Do you believe state militia should exist?

2015-06-26T16:00:49-04:00

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri_State_Militia_(Union)

Missouri has a volunteer state militia. Prior to the civil war the governor would and could call upon it's members to address emergencies, now the state has the National Guard to call on for emergencies, however the state militia continues to exist. It is not a part of the Reserve Military, it is a private defense organization of the state of Missouri, not funded by the state or federal government. Many of it's members are prior military. Their training occurs much the same as on the schedule for the Reserves and National Guard. appreciate all of your replies. I want to be clear here though that what I am talking about is NOT a State funded, ran, structured, controlled organization. It does not fall under the state government in anyway. The meetings, dates, times and locations are by invitation and or for members only. I have provided additional links to their web sites below, in the thread.

Missouri State Militia (Union) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Missouri State Militia was a federally funded state militia organization of Missouri conceived in 1861 and beginning service in 1862 during the American Civil War. It was a full-time force whose primary purpose was to conduct offensive operations against Confederate guerrillas and recruiters as well as oppose raids by regular Confederate forces. The MSM at one time numbered more than 13,000 soldiers, but this force was reduced to 10,000...

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 26 at 2015 4:07 PM

2015-06-26T16:07:01-04:00

I thought the National Guard of today was essentially the state militia, until federalized... is that not true? They trace their roots there? (update)... who know this group was even here???? I say no, but it appears many think these state groups have a place.

http://www.missourimilitia.com/

MISSOURI MILITIA - State Defense Force for MO Citizens

JOIN the Missouri Militia MO Militia Traning. The intent of the MO Militia is to act as the State Defense Force (SDF)... Need assistance? Learn more --

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jun 26 at 2015 4:07 PM

2015-06-26T16:07:49-04:00

Aren't they called 'National Guard'?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-06-26T16:19:55-04:00

There are some states that have state defense forces. Here is an example http://mil.wa.gov/wsg-home/

State Guard | Washington State Military Department

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 26 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-06-26T16:20:13-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I had to really look this up online, because I thought this was disbanded a long time ago, but it wasn't! I took this right of the their website. My answer vote is "No" because we already have a Missouri National Guard. I never knew they existed.

"The intent of the Missouri Militia is to act as a supplemental State Defense Force (SDF) for the state of Missouri. The militia is classified as a civilian volunteer organization and therefore will carry out operations in absence of orders as dictated by necessity during a crisis. All Missouri Militia personnel will conduct themselves with professionalism, integrity and the utmost respect for others at all times.

Missouri law makes provisions for the Militia in the Missouri Revised Statutes, Title V Chapter 41: Military Forces - Sections 41.030, 41.050, 41.060, 41.070, 41.720
Today's militia has a wide spectrum of missions, from disaster relief to terrorism prevention. The slogan echoed now is "State Defense and Community Service." One role of the militia is defense of the state from terrorism or invasion. Other roles include disaster relief, search and rescue, emergency preparedness education and serving the community.

We can serve our communities through aid programs like Harvesters, Habitat for Humanity, Project Warmth, Blood Drives as well as raising money for charities benefitting military veterans, cancer research, or volunteering at local food pantries and shelters. Given that the militia is primarily defensive in nature, it is natural that much of its resources should be aimed at bettering the communities from which it is derived.

Our military is deployed around the world, and here at home the threat of foreign and domestic terrorist acts is demonstrably real, as we have learned with events like the Oklahoma City bombing and the World Trade Center attacks. Modern life has created a situation where deadly chemicals and hazardous materials are manufactured, stored, and transported in our cities and towns and throughout the countryside, which present threats weather intentionally or accidentally unleashed on the public.

In addition to man made threats, increasingly volatile weather patterns and the natural world itself confront us with disaster on a regular basis: the Joplin tornado is a recent example, and with the possibility of a major seismic event on the New Madrid fault looming always in the background, a strong case to be prepared for large scale disasters is not hard to make. Our people are more vulnerable than ever before.

Interested? Learn more about what's involved becoming a member of the Missouri Militia.

You may be saying,
"What can I do?" or
"I don't have any training for that!"

We understand. The militia is unlike anything you've probably ever experienced. It requires you to ask more of yourself, to learn new skills, and to take the path less traveled. It requires courage, integrity, and strength of character. In the militia you will be charged with defending your fellow man, helping those in need, facing disaster when it is much easier to do nothing."

