State Defense Forces
Encyclopedia
State defense forces (also known as state guards, state military reserves, or state militias) in the United States
are military units that operate under the sole authority of a state government; they are partially regulated by the National Guard Bureau but they are not a part of the Army National Guard of the United States. State defense forces are authorized by state and federal law and are under the command of the governor
of each state
.
State defense forces are distinct from their state's National Guard in that they cannot become federal entities (all state National Guard units can be federalized under the National Defense Act of 1933 with the creation of the National Guard of the United States. The federal government recognizes state defense forces under which provides that state defense forces as a whole may not be called, ordered, or drafted into the armed forces
of the United States, thus preserving their separation from the National Guard. However, under the same law, individual members serving in the state defense force are not exempt from service in the armed forces. NGR 10-4 further states: "No person may become a member of a SDF if he or she is a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States."
Nearly every state has laws authorizing state defense forces, and 22 states, plus Puerto Rico
, have active SDFs with different levels of activity, support, and strength. State defense forces generally operate with emergency management and homeland security missions. Most SDFs are organized as army units, but air and naval units also exist.
s to supply the majority of its troops. In 1903, the predecessor to the modern-day National Guard was formed to augment the militia and Regular Army
with a federally controlled reserve force. In 1933, Congress finalized the split between the National Guard and the state defense forces by mandating that all federally-funded soldiers take a dual enlistment/commission and thus enter both the state National Guard (Title 32) and the National Guard of the United States (Title 10). This division forced states to maintain both a National Guard and a state defense force if they desired to have non-federal soldiers. During World War II
, much of the National Guard was deployed on federal duty. Many states continued to maintain distinct state militias (some building on ones that never ceased to exist) to defend their own territories and shorelines.
and Army
), having them report to the governor through the state's adjutant general
. State defense forces are not funded by the federal government, and in most states members are on a volunteer basis. Volunteers have to purchase their own uniforms and most, if not all, of their own equipment.
Because many members of state defense forces are veterans who have retained ranks received from service in the armed forces, some state defense forces have an inflated grade structure. Advocates reply that the grades worn by state defense force members accurately reflect the many years of experience that veterans (often military or naval retirees) bring to the state forces. Some SDF soldiers use the two-letter state abbreviation in parenthesis after their rank to indicate the origin of their grade. For example, a major in the California State Military Reserve
would give his or her rank as "MAJ (CA)." However, numerous states do not practice this notation because many senior commissioned and noncommissioned officers earned their rank while serving at the federal level. Moreover, Army regulations require the service branch title to appear after the rank and name (e.g., COL John S. Smith, CSMR).
While in the past many state defense forces were organized as military police brigades or infantry brigades, the experiences of recent events such as Hurricane Katrina
has changed attitudes and plans. Civil affairs units and medical units now predominate in some states. Organization levels may be inflated: a battalion
may have less than 100 members, and a state defense force brigade
may have less than 300 soldiers.
Community Emergency Response Team
s (CERTs) are being organized by several SDFs by utilizing training offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
's Citizen Corps
. Some states follow the lead of the Army and offer a permanent tab (worn in a similar manner as the Army's Ranger
and Sapper tabs) as an incentive to become certified as part of the local or unit CERT team. CERT teams are open to any able-bodied citizen and are a good way for SDFs to integrate into their communities.
Weapons qualification and training is provided in some SDFs. However, most SDFs lack sufficient training standards to maintain proficiency in weapons utilization. A 2006 study by the U.S. Freedom Foundation recommended minimum standards for state defense forces including weapons training, but the report has been largely ignored. Some SDFs have laws that in the event of deployment by order of the state legislature and/or governor, they will become armed.
Uniforms vary from state to state and tend to have only subtle differences not easily discerned by civilians. For example, the Texas State Guard wears standard U.S. Army camouflage uniforms (but do not wear a beret unless in dress uniform), a state guard unit patch, and the "U.S. Army" name tape replaced with one reading "Texas State Guard." Similarly, the California State Military Reserve wears a uniform almost indistinguishable from the U.S. Army uniform worn by its federal counterparts in the National Guard except for the unit patch, beret flash, and the "California" name tape. Outer garments such as a Gore-Tex
jacket will have a subdued "CA" beneath the rank insignia. A similar pattern can be found in the New York Guard. The Georgia State Defense Force
often works in tandem with and support of federal troops. The Georgia State Defense Force wears the ACU
with a unique Georgia SDF red flash on the U.S. Army's black beret and "Georgia" in place of the "U.S. Army" uniform name tape. The Tennessee State Guard and Alabama State Defense Force can wear either BDU's or the "tactical response uniform" ("TRU") in the M81 Woodland
pattern but whose cut and accouterments match the ACU
but cannot mix pieces.
