories of Guam, the United States (US) Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.  In general, the National Guard of each state or territory is funded by the state or territory and under the control of the state or territory's governor.  The D.C. National Guard is under the sole control of the federal government.

The National Guard may operate in one of three different statuses.

State Active Duty.

A Governor can activate National Guard personnel to "State Active Duty" in response to natural or man-made disasters or Homeland Defense missions.  State Active Duty status is regulated under the statutes of each state.

Title 10 of the United States Code.

Under Title 10 of the United States Code (U.S.C.), the President is permitted to order National Guard forces to active duty or call them into federal service.  National Guard forces temporarily become part of the federal armed forces and operate under the command and control of the President until returned to state status.  Under Title 10 U.S.C. status, the National Guard is considered to be "federalized."

Title 32 of the United States Code.

Title 32 U.S.C. authorizes the National Guard to perform activities specified by Congress and undertake missions at the request of the President or Secretary of Defense.  Activities are paid with federal funds, but the National Guard remains under the command and control of the state or territory's governor.

Interstate Compacts. 

The Washington Military Department is a signatory to two multi-state compacts:  the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) and the Pacific Northwest Emergency Management Arrangement (PNEMA).  The EMAC is a national interstate mutual aid compact that facilitates the sharing of resources, personnel, and equipment across state lines during times of disaster and emergency.  Membership of the EMAC includes all 50 states, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and D.C.  The PNEMA is an interjurisdictional agreement that enables entities to provide mutual assistance and share resources for cooperative activities across jurisdictional lines.  Membership of the PNEMA includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, the Province of British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory.  Assistance occurs under the EMAC and the PNEMA only upon request by a state.  To receive assistance under the EMAC, the Governor must issue a proclamation.

A military force from another state, territory, or district, may not enter Washington for the purpose of military duty unless the military force has permission from the Governor or is acting under the authority of the President.