There is established in the State a Maryland Defense Force within the Military Department. The Governor is the commander–in–chief of the Maryland Defense Force. The Maryland Defense Force is under the operational control of the Adjutant General. There is a commanding general of the Maryland Defense Force who is appointed by the Adjutant General and serves as such at the pleasure of the Adjutant General. The Maryland Defense Force is a component of the organized militia of the State in addition to and separate from the National Guard. The Maryland Defense Force shall have the primary mission of providing competent and supplemental professional, technical, and military support to the Maryland Army National Guard, the Maryland Air National Guard, and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management. The Maryland Defense Force shall also have other duties and missions as it may be assigned from time to time by competent authority.