The few states with both SDF air and naval units wear modified USAF and USN/USMC uniforms. Currently, only Ohio and New York have uniformed naval militia. Only Texas and Puerto Rico have an air wing, though Indiana formerly had an Air Guard Reserve.
In all cases, the state adjutant general has final say on uniforms worn by state defense forces, though federal service regulations generally shape the policies of each state.
, coupled with several statutory and case laws, details the relationship of state defense forces to the federal government. Outside of 32 USC 109, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled: "It is true that the state defense forces 'may not be called, ordered, or drafted into the armed forces.' 32 U.S.C. 109(c). It is nonetheless possible that they are subject to call under 10 U.S.C. 331-333, which distinguish the 'militia' from the 'armed forces,' and which appear to subject all portions of the 'militia' - organized or not - to call if needed for the purposes specified in the Militia Clauses" (Perpich v. Department of Defense
, 496 U.S. 334 (1990)). The following is an extract of the laws which the U.S. Supreme Court cited giving the federal government authority to activate the state defense forces:
10 USC 331 - “Federal aid for State governments”
10 USC 332 – “Use of militia and armed forces to enforce Federal authority”
10 USC 333 – “Interference with State and Federal law”
(1) so hinders the execution of the laws of that State, and of the United States within the State, that any part or class of its people is deprived of a right, privilege, immunity, or protection named in the Constitution and secured by law, and the constituted authorities of that State are unable, fail, or refuse to protect that right, privilege, or immunity, or to give that protection; or
(2) opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws.
In any situation covered by clause (1), the State shall be considered to have denied the equal protection of the laws secured by the Constitution.
* Colorado does not operate an active state defense force, but rather has a statutory state defense force staffed by one individual appointed by the governor.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
are military units that operate under the sole authority of a state government; they are partially regulated by the National Guard Bureau but they are not a part of the Army National Guard of the United States. State defense forces are authorized by state and federal law and are under the command of the governor
Governor (United States)
In the United States, the title governor refers to the chief executive of each state or insular territory, not directly subordinate to the federal authorities, but the political and ceremonial head of the state.-Role and powers:...
of each state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
.
State defense forces are distinct from their state's National Guard in that they cannot become federal entities (all state National Guard units can be federalized under the National Defense Act of 1933 with the creation of the National Guard of the United States. The federal government recognizes state defense forces under which provides that state defense forces as a whole may not be called, ordered, or drafted into the armed forces
Military of the United States
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
of the United States, thus preserving their separation from the National Guard. However, under the same law, individual members serving in the state defense force are not exempt from service in the armed forces. NGR 10-4 further states: "No person may become a member of a SDF if he or she is a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States."
Nearly every state has laws authorizing state defense forces, and 22 states, plus Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
, have active SDFs with different levels of activity, support, and strength. State defense forces generally operate with emergency management and homeland security missions. Most SDFs are organized as army units, but air and naval units also exist.
Origins
From its founding until the early 1900s, the United States maintained only a minimal army and relied on state militiaMilitia
The term militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency law enforcement, or paramilitary service, in times of emergency without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. It is a polyseme with...
s to supply the majority of its troops. In 1903, the predecessor to the modern-day National Guard was formed to augment the militia and Regular Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
with a federally controlled reserve force. In 1933, Congress finalized the split between the National Guard and the state defense forces by mandating that all federally-funded soldiers take a dual enlistment/commission and thus enter both the state National Guard (Title 32) and the National Guard of the United States (Title 10). This division forced states to maintain both a National Guard and a state defense force if they desired to have non-federal soldiers. During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, much of the National Guard was deployed on federal duty. Many states continued to maintain distinct state militias (some building on ones that never ceased to exist) to defend their own territories and shorelines.
Organization
Many states organize their state defense force parallel to their National Guard force (both AirAir National Guard
The Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
and Army
Army National Guard
Established under Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code, the Army National Guard is part of the National Guard and is divided up into subordinate units stationed in each of the 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia operating under their respective governors...
), having them report to the governor through the state's adjutant general
Adjutant general
An Adjutant General is a military chief administrative officer.-Imperial Russia:In Imperial Russia, the General-Adjutant was a Court officer, who was usually an army general. He served as a personal aide to the Tsar and hence was a member of the H. I. M. Retinue...
. State defense forces are not funded by the federal government, and in most states members are on a volunteer basis. Volunteers have to purchase their own uniforms and most, if not all, of their own equipment.