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 26 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-06-26T16:32:13-04:00

Yes, it's called the (your state here) National Guard.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 4:37 PM

2015-06-26T16:37:00-04:00

This is something that came to my attention recently and it is not within the jurisdiction of the State or Federal Government. It is civilian ran, directed and controlled. It is not the National Guard.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jun 26 at 2015 4:43 PM

2015-06-26T16:43:33-04:00

Texas has one too.
https://www.txmf.us/texas-state-guard

Texas State Guard - Texas Military

The Texas State Guard is one of three branches of the Texas Military Forces, Adjutant General of Texas and the Governor as Commander-in-Chief.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-06-26T17:01:43-04:00

Isn't that National Guard?

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jun 26 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-06-26T17:10:39-04:00

Kentucky has one except they are all Colonels.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Jun 26 at 2015 5:13 PM

2015-06-26T17:13:56-04:00

http://www.vdf.virginia.gov/

The Virginia Defense Force

The force is governed by the military laws of Virginia and managed by the Virginia Department of Military Affairs. The chain of command for the force consists of the Governor of Virginia (Commander-in-Chief), Adjutant General of Virginia, and Commanding General of the Virginia Defense Force.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 5:14 PM

2015-06-26T17:14:50-04:00

As many others have stated the national guard is the state milita now anyway. As least that is what I was taught in school anyway.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 5:20 PM

2015-06-26T17:20:50-04:00

I can agree with State Militias as long as they are fully state funded 100% of the time. They should only be used like they were in the Civil War, and be mobilized within the state to assist with state matters and defense. All members should also take an Oath of Enlistment (or whatever the militia would call it) and be held accountable to it. They should also be held to the same standards as the National Guard.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 26 at 2015 5:34 PM

2015-06-26T17:34:07-04:00

We had request from a member of the Texas militia to become a verified member. I wasn't touching that one with a 10ft pole.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jun 26 at 2015 6:26 PM

2015-06-26T18:26:49-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, this is actually a subject I've been aware of and pondering for some time.

For the states where the State Guard has been transformed into a uniformed set of administrative assistants and to the state's National Guard, I can't help but wonder what the rationale is for even pretending to have a state-run Guard.

I've actually been considering putting together a proposal (in my copious spare time, of course) for my state's governor to redefine and restructure the Maine State Guard -- and actually define the Maine militia -- as a paramilitary organization focused primarily on Civil Defense roles but not excluding the home-guard mission, and with a rank structure and organization not mimicking the U.S. Army.

There was a minor fuss made here recently when the state National Guard commander pushed through a redesignation of our National Guard combat engineer unit as infantry. The state liked having all that engineering equipment available for disaster use, and is not exactly enthused about losing it.

My thinking is that there might be some just-crazy-enough veterans running construction companies who also would like to play soldier every once in a while, so why not let them organize a militia construction platoon (or company, or battalion) and play soldier every so often with the caveat that they have to provide their own toys and they have to answer the governor's call if the need arises to mobilize them for a disaster or possibly even just for a major incident.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 26 at 2015 6:35 PM

2015-06-26T18:35:01-04:00

Yes many states have a militia that backs up the National Guard in times of state emergencies. It is place for Veterans who are not ready to hang up the uniform to still be a service to the State. Often they are unpaid, but maybe Doctor's, Lawyers, and other professionals who help relive the burden on the NG force.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 6:38 PM

2015-06-26T18:38:22-04:00

New York has a state militia called the New York Guard which fills the void when the National Guard deploys. It is state sanctioned and funded. They specialize in CBRN response, search and rescue, and other humanitarian missions. They can be mobilized as a state defense force by the governor. In this regard, I think it is a good idea to supplement the National Guard in a time when this reserve force has been utilized heavily in combat and other overseas missions. However, I do not know how I feel about privately organized militias. With little or no oversight, I am hesitant to trust their intentions, training, and competency.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jun 26 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-06-26T19:06:24-04:00

"A well regulated militia *being necessary* to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." I swore to support and defend this document, which calls the existence of a well regulated militia necessary to the security of a free state, so no doubt, it should exist.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 7:35 PM

