The office of the adjutant general, with the rank of major general in the national guard, is created. He or she shall be the commanding general of the military establishment. Under the direction of the governor, he or she is charged with the responsibility for the command, administration, logistics, training, and fiscal direction of the military establishment. He or she may perform any act authorized by this chapter or the regulations issued pursuant to this act through or with the aid of such officers, officials, or directors of the military department as he or she may designate. The adjutant general shall direct the planning for the organization and employment of the forces of the organized militia in carrying out their state military mission and establish unified command of state forces whenever they shall be jointly engaged.