Because many members of state defense forces are veterans who have retained ranks received from service in the armed forces, some state defense forces have an inflated grade structure. Advocates reply that the grades worn by state defense force members accurately reflect the many years of experience that veterans (often military or naval retirees) bring to the state forces. Some SDF soldiers use the two-letter state abbreviation in parenthesis after their rank to indicate the origin of their grade. For example, a major in the California State Military Reserve
California State Military Reserve
The California State Military Reserve is the state defense force of California. The military reserve was formed to provide California a trained and organized military force in the event of a state security emergency when the National Guard is deployed...
would give his or her rank as "MAJ (CA)." However, numerous states do not practice this notation because many senior commissioned and noncommissioned officers earned their rank while serving at the federal level. Moreover, Army regulations require the service branch title to appear after the rank and name (e.g., COL John S. Smith, CSMR).
While in the past many state defense forces were organized as military police brigades or infantry brigades, the experiences of recent events such as Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
has changed attitudes and plans. Civil affairs units and medical units now predominate in some states. Organization levels may be inflated: a battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
may have less than 100 members, and a state defense force brigade
Brigade
A brigade is a major tactical military formation that is typically composed of two to five battalions, plus supporting elements depending on the era and nationality of a given army and could be perceived as an enlarged/reinforced regiment...
may have less than 300 soldiers.
Federal bills specific to state defense forces
Various bills have been introduced in the United States Congress to improve the state defense forces. These include:- HR 206 State Defense Force Improvement Act, 2009, 111th Congress (did not pass)
- HR 5658 Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act FY09, 2008, 110th Congress (did not pass)
- HR 826 State Defense Force Improvement Act, 2007, 110th Congress (did not pass)
- HR 3401 State Defense Force Improvement Act, 2005, 109th Congress (did not pass)
- HR 2797 State Defense Force Improvement Act, 2003, 108th Congress (did not pass)
State defense force references
- National Guard Regulation 10-4, "National Guard Interaction With State Defense Forces", 2011.
- U.S. Army War College Paper "State Defense Forces and Homeland Security"; Arthus Tulak, Robert Kraft, and Don Silbaugh, 2004.
- DoD Report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees on Homeland Defense Force for Homeland Defense and Homeland Security Missions, November 2005 HR Report 108-491.
- American LegionAmerican LegionThe American Legion is a mutual-aid organization of veterans of the United States armed forces chartered by the United States Congress. It was founded to benefit those veterans who served during a wartime period as defined by Congress...
Magazine "A well-regulated militia" (State Defense Forces), 2008.
Training
Training standards vary widely. The Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) qualification created by the State Guard Association of the United States has become a common training focal point among state defense forces. Alabama, California, Indiana, Texas, Ohio and others have adopted the MEMS Badge as a basic qualification required of all members desiring promotion. Training is conducted through MEMS academies in each state, and includes course material provided online by FEMA and other agencies, as well as practical experience in local disaster planning and exercise management.Community Emergency Response Team
Community Emergency Response Team
In the United States a community emergency response team can refer to* one of five federal programs promoted under the umbrella organization Citizen Corps, which is funded in part by the Stafford Act;...
s (CERTs) are being organized by several SDFs by utilizing training offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, initially created by Presidential Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1978 and implemented by two Executive Orders...
's Citizen Corps
Citizen Corps
Citizen Corps is a United States national service program under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security that seeks to mobilize the population of the country against threats to national security as well as to assist in the recovery after a disaster or terrorist attack...
. Some states follow the lead of the Army and offer a permanent tab (worn in a similar manner as the Army's Ranger
Ranger Tab
The Ranger Tab is a service school military decoration of the United States Army signifying completion of the 61-day long Ranger School course in small-unit infantry combat tactics in woodland, mountain, and swamp operations. In December 2009 a British NCO earned the Ranger tab...
and Sapper tabs) as an incentive to become certified as part of the local or unit CERT team. CERT teams are open to any able-bodied citizen and are a good way for SDFs to integrate into their communities.
Weapons qualification and training is provided in some SDFs. However, most SDFs lack sufficient training standards to maintain proficiency in weapons utilization. A 2006 study by the U.S. Freedom Foundation recommended minimum standards for state defense forces including weapons training, but the report has been largely ignored. Some SDFs have laws that in the event of deployment by order of the state legislature and/or governor, they will become armed.
Special units
SDFs include a variety of special units including medical, aviation, and ceremonial units. The following are examples:- Cavalry Troop A, Maryland Defense Force
- 121st Engineer Regiment, Maryland Defense Force
- 10th Medical Regiment, Maryland Defense Force
- Maryland Defense Force Band
- Aviation Battalion, Virginia Defense Force
- Governor's Foot GuardGovernor's Foot GuardThe Governor's Foot Guard of Connecticut are a unit of the State Defense Forces. The First Company was created in 1771 with a Second Company raised in 1775...