2015-06-26T19:35:51-04:00

I appreciate all of your replies. I want to be clear here though that what I am talking about is NOT a State funded, ran, structured, controlled organization. It does not fall under the state government in anyway. The meetings, dates, times and locations are by invitation and or for members only.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CDwQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.riverfronttimes.com%2Fdailyrft%2F2011%2F06%2Fmissouri_militia_joplin_tornado_relief.php&ei=veCNVZivIMGisQW3sQE&usg=AFQjCNGr0RSpUdNGJErlM2oYaSk-aV53Ng&sig2=ck1_mT1sWDS2KiHuEm3nYg&bvm=bv.96783405,d.b2whttps://http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CDYQtwIwAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DWc2IWBUnJFs&ei=veCNVZivIMGisQW3sQE&usg=AFQjCNEZb_TXgrg3FwjjZC2xZrcJMIaZIw&sig2=cjBRFmEMxfd4z83WOA9A0w&bvm=bv.96783405,d.b2w
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CEQQFjAF&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnotes%2Falex-jones%2Fmissouri-national-guard-train-to-kill-militia-insurgents-in-exercise%2F [login to see] 1&ei=veCNVZivIMGisQW3sQE&usg=AFQjCNFjS17B0lbezn93eoOn_KpdM_KyuA&sig2=AMH5Gew5cJZGadWOGOIRvw&bvm=bv.96783405,d.b2w

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 26 at 2015 7:54 PM

2015-06-26T19:54:05-04:00

It is not so much a militia should exist as it is a right. A long with that being said, there are many federal and state laws a militia will want to abide by in order to avoid trouble with overzealous police authority.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 8:31 PM

2015-06-26T20:31:49-04:00

I am extremely cautious when it comes to the existence of militias! It may become too easy for it to become something that it shouldn't.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jun 26 at 2015 9:26 PM

2015-06-26T21:26:06-04:00

We have a naval state guard in NJ

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 10:18 PM

2015-06-26T22:18:44-04:00

Absolutely, two words. States rights.

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Jun 26 at 2015 11:13 PM

2015-06-26T23:13:57-04:00

Under Title 32 the National Guard and State Defense forces are defined as the "militia."

There are also, at least here in California, several "unorganized militias." Examples of those entities would be like the "Oath Keepers, "III Percenters," "Minutemen," and et cetera. Many of the "unorganized militias" border on merely being groups or gatherings of sovereign citizens.

Sovereign citizens are considered a form of domestic terrorism.... I've study them moderately and had to deal with several in different settings.

So, my answer is, yes. We should have militias as defined by Title 32. I only wish there was better funding for training and equipment!

As for the "unorganized militias," I could very much do without them. I've found that many of the "sovereigns" that I've dealt with started out as decent enough folks, but they took a bad turn someplace. Often it's common that "sovereigns" have had some life altering incident that involved their state or federal government. They then delved into survivalism or prepping. From there they often take a bad outlook on the government and are off to the races.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-06-27T09:38:51-04:00

I have no problem with militias existing; either state or privately run. If people want to be prepared to defend their nation without the burdens of serving in the military then all the power to them. I see these groups as a resource few if any other nation has. What nation would in invade America knowing that besides the military every citizen with a firearm would be shooting out a window? Don't forget without militia we would have never won the revolutionary war. I day if people want to occupy their time and a militia is the route they choose than they have every right to do so. Banning them isn't just unconstitutional but would also expand them underground.

Response by SPC Robert Greenly made Jun 27 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-06-27T10:30:58-04:00

Of course it should. History states why.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 27 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-06-27T13:24:56-04:00

I voted "Yes" but must qualify my vote by the fact that "state militia" is a perversion the concept expressed in three places in the Constitution. Citizens form militias. Not the federal government. Not states. People. People who keep and bear their own arms. No rather than attempt to explain this myself, allow me to introduce you to Bill Whittle who does a far better job than I could

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOwy9OWfnAM

Thus, I believe that militias exist whenever armed citizens come together to defend themselves from bandits, terrorists, tyrants, or any other perceived threat. Should they exist? No. They simply exist...

YOUR SECOND AMENDMENT

Tired of listening to Progressives tell you that the Second Amendment only allows people in militias to keep and bear arms? Or that the Founders would have n...

