N.Y. Mil. Law § 11
The adjutant general shall serve as such at the pleasure of the governor and, under his direction, shall exercise control over the division of military and naval affairs of the executive department of the state. The adjutant general may perform any act authorized by this chapter or the regulations issued pursuant to this chapter through or with the aid of such officers, officials or bureaus of the division of military and naval affairs as he may designate. It shall be the duty of the adjutant general to direct the planning and employment of the forces of the organized militia in carrying out their state military mission; to establish unified command of state forces whenever they shall be jointly engaged; to act as the state director of civil defense for the state; to submit an annual written report to the governor in such form as the governor may prescribe; and to perform such other duties as the governor may direct. The adjutant general may appoint such assistant adjutants general as may be necessary. Whenever the governor and those who would act in succession to the governor under the constitution and laws of the state shall be unable to perform the duties of commander-in-chief, the adjutant general shall command the militia.
N.Y. Mil. Law § 11