, Governor's Horse GuardGovernor's Horse GuardThe Governor's Horse Guard of Connecticut are a unit of the State Defense Forces. They consist of two companies.-History:The First Company was created in 1788 as the Independent Volunteer Troop of Horse Guards in Hartford. A second company was created in 1808 in New Haven...
& Band, Connecticut State Militia - Georgia State Defense Force Band
- 1st Medical Company, Georgia State Defense Force
- Oregon State Defense Force Pipe Band
- Texas State Guard Medical Brigade
- Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) - Small units attached to a number of Texas State Guard Civil Affairs (CA) regiments. QRT undergo specialized training and qualify with approved NATO 9mm sidearm. QRT compete in the Governor's Twenty competition with the Texas Army National Guard and Texas Air National Guard.
- Small Arms Training Team - Small arms and crew served weapons team of the California State Military Reserve
- Search and Rescue Company, Puerto Rico State Guard
- Special Operations (SAR) Branch, Tennessee State Guard
Uniforms
As a general rule, state defense forces wear standard U.S. military uniforms with insignia closely matching those of their federal counterpart, though state variations often stray far from the guidance of NGR 10-4. SDF units generally wear red name tags on service uniforms (as specifically prescribed by AR 670-1 for SDF units when adopting the Army service uniform or BDU), and name tapes on ACU or BDU uniforms use the state defense force name or state name rather than "U.S. Army." Standard U.S. Army corps insignia are often used (sometimes in violation of NGR 10-4), or a unique "state guard" corps insignia consisting of a crossed musket and sword is used instead. Where berets are worn, some state defense forces use a beret flash similar to the one the U.S. Army uses, but in bright red thread instead of the current blue. Other states have beret flashes based on the state flag. Maryland Defense Force soldiers wear a black beret with a distinctive flash. State soldiers in the New York Guard wear a grey beret flash.Uniforms vary from state to state and tend to have only subtle differences not easily discerned by civilians. For example, the Texas State Guard wears standard U.S. Army camouflage uniforms (but do not wear a beret unless in dress uniform), a state guard unit patch, and the "U.S. Army" name tape replaced with one reading "Texas State Guard." Similarly, the California State Military Reserve wears a uniform almost indistinguishable from the U.S. Army uniform worn by its federal counterparts in the National Guard except for the unit patch, beret flash, and the "California" name tape. Outer garments such as a Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is a waterproof/breathable fabric, and a registered trademark of W. L. Gore and Associates. It was co-invented by Wilbert L. Gore, Rowena Taylor, and Gore's son, Robert W. Gore. Robert Gore was granted on April 27, 1976, for a porous form of polytetrafluoroethylene with a...
jacket will have a subdued "CA" beneath the rank insignia. A similar pattern can be found in the New York Guard. The Georgia State Defense Force
Georgia State Defense Force
The Georgia State Defense Force is a military unit of the Georgia Department of Defense, serving in support of the national and state constitutions under direction of the governor and the adjutant general of the U.S. state of Georgia...
often works in tandem with and support of federal troops. The Georgia State Defense Force wears the ACU
Army Combat Uniform
The Army Combat Uniform is the current combat uniform worn by the United States Army. It is the successor to the Battle Dress Uniform and Desert Camouflage Uniform worn during the 1980s and 1990s. It features a number of design changes, as well as a different camouflage pattern from its...
with a unique Georgia SDF red flash on the U.S. Army's black beret and "Georgia" in place of the "U.S. Army" uniform name tape. The Tennessee State Guard and Alabama State Defense Force can wear either BDU's or the "tactical response uniform" ("TRU") in the M81 Woodland
M81 Woodland
Woodland pattern is the name of the default camouflage pattern issued to United States soldiers, Marines, airmen, and sailors from 1981, with the issue of the M81 Battle Dress Uniform until nearly the present day...
pattern but whose cut and accouterments match the ACU
Army Combat Uniform
The Army Combat Uniform is the current combat uniform worn by the United States Army. It is the successor to the Battle Dress Uniform and Desert Camouflage Uniform worn during the 1980s and 1990s. It features a number of design changes, as well as a different camouflage pattern from its...
but cannot mix pieces.
The few states with both SDF air and naval units wear modified USAF and USN/USMC uniforms. Currently, only Ohio and New York have uniformed naval militia. Only Texas and Puerto Rico have an air wing, though Indiana formerly had an Air Guard Reserve.
