The North Carolina National Guard shall, as far as practicable, be uniformed, armed, and equipped with the same type of uniforms, arms and equipment as is or shall be provided for the appropriate regular service. (1917, c. 200, s. 37; C.S., s. 6824; 1959, c. 218, s. 15; 1975, c. 604, s. 2; 2009-281, s. 1; 2011-195, s. 1(a).)