NSAs are the generals of the Army of Light

The standard-bearers of this Nine Year Plan are the Hands of the Cause of God. The responsibility for directing the work will rest upon the shoulders of the National Spiritual Assemblies, the generals of the Army of Light, under the guidance of the Universal House of Justice.

(Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986)

https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/muhj-1963-1986/muhj-1963-1986.docx