A. Able-bodied residents of the state meeting the requirements for enlistment prescribed by the department of defense of the United States may, upon application, be enlisted as members of the national guard. They shall be enlisted in the manner prescribed by the Congress of the United States, the president or the secretary of defense, and shall take the oath prescribed for persons enlisting in the national guard of the United States.

B. Persons commissioned or warranted in the national guard shall meet the qualifications prescribed by the department of defense or any subdivision thereof, and are subject to provisions thereof relating to appointment and retirement.