The senior medical officer of the National Guard shall be the Surgeon General. He shall advise the Adjutant General in all matters pertaining to the health of the members of the armed forces of the state. He shall recommend for appointment post surgeons to serve the armed forces of the state. He shall review physical examinations of officers and enlisted personnel when any question exists as to their physical qualifications and render his recommendations to the Adjutant General. His compensation for such services shall be five hundred dollars per year.