Response by SGT Adrian Thompson made Jun 28 at 2015 6:57 AM

2015-06-28T06:57:20-04:00

The Texas State Guard is the component that is supposed to hold things down should the TX Army National Guard be mobilized, however they are relatively untrained and have virtually no authority.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-06-28T12:09:31-04:00

yes an independent militia should and needs to exist

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2015 2:25 PM

2015-06-28T14:25:36-04:00

Our country was created on these premises.

Response by MSG Robert Mills made Jun 29 at 2015 12:05 AM

2015-06-29T00:05:57-04:00

State militia is the sole reason and how the whole revolutionary war was successful yes they should be a part of the whole of the defense of state rights and partisanship. If if was not for state militia this country would not be. The greatest Country in the world the United States of America.

Response by CPO Ed Ball made Jun 29 at 2015 8:27 AM

2015-06-29T08:27:24-04:00

Without state militia DOD would never had made it through OIF/OEF. Deployment turn around time would have been lessened considerably.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 11:17 AM

2015-06-29T11:17:15-04:00

You mean, do I believe that should uphold the Constitution? Yes. This is like asking, "Should we have free speech in America?". Each state must maintain a militia. That is the National Guard for most states but it doesn't have to be as far as I'm concerned. I do appreciate the uniformity and intertwining of the Guard because it gives our Army and Nation additional combat power that can be tapped into in order to fight and win our Nation's wars.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 11:39 AM

2015-06-29T11:39:17-04:00

I believe it was in the Constitution....

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 12:17 PM

2015-06-29T12:17:07-04:00

They are provided for by the 2nd Amendment. In modern times their purpose is to be a back up to the National Guard especially if many NG troops are federalized/mobilized. They can support them in adimistrative and training roles. They can also assist the Guard in state call-ups

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Jun 29 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-06-29T13:04:28-04:00

CPT M Cannonie – If I remember right there are several states with their own “land and naval” forces, such as Calif, NM, NY and others. The ANG and ARNG are “organized” militias versus “unorganized” like the state defense forces in MO. IMHO I am fine with these – as there’s some state affiliation and oversight. “Independent” militias like the Colorado Front Range Militia and countless others who are often strict Constitutionalists who reject Federal and some State Authority scare me.
Here’s a MO anecdote. When the MOARNG activated a new infantry unit, they activated the 138th IN Regt. The 138th served with distinction in GWOT and previous wars. But the State or whoever, selected a unit with HISTORICAL ties with MO – but also a STRONG CSA battle record. I am from Missouri and would have found a unit with less ties to the Confederacy “If I had MY WAY” NONE OF THIS IS NEW THOUGH.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/06/24/army-national-guard-civil-war/29236277

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 29 at 2015 1:30 PM

2015-06-29T13:30:15-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, the State of Tennessee has their version called the Tennessee State Guard. It's an all volunteer force whose stated mission is: "to provide a professional complement of personnel to support the State mission of the Tennessee National Guard, by assisting the Tennessee Army National Guard as a force multiplier, and at the direction of the Adjutant General, to assist civil authorities with disaster relief, humanitarian causes, ceremonial service, religious and medical support for the well being and safety of the citizenry of Tennessee."
http://www.tnmilitary.org/tennessee-state-guard.html

Tennessee State Guard

The Tennessee State Guard is the all-volunteer arm of the Tennessee Military Department. It is authorized by Tennessee Code Annotated 58-1-401.

Response by SPC Joshua H. made Jun 29 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-06-29T14:45:03-04:00

Here in MI we have the Michigan Volunteer Defense Force, that can only be called up by the state governor. And of course you are seeing more more and more citizen militias being formed, some biased on prepping/survivalist type people, some biased on military type tactics and training.

I believe that if you are a civilian in this country, and you want to be part of a militia, you should be able to with no worry about repercussions from the .gov, as long as it is a militia that is biased on protecting and defending The Constitution.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Volunteer_Defense_Force

Michigan Volunteer Defense Force - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Michigan Volunteer Defense Force (MIVDF) is a military force, duly constituted as a state defense force and an element of Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The MIVDF was reorganized from the former Michigan Emergency Volunteers by Adjutant General Thomas Cutler in 2004 to fill a homeland security role in the State of Michigan. As of October 2011[update], the MIVDF is commanded by COL William Ewald, a retired United...