In all cases, the state adjutant general has final say on uniforms worn by state defense forces, though federal service regulations generally shape the policies of each state.
| Force | Branch Tape Reads | Branch & Name Tape colors | Insignia | Head Covering | Uniform Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State Defense Force Alabama State Defense Force The Alabama State Defense Force is a military entity authorized by the State Code of Alabama. The ASDF is the state’s authorized state defense force and assumes the state mission of the Alabama National Guard in the event the Guard is mobilized... |
AL SDF | Red on olive drab (Branch Tape) Black on olive drab (Name Tape) |
Bright metal pin-on (BDU) Black on olive drab (TRU) |
Patrol cap with bright metal insignia | BDU & TRU |
| Alaska State Defense Force Alaska State Defense Force The Alaska State Defense Force is the State Defense Force of Alaska. It is one of 23 such forces in the U.S. states.The Alaska State Defense Force is the successor of the Alaska Territorial Guard founded during World War II... |
ALASKA | Black on ACU | Black on ACU | ACU patrol cap | ACU |
| California State Military Reserve California State Military Reserve The California State Military Reserve is the state defense force of California. The military reserve was formed to provide California a trained and organized military force in the event of a state security emergency when the National Guard is deployed... |
CALIFORNIA | Black on ACU Blue on ABU |
Black on ACU | ACU patrol cap ABU patrol cap |
ACU ABU |
| Georgia State Defense Force Georgia State Defense Force The Georgia State Defense Force is a military unit of the Georgia Department of Defense, serving in support of the national and state constitutions under direction of the governor and the adjutant general of the U.S. state of Georgia... |
GEORGIA | Black on ACU | Black on ACU | ACU patrol cap Black beret with red flash for special occasions |
ACU |
| Indiana Guard Reserve Indiana Guard Reserve The Indiana Guard Reserve, formerly the Liberty Guard and the Indiana Legion, is a militia force that serves as the State Defense Force of the State of Indiana. The Indiana Guard Reserve serves under the exclusive authority of the Governor of the State of Indiana through his executive agent for... |
INDIANA | Black on ACU | Black on ACU | Black patrol cap | ACU |
| Maryland Defense Force Maryland Defense Force The Maryland Defense Force is the State Defense Force for the state of Maryland, United States. Its main mission is to provide medical, legal, and logistic support for the Maryland Army National Guard and the Maryland Air National Guard. The Maryland Defense Force falls under the command of the... |
MARYLAND | Black on ACU | Black on ACU | Black beret with state flash | ACU |
| Massachusetts State Defense Force Massachusetts State Defense Force The Massachusetts State Defense Force is one of the State Military Forces of Massachusetts. The guard reports directly to the State Adjutant General and is under the command of the Governor. The guard is headquartered at Milford, Massachusetts, in the same building as the National Guard... |
Massachusetts | Black on ACU | Black on ACU | ACU patrol cap | ACU |
| Michigan Volunteer Defense Force Michigan Volunteer Defense Force The Michigan Volunteer Defense Force is a military force, duly constituted as a state defense force and an element of Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The MI VDF was reorganized from the former Michigan Emergency Volunteers by Adjutant General Thomas Cutler in 2004 to fill a... |
MICHIGAN | Black on ACU | Black on ACU | ACU patrol cap | ACU |
| Mississippi State Guard Mississippi State Guard The Mississippi State Guard is the constitutionally authorized State Defense Force of the State of Mississippi. Operating under the authority of the Mississippi Military Department it is on an equal constitutional basis with the Mississippi Army National Guard, and the Mississippi Air National... |
MISSISSIPPI | Black on olive drab | Black on olive drab | Patrol cap & subdued insignia Black beret w/red flash |
BDU |
| New York Guard New York Guard The New York Guard is the State Defense Force of New York State. As of June 2008, the New York Guard, a recognized command under the New York State's Military law, has line-item funding in the state budget.... |
NY GUARD | Black on ACU Black on olive drab (BDU) |
Black on ACU Black on olive drab (BDU) |
Black patrol cap w/bright rank insignia | ACU (BDU authorized until 30 September 2013) |
| Ohio Military Reserve Ohio Military Reserve The Ohio Military Reserve is a military force which supports the State of Ohio along with the Ohio Army National Guard and Ohio Air National Guard in times of natural disaster and state and national emergencies.... |
OHIO | Black on olive drab | Black on olive drab | patrol cap | BDU/TRU |
| Ohio Naval Militia Ohio Naval Militia The Ohio Naval Militia is an organized, unarmed unit that has been serving the State of Ohio and the United States since 1896. It is the naval arm of the State of Ohio's Adjutant General's Department, and is therefore part of Ohio's State Defense Forces.... |
OHIO | Gold/silver on navy blue | Gold/silver on navy blue (E-4 & up) | Naval style 8-point cover | |
| Oregon State Defense Force | OREGON | Black on ACU | Black on ACU | ACU patrol cap with subdued insignia | ACU |
| Puerto Rico State Guard Puerto Rico State Guard The Puerto Rico State Guard is a voluntary professional military corps who offer support for security and medical services in Puerto Rico. The PRSG respond directly to the Adjutant General of Puerto Rico, is commanded by a Brigadier general and is composed of main units in San Juan Metropolitan... |
PRSG ARMY PRSG AIR FORCE |
Black on ACU | Black on ACU | Black beret with yellow & red flash reminiscent of Spanish heraldry | ACU |
| South Carolina State Guard South Carolina State Guard The South Carolina State Guard is the State Defense Force of the U.S. state of South Carolina.The State Guard maintains its headquarters in Columbia, which is the state capitol, and brigade level commands are located in the cities of Columbia , Charleston , and Fountain Inn .-Status:The... |
S.C. STATE GUARD | Gray on black | Black on olive drab | patrol cap | BDU |
| Tennessee State Guard | TN ST GUARD | Black on olive drab | Black on olive drab | Black beret with red flash | TRU |
| Texas State Guard Texas State Guard The Texas State Guard is one of three branches of the military forces of Texas, reporting to the Adjutant General, and under the command of the Governor. The other branches of the State Military Forces of Texas are the Texas Army National Guard, and the Texas Air National Guard.-History:The Texas... |
TEXAS STATE GUARD | Black on olive drab/ACU (Army) | Black on olive drab/ACU | patrol cap | ACU |
| Texas State Guard Maritime Regiment | TEXAS STATE GUARD | Black on MARPAT | Black on MARPAT | Eight-point naval cover | |
| Vermont State Guard | VT STATE GUARD | Black on olive drab | Black on olive drab | patrol cap | BDU |
| Virginia Defense Force | VA. DEF. FORCE | Black on olive drab | Gold on olive drab | patrol cap | BDU |
| Washington State Guard Washington State Guard The Washington State Guard is an all-volunteer State Defense Force for the U.S. state of Washington. It is the third element of the military forces in the Washington Military Department: the Washington Army National Guard, the Washington Air National Guard and State Guard... |
WASHINGTON | Black on ACU | Black on ACU | patrol cap or beret with green flash | ACU |
Federal activation
The U.S. ConstitutionUnited States Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. It is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States.The first three...
, coupled with several statutory and case laws, details the relationship of state defense forces to the federal government. Outside of 32 USC 109, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled: "It is true that the state defense forces 'may not be called, ordered, or drafted into the armed forces.' 32 U.S.C. 109(c). It is nonetheless possible that they are subject to call under 10 U.S.C. 331-333, which distinguish the 'militia' from the 'armed forces,' and which appear to subject all portions of the 'militia' - organized or not - to call if needed for the purposes specified in the Militia Clauses" (Perpich v. Department of Defense
Perpich v. Department of Defense
Perpich v. Department of Defense, 496 U.S. 334 , was a case decided by the United States Supreme Court concerning the Militia Clauses of Article I, Section 8, of the United States Constitution in which the court held that the Congress of the United States may authorize members of the National Guard...
, 496 U.S. 334 (1990)). The following is an extract of the laws which the U.S. Supreme Court cited giving the federal government authority to activate the state defense forces:
10 USC 331 - “Federal aid for State governments”
Whenever there is an insurrection in any State against its government, the President may, upon the request of its legislature or of its governor if the legislature cannot be convened, call into Federal service such of the militia of the other States, in the number requested by that State, and use such of the armed forces, as he considers necessary to suppress the insurrection.
10 USC 332 – “Use of militia and armed forces to enforce Federal authority”
Whenever the President considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States, make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States in any State or Territory by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, he may call into Federal service such of the militia of any State, and use such of the armed forces, as he considers necessary to enforce those laws or to suppress the rebellion.
10 USC 333 – “Interference with State and Federal law”
The President, by using the militia or the armed forces, or both, or by any other means, shall take such measures as he considers necessary to suppress, in a State, any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy, if it -
(1) so hinders the execution of the laws of that State, and of the United States within the State, that any part or class of its people is deprived of a right, privilege, immunity, or protection named in the Constitution and secured by law, and the constituted authorities of that State are unable, fail, or refuse to protect that right, privilege, or immunity, or to give that protection; or
(2) opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws.
In any situation covered by clause (1), the State shall be considered to have denied the equal protection of the laws secured by the Constitution.
