How many veterans are now members of their state defense force (militia)?

State Defense Forces are not Constitutional Militia. State Defense Forces are created under the Constitutional provision that States may raise troops with Congress’s consent -- Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3. Constitutional State Militia antedate and are recognized -- not created -- by the Constitution: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 15.

Though I am not a "Veteran" I am a member of the Virginia Defense Force which is the officially sanctioned constitutionally approved State Defense Force under title 32-119 USC and in Virginia code title 44. The VDF is the legitimate sibling to the Virginia National Guard under the Virginia Dept. of Military Affairs as commanded by the State Adjutant General. We have lots of great people who were in Federal service that come from a wide array of military backgrounds. It's an honor and a pleasure to serve beside them.

Might be a long-ish post... but I would encourage you to read this for some insight into State Defense Soldiers and their motivations and intentions.

I am in the Ohio Military Reserve. We work and train along Ohio National Guard troops. We are NOT active duty armed forces and I make a point to never claim that. The LAST thing I wish to do is diminish the importance and sacrifice of those who have served in the federal services.

Having said that, we do play a role on the home front. We are trained and ready to deploy when activated for issues of homeland security and natural/unnatural disaster. In today's environment, we could benefit from more use of our state defense forces. Terrorism is no longer something that happens only overseas or in major American cities. Sadly, it can happen anywhere or anytime. We take an oath of enlistment and are subject to the same rules and regulations of the United States Army.

The best part of the state guard is the opportunity for those to serve that either missed their chance or were medically unable to serve in the federal service. Myself, I work as a teacher; leaving months for basic training, and the possibility of foreign deployment (as much as I want to do) is something that would completely end my career. I take my commitment to my students very seriously. They are six years old, and having a teacher suddenly leave for a deployment would be stressful and could even negatively impact their academics.

I want to do what I can, serve in the capacity I can. Many are thankful for my service, even those with prior service, saying that we all play a part on the same team. Others occasionally look down their nose at me, which is hurtful but understandable, not understanding my motivations. I could be out to steal valor. But that is so far from the truth. My heart is in the right place and that is what matters to me. I get to serve with amazing men and women and learn and grow from the leadership of experienced military veterans and servicemembers in the National Guard. I understand more than ever the comradery that comes with working together for a common cause of country and community.

To those that are unsure what to think of state defense forces, I'd urge you to consider the possibility that such a force can be useful here at home as a supporting force. And remember, active looks down on NG and reserve, marines look down on army, army looks down on AF, and everyone seems to pick on the coast guard. It's the military way lol. But we all unite behind a common cause, doing what we can and what we are best suited to do.