Response by PFC Andrew Coon made Jun 29 at 2015 9:40 PM

2015-06-29T21:40:12-04:00

Yes I do. For a few reasons. One, the National Guard is being abused by politicians deploying constantly like AD personnel. You need a military force that is only under control of the Governor. Second most of these units will allow anyone to enlist. Which may be some wannabees. But, I have found that most of them wanted to serve on AD and were denied for some small reason.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jun 30 at 2015 2:06 AM

2015-06-30T02:06:35-04:00

California State Military Reserve "the smurfs (that's derogatory) a large number retired from the guard , but wanted to stay in for a while longer, others are medically ineliligable to enlist but wanted to serve any way and some that are too old. Best thing they did that I saw, during the LA riots while I was down south the smurfs manned the armory offices(this was before cell phones), and some lady whose husband was in LA had a plumbing emergency, the smurfs found a plumber(probably a vet) who fixed the problem for cost.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 9:03 AM

2015-06-30T09:03:36-04:00

For the curious; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_defense_force
It should be noted that unless its listed on there as "Active" then they are private, non-state government affiliated group. Lots of them try to stand up as "provisional" but they're not official and usually engage in some questionable stuff.

State defense force - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

State defense forces (SDF; 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.[1] State defense forces are authorized by state and federal law and are under the command of the governor of each...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 5:03 PM

2015-06-30T17:03:06-04:00

Not to be confused with National Guard... Although others believe they are one and the same.

I do not.

Yes, absolutely they should exist.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Dec 24 at 2015 11:08 AM

2015-12-24T11:08:10-05:00

You should watch the tv show Revolution.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 24 at 2015 11:09 AM

2015-12-24T11:09:23-05:00

Yes the National Guard should continue to exist CPT Private RallyPoint Member. The National Guard of each of the fifty states and some if not all territories are fulfillment of the militias originally conceived by the founding fathers.
On the other hand informally organized local militias which are not sanctioned by the states tend to be little more than vigilantes in many cases.
The one exception is on the southwest border where the US government failed in its responsibility to keep the border secure in many areas. That is one place and situation where militias approved to be a necessary sub-optimal solution.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2015 11:19 AM

2015-12-24T11:19:39-05:00

Most of the southern states still have state militias separate from the National Guard

Response by LTC John Shaw made Dec 24 at 2015 11:23 AM

2015-12-24T11:23:28-05:00

Yes, even with the NG, their should be an additional volunteer force, this is what being a citizen soldier is all about.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Dec 24 at 2015 11:40 AM

2015-12-24T11:40:06-05:00

No, the National Guard is the State Militia!!!

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Dec 24 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-12-24T11:41:37-05:00

I think all of our citizens should have a situational awareness, basic first aid training, and knowledge of firearms and marksmanship. That's not to say that we should be in a mindset for war - but peace-loving citizens armed with knowledge is a strong deterrent.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Dec 24 at 2015 11:49 AM

2015-12-24T11:49:51-05:00

Like all things in this World the answer is in the detail, and there are really no detail to the question you posed. In a historical sense, the state's National Guard and reserve forces are militias and all armed citizens could be considered militia as well...but it depends on the details of how one is defining things.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Dec 24 at 2015 12:57 PM

2015-12-24T12:57:10-05:00

Yes to protect the State's interests

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Dec 24 at 2015 9:04 PM

2015-12-24T21:04:40-05:00

Yes.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Dec 24 at 2015 9:12 PM

2015-12-24T21:12:49-05:00

Here in Arizona we have both private militias (which in my opinion are a bunch of yahoos) and also have authorized a State Defense Force in the Arizona Constitution but it has not actually been mobilized, or even started.

SFC Mark Merino, are you familiar with this?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2015 10:26 PM

2015-12-24T22:26:17-05:00

Their main job is to provide volunteer support to the National Guard and to back up the Guard for state emergencies when many NG members are federalized.