List of active state defense forces
There are currently 22 active state defense forces. A 2005 Department of Defense report reported twenty-three active SDFs in the United States and Puerto Rico. Since this time, New Jersey has suspended its State Defense Force. Per National Guard Regulation 10-4: "Any State, Territory, or District of Columbia, that creates a SDF under 32 USC §109 is solely responsible for the establishment, organization, training, equipping, funding, management and employment of that SDF in accordance with (IAW) its laws" The following is a list of active SDFs, recognized by their respective states, in the United States and Puerto Rico:| State or Territory | Military Division | Naval Division | State Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama Alabama Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland... |
Alabama State Defense Force Alabama State Defense Force The Alabama State Defense Force is a military entity authorized by the State Code of Alabama. The ASDF is the state’s authorized state defense force and assumes the state mission of the Alabama National Guard in the event the Guard is mobilized... |
none | |
| Alaska Alaska Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait... |
Alaska State Defense Force Alaska State Defense Force The Alaska State Defense Force is the State Defense Force of Alaska. It is one of 23 such forces in the U.S. states.The Alaska State Defense Force is the successor of the Alaska Territorial Guard founded during World War II... |
Alaska Naval Militia | |
| Arizona Arizona Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix... |
none | none | |
| Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River... |
none | none | |
| California California California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area... |
California State Military Reserve California State Military Reserve The California State Military Reserve is the state defense force of California. The military reserve was formed to provide California a trained and organized military force in the event of a state security emergency when the National Guard is deployed... |
California State Military Reserve Naval Militia | |
| Colorado Colorado Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains... |
none* | none | |
| Connecticut Connecticut Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately... |
Connecticut State Militia Units | none | |
| Delaware Delaware Delaware is a U.S. state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, and to the north by Pennsylvania... |
none | none | |
| District of Columbia | none | none | none |
| Florida Florida Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it... |
none | none | |
| Georgia Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788... |
Georgia State Defense Force Georgia State Defense Force The Georgia State Defense Force is a military unit of the Georgia Department of Defense, serving in support of the national and state constitutions under direction of the governor and the adjutant general of the U.S. state of Georgia... |
none | |
| Hawai'i | none | none | |
| Idaho Idaho Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state.... |
none | none | |
| Indiana Indiana Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is... |
Indiana Guard Reserve Indiana Guard Reserve The Indiana Guard Reserve, formerly the Liberty Guard and the Indiana Legion, is a militia force that serves as the State Defense Force of the State of Indiana. The Indiana Guard Reserve serves under the exclusive authority of the Governor of the State of Indiana through his executive agent for... |
none | |
| Illinois Illinois Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,... |
none | Illinois Naval Militia Illinois Naval Militia The Illinois Naval Militia is a state defense force created by the Illinois General Assembly in 1893. In 1896, it had five divisions: three in Chicago, one in Moline, and one in Alton, of approximately 250, 100, and 50 men respectively. At that time, it received $25,000 in federal money... |
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| Iowa Iowa Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New... |
none | none | |
| Kansas Kansas Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south... |
none | none | |
| Kentucky Kentucky The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth... |
none | none | |
| Louisiana Louisiana Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties... |
Louisiana State Guard | none | |
| Maine Maine Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost... |
none | none | |
| Maryland Maryland Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east... |
Maryland Defense Force Maryland Defense Force The Maryland Defense Force is the State Defense Force for the state of Maryland, United States. Its main mission is to provide medical, legal, and logistic support for the Maryland Army National Guard and the Maryland Air National Guard. The Maryland Defense Force falls under the command of the... |
none | |
| Massachusetts Massachusetts The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010... |
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| Michigan Michigan Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake".... |
Michigan Volunteer Defense Force Michigan Volunteer Defense Force The Michigan Volunteer Defense Force is a military force, duly constituted as a state defense force and an element of Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The MI VDF was reorganized from the former Michigan Emergency Volunteers by Adjutant General Thomas Cutler in 2004 to fill a... |
none | |
| Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state... |
none | none | |
| Mississippi Mississippi Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi... |
Mississippi State Guard Mississippi State Guard The Mississippi State Guard is the constitutionally authorized State Defense Force of the State of Mississippi. Operating under the authority of the Mississippi Military Department it is on an equal constitutional basis with the Mississippi Army National Guard, and the Mississippi Air National... |
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| Missouri Missouri Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It... |
none | none | |
| Montana Montana Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,... |
none | none | |
| Nebraska Nebraska Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River.... |
none | none | |
| Nevada Nevada Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its... |
none | none | |
| New Hampshire New Hampshire New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian... |
none | none | |
| New Jersey New Jersey New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware... |
none | New Jersey naval militia | |
| New Mexico New Mexico New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S... |
New Mexico State Guard | none | |
| New York New York New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east... |
New York Guard New York Guard The New York Guard is the State Defense Force of New York State. As of June 2008, the New York Guard, a recognized command under the New York State's Military law, has line-item funding in the state budget.... |
New York Naval Militia New York Naval Militia The New York Naval Militia is the Naval Militia of New York State and is under the command of the Governor of New York.With the New York State Guard, as well as the Army National Guard and Air National Guard, it is under the control of the New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs and New... |
