Which body has functional authority over the ANG Recruiting and Retention programs?

The correct choice is the National Guard Bureau (NGB) because it is specifically responsible for overseeing recruiting and retention programs for the Air National Guard (ANG). The NGB functions as a bridge between the state-level National Guards and the federal government, ensuring that recruitment and retention initiatives align with both state and federal objectives.

The NGB provides resources, guidance, and policy direction to the state National Guard units, supporting their efforts to maintain readiness and retention of personnel. This involves developing standards and strategies tailored to the unique aspects of the ANG, distinct from those of the active duty Air Force or other branches of the military.

Other options, while relevant to military command and operations, do not have the specific functional authority that the NGB possesses in relation to ANG recruiting and retention. The Department of Defense and the United States Air Force may influence policies and provide overarching guidelines, but the NGB directly manages the ANG's recruiting and retention efforts. Air National Guard Command pertains more to operational control rather than direct functional authority in recruitment and retention matters.