The Military Department is responsible for the command, leadership and management of the California National Guard and the Youth and Community Programs. The purpose of the California National Guard is to provide military service supporting this state and the nation. The three missions of the California National Guard are to provide: (1) mission ready forces to the federal government as directed by the President, (2) emergency public safety support to civil authorities as directed by the Governor, and (3) support to the community as approved by proper authority. The Military Department is organized in accordance with federal Departments of the Army and Air Force staffing patterns.

The Military Department Youth and Community Program serves California communities and families by delivering national level, high quality educational support programs, in partnership with the educational community, within a military, academic structured environment. In addition to the funding that flows through the State Treasury, the Military Department also receives federal funding directly from the Department of Defense. A special display titled "Other Federal Funds" shows the funding received from this source.

Since department programs drive the need for infrastructure investment, each department has a related capital outlay program to support this need. For the specifics on the Military Department's Capital Outlay Program, see "Infrastructure Overview."