Deputy adjutants general

1. The governor shall appoint a deputy adjutant general for the army national guard and a deputy adjutant general for the air national guard upon recommendation of the adjutant general. At the time of appointment, the deputy adjutants general shall be federally recognized officers in the national guard who have attained at least the rank of colonel and who are eligible for federal recognition at the next higher rank. 2. The deputy adjutants general shall have the rank as is consistent with federal law and regulations to and including the rank of brigadier general. The deputy adjutants general shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. 3. The deputy adjutants general shall serve in the office of the adjutant general and aid by performing such duties as the adjutant general may assign. In the absence or disability of the adjutant general, the senior deputy present for duty, based upon date of appointment under this section, shall perform the duties of that office as acting adjutant general. 4. The adjutant general may appoint a full-time staff within prescribed personnel authorization. Members of the staff who are not in state active duty status are authorized salaries with allowances as provided by law.