1. Administering and employing the Virginia Militia, as set forth in § 44-1;

2. Integrating into state operations all supporting Department of Defense capabilities and those forces provided by supporting states in a Title 32 or State Active Duty status;

3. Providing for the safety of citizens of the Commonwealth by maintaining order and public safety and assisting in counter-drug efforts, in cooperation with Virginia State Police and local law-enforcement agencies;

4. Preparing and executing contingency plans to provide for a timely and capable response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive incidents;

5. Preparing and executing contingency plans necessary for the provision of homeland defense;

6. Ensuring the support to families of service members of the Virginia National Guard;

7. Administering a state at-risk program for youth; and

8. Recruiting a force sufficiently manned and trained to accomplish the above duties.