New Jersey Statutes Title 38A. Military and Veterans Law 38A § 5-1

(a) The Governor shall nominate and appoint all general and flag officers of the militia, with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) All other officers of the militia shall be appointed and commissioned by the Governor upon recommendation of the Adjutant General, after due consideration to nominations of the commanders in the normal chain of command.

(c) No person shall assume the status or perform the duties of an officer until he shall have been duly appointed and announced in orders issued by the Adjutant General.

(d) Officers shall be citizens of the United States and, unless otherwise prescribed by federal law and regulation, shall be at least 21 years of age.