Maryland National Guard urges SB 128 to clarify command during mixed federal/state status

Brigadier General Andrew Collins, deputy agent general for the Maryland National Guard, testified in support of Senate Bill 128, which he said clarifies supervision and command for National Guard personnel when members serve under mixed federal and state statuses.

Collins told the committee the bill "does not have a fiscal impact" and that it makes clear that operational command and control of Maryland National Guard and Maryland Military Department personnel remains with the adjutant general, who reports to the governor. He explained that National Guard members can serve under three statuses: Title 10 (federal, commanded by the president), Title 32 (federally funded but under state command), and state active duty (state funded and under the governor). SB 128, Collins said, applies to Title 32 and state active duty to prevent gaps in command when personnel are in mixed statuses.

In response to questions from Senator Brooks and Senator Carrozza, Collins described how, under current statute, a commander in a federal status could be limited in commanding a unit placed on state active duty and used a recent snowstorm response as an example where such limitations would impede operations. He urged the committee to issue a favorable report.

The transcript does not record any formal committee vote on SB 128 during the excerpt provided.