Established in 1849, the California National Guard is part of the California Military Department, which also includes the office of Adjutant General of California, commander of all the military forces in the state; the California State Military Reserve; the California Cadet Corps; and the California Naval Militia.
The California National Guard Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, or unit patch, was approved in June 1952. In a hexagon with a blue background is a grizzly bear striding across the land in front of a rising sun. The bear, symbolizing strength, is taken from the state flag, while the golden rays of the sun are a nod to the nickname the “Golden State,” a reference to the discovery of gold in 1848. The red bands represent courage.
Headquartered in the state capitol of Sacramento, the California National Guard has over 23,000 members and comprises both Army National Guard and Air National Guard units.
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