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| North Carolina North Carolina North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte... |
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| North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America, along the Canadian border. The state is bordered by Canada to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south and Montana to the west. North Dakota is the 19th-largest state by area in the U.S.... |
none | none | |
| Ohio Ohio Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus... |
Ohio Military Reserve Ohio Military Reserve The Ohio Military Reserve is a military force which supports the State of Ohio along with the Ohio Army National Guard and Ohio Air National Guard in times of natural disaster and state and national emergencies.... |
Ohio Naval Militia Ohio Naval Militia The Ohio Naval Militia is an organized, unarmed unit that has been serving the State of Ohio and the United States since 1896. It is the naval arm of the State of Ohio's Adjutant General's Department, and is therefore part of Ohio's State Defense Forces.... |
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| Oklahoma Oklahoma Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state... |
inactive Oklahoma State Guard The Oklahoma State Guard is the inactive State Defense Force of Oklahoma. If activated, the mission of the Oklahoma State Guard is to augment, assist and support the Oklahoma National Guard and the civil authorities in Oklahoma... |
none | |
| Oregon Oregon Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern... |
Oregon State Defense Force | none | |
| Pennsylvania Pennsylvania The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to... |
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| Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an... |
Puerto Rico State Guard Puerto Rico State Guard The Puerto Rico State Guard is a voluntary professional military corps who offer support for security and medical services in Puerto Rico. The PRSG respond directly to the Adjutant General of Puerto Rico, is commanded by a Brigadier general and is composed of main units in San Juan Metropolitan... |
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| Rhode Island Rhode Island The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area... |
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| South Carolina South Carolina South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence... |
South Carolina State Guard South Carolina State Guard The South Carolina State Guard is the State Defense Force of the U.S. state of South Carolina.The State Guard maintains its headquarters in Columbia, which is the state capitol, and brigade level commands are located in the cities of Columbia , Charleston , and Fountain Inn .-Status:The... |
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| South Dakota South Dakota South Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux American Indian tribes. Once a part of Dakota Territory, South Dakota became a state on November 2, 1889. The state has an area of and an estimated population of just over... |
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| Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area... |
Tennessee State Guard | none | |
| Texas Texas Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in... |
Texas State Guard Texas State Guard The Texas State Guard is one of three branches of the military forces of Texas, reporting to the Adjutant General, and under the command of the Governor. The other branches of the State Military Forces of Texas are the Texas Army National Guard, and the Texas Air National Guard.-History:The Texas... |
Texas State Guard Maritime Regiment Texas State Guard The Texas State Guard is one of three branches of the military forces of Texas, reporting to the Adjutant General, and under the command of the Governor. The other branches of the State Military Forces of Texas are the Texas Army National Guard, and the Texas Air National Guard.-History:The Texas... |
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| Utah Utah Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the... |
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| Vermont Vermont Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England... |
Vermont State Guard | none | |
| Virginia Virginia The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there... |
Virginia State Defense Force Virginia State Defense Force The Virginia Defense Force is the official state defense force of Virginia, a component of Virginia's state military along with the Virginia National Guard, with a current enrollment of over 900 troops. The VDF is the descendant of the Virginia State Guard and is headquartered at the historic Old... |
Riverine Detachment | |
| Washington | Washington State Guard Washington State Guard The Washington State Guard is an all-volunteer State Defense Force for the U.S. state of Washington. It is the third element of the military forces in the Washington Military Department: the Washington Army National Guard, the Washington Air National Guard and State Guard... |
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| West Virginia West Virginia West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east... |
none | none | |
| Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is... |
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| Wyoming Wyoming Wyoming is a state in the mountain region of the Western United States. The western two thirds of the state is covered mostly with the mountain ranges and rangelands in the foothills of the Eastern Rocky Mountains, while the eastern third of the state is high elevation prairie known as the High... |
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See also
- State Guard Association of the United StatesState Guard Association of the United StatesThe State Guard Association of the United States is a 501 non-profit organization advocating for the advancement and support of regulated state military forces, as established by state governments under the authority of . The SGAUS encourages the establishment and advancement of regulated state...
- Awards and decorations of the State Defense ForcesAwards and decorations of the State Defense ForcesAwards and decorations of the state defense forces are presented to members of the state defense forces in addition to regular United States military decorations and state National Guard military decorations...
- MilitiaMilitiaThe term militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency law enforcement, or paramilitary service, in times of emergency without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. It is a polyseme with...
- Naval militiaNaval militiaA naval militia in the United States is a reserve military organization administered under the authority of a state government. It is often composed of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard reservists, retirees and volunteers. They are distinguishable from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, which is a...
- Rump brigadeRump brigadeRump brigades in the United States are voluntary private paramilitary units that operate outside of U.S. Federal or State military command structures...
, voluntary private paramilitary units