Illinois Statutes Chapter 20. Executive Branch § 1815/1-5. Establishment and purpose

(a) This Act establishes the Illinois State Guard (“the State Guard”). The State Guard is the State's non-federally recognized military force which may be composed of members of the Unorganized Militia who are 18 through 45 years of age, and those persons who are 45 through 65 years of age as determined necessary by the Governor.

(b) The Governor is the Commander-in-Chief of the State Guard. The Adjutant General is the Commander of the State Guard. As directed by the Adjutant General, the Department of Military Affairs shall administer the State Guard.

(c) The purpose of the State Guard is to provide the State a capable military force when all or part of the Illinois National Guard is not available for State service due to its possible or actual mobilization into federal service by the President of the United States.