The Adjutant General of Minnesota is the commander of the Minnesota National Guard which includes both the Minnesota Army National Guard, the Minnesota Air National Guard, and, when active, the Minnesota State Guard and Minnesota Naval Militia. The Adjutant General (or 'TAG') is responsible for all state, non-federalized military and state defense forces and reports directly to the Governor of Minnesota. Minnesota's TAG is appointed by the governor and currently serves a single term of seven years.
According to Minnesota Statute ç190.07 the Adjutant General must at the minimum hold the rank of Colonel (O-6) or higher with no less than 10 years of service, three of which they must have been a commissioned officer. The Adjutant General must be appointed by the Governor of Minnesota within 120 days of a vacancy of the position. The statute also states that the Adjutant General "shall be promoted, if necessary, directly to and shall hold the rank of major general. If not already a major general, the adjutant general's promotion is effective beginning on the date the governor appoints the adjutant general. At the time of appointment and in accordance with the authorities governing federal recognition of officers, the adjutant general is authorized to wear the rank of major general".
There have been 32 people who have served as Adjutant General in Minnesota; one of which, Horatio P. Van Cleve, served two nonconsecutive terms. The longest serving Adjutant General of Minnesota was Major General Ellard A. Walsh of the 34th Infantry Division who served for a total of 22 years from July 1, 1927 to October 2, 1949.
The following have served as Adjutant General of Minnesota Territory:
The following have served as Adjutant General of Minnesota: