N.M. Stat. § 20-1-4
Governor to be commander-in-chief; enforcement of New
Mexico Military Code.
A. The governor shall be the commander-in-chief of the military forces, except so
much thereof as may be in the actual service of the United States, and may employ the
military forces for the defense or relief of the state, the enforcement of its law and the
protection of life and property therein.
B. The adjutant general shall be the commanding general of New Mexico, and the
deputy adjutant general shall be the deputy commanding general of New Mexico.
C. Whenever the governor or acting governor is unable to personally perform the
duties of commander-in-chief or whenever the governor so directs, the adjutant general
or, in the adjutant general's absence, the senior line officer of the national guard present
for duty with the troops shall command the military forces.
D. The governor may appoint a staff consisting of the adjutant general and aides-
de-camp of field grade or higher who shall be detailed from the national guard or the
state defense force. The governor may designate honorarily other persons as colonels
aide-de-camp.
E. The governor may, by executive orders, proclamations or regulations not
inconsistent with law, enforce all the provisions of the New Mexico Military Code.