Who is primarily responsible for overseeing the National Guard's statewide operations?

The governor of the state is primarily responsible for overseeing the National Guard's statewide operations. In the context of the National Guard, the governor acts as the Commander-in-Chief of the state’s National Guard units when they are not federalized. This oversight includes managing personnel, resources, and response to emergencies within the state, such as natural disasters or civil disturbances.

While the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States have overall authority and responsibility for the military and may call the National Guard into federal service, their roles are limited to broader national defense strategies and federal missions. The Chief of the National Guard Bureau primarily serves as a liaison between the state National Guards and the Department of Defense but does not exercise direct operational control over state missions. Thus, it is the governor's authority and responsibility that ensure the National Guard serves effectively during state emergencies and missions.