A Guide for Establishing a State Defense Force with a Homeland Security Mission
Abstract
The State Defense Force (SDF), or State Guard or State Militia as it has been traditionally known, was typically thought to be the State's National Guard "Reserve." Its missions were typically to protect armories when National Guard (NG) units were on annual active service or when the units were activated in support of a Federal mission; to "Troop the Colors" at public events and parades when the National Guard was not able to perform that activity; to conduct military burials and other Honor Guard duties when the National Guard was not able to perform that activity as well; to provide special military style support activities as requested by local jurisdictions [with the Adjutant General's (TAG's) specific approval]; and, in some very rare cases, based on that TAG's beliefs about the viability and credibility of his SDF, to conduct "crowd control" and other military police functions on a case by case basis. Today, however, the world has changed significantly and the National Guard has many more missions than was anticipated when it was first organized. The NG is now regularly activated for "peace-keeping" missions, for homeland security missions and in anticipation of a military response in foreign countries. Even when it performs a homeland defense mission within homeland security the NG performs in a "WarFighter" or military police role. The purpose of this Guide is to provide a structure for organizing a volunteer military SDF unit that State TAGs can activate in support of their NG's natural disaster, homeland security and/or community assistance functions. A well-designed SDF would fully integrate with the NG by supplying talent through TAG to the Governor and the citizenry of the State on a voluntary basis that the NG either lacks, is weak in providing or is unable to provide due to a commitment to a Federal mission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA499389
Entities
People
- Herbert O. Wardell Jr.
- Martin Hershkowitz