Response by PFC David Ryba made Dec 25 at 2015 8:04 AM

2015-12-25T08:04:09-05:00

There seems to be some confusion about what a State Militia actually is. For those of you who remember the hit TV show "Highway Patrol" staring Broderick Crawford as Dan Mathews, when the show opens up it states that State Police, State Troopers, Highway Patrol, and other such state agencies are the State's Militia. Your thoughts please.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 25 at 2015 8:36 AM

2015-12-25T08:36:01-05:00

My Dad's Grandpa (John O. Dawson) was a member of the 7th Regiment Cavalry, MSM. During the Battle of Lone Jack he had a horse shot out from under him. Wounded in action and later received a disability pension from the Government.
After stating that, yes I believe these volunteer units do provide a service. I know they've received bad publicity because of the militias in Idaho(my state) and such, but these guys listed in some of the posts, want to help, and so let 'em.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Dec 25 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-12-25T10:36:43-05:00

Isn't that the origin of the National Guard? And a number of states have State Guard. I have a friend who is a CPT in the NY State Guard. He doesn't get paid, but he is very active...

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Dec 26 at 2015 8:29 PM

2015-12-26T20:29:30-05:00

I had seen the discussion here, and thought I might perhaps share an aspect that, till now, might perhaps have eluded notice. If you and/or those reading here might possibly be able to look at the website http://www.sgaus.org, the organization involved the State Guard Assoc. of the U.S. (SGAUS), about which I have read for some time now, purely out of general interest, seems to be pretty much the major admin organization nationwide for the legitimate and approved state-sanctioned militias (I believe). In NY, e.g., if you look at the websites for the NY-State Dept. of Mil. and Naval Affairs (DMNA), you see the sub-websites for both the NY Guard (NYG), an SGAUS member organization, as well as the NY Naval Militia (NYNM), which, as I will try to explain, at least from what I have read, seems to be rather different, incl. historical material, I believe, on both. I have read and seen websites that the NYG has actually been activated twice in relatively recent history, the first with everything that happened in Manhattan about a decade and a half ago, and, most recently, for Hurricane Sandy, for which they received, in both instances, considerable and very well-served praise. The NYNM I am uncertain about, though, for both instances, I think it might well also have been activated, as well. There are certain very differences between them, at least from what I have read; the NYNM, from what I have read, is, I gather, Federally approved, and uses, principally, drilling USN, USMC, and USCG personnel who opt to drill with NY-State through the NYNM for points, which accounts for somewhere around 95%+ of their membership, I believe. The NYG, by contrast, functions solely as an auxiliary to, albeit a very real one, for the NY Army and Air Natl. Guards, also from what I have read. At one point, from what I had also read, the NYG had been reorganized into, at one point, separate army and air divisions, to attach, specifically, with NY Army and Air Natl. Guard units and/or installation. However, I had read that, for whatever reason, that approach, which might have been done partially for experimental reasons, apparently was unsuccessful, and, for that reason, both divisions were then reconsolidated under an essentially Army-based "umbrella", if you will. I gather the insignia tags on their uniforms says "NEW YORK GUARD" or something similar, though if you look at the DMNA site, there is an actual enlistment, with a very real contract, though, I also had heard, members can opt to forego pay voluntarily, by choice, if that would be their preference (I think). I don't know if the NYNM insignia mirror its analogous NY-State function; however, I gather from what I read that the heads of both bodies fall under the NY-State Adjutant Genl. and the Governor, and, at least from what I have seen, are high-level professional military retirees. They do also have their own installations and training programs, incl., from what I read, a full boot camp program, and (I think) quite possibly their own separate OCS of some sort. From what I have read, purely out of an interest in military history in general, both organizations are very impressive, serious, highly professional, and extremely competently run organizations very closely aligned with their respective Federal services. As an example, I had also read that the NYG apparently has a civil-affairs group (CAG) that assists NY-State-based Guard/Reserve personnel with their personal paperwork, e.g., wills and such. Also, interestingly, that the NYG may (I think) have been one of the first uniformed groups to have actually incorporated chiropractors directly into its clinical component; I had read that at one point, which I actually found quite progressive in terms of organizational and also clinical outlook, by all means, to my way of thinking. I had also read something about those same chiropractors having been involved with treating the various emergency staff during both of their recent activations, though, of course, I had read about all of that some time ago. I just have a long-standing and very avid interest in such arcane aspects of military history and little-known organizations and facets, and thought I might just share the foregoing, on the off chance there might have possibly been any interest, given the present discussion; if anyone might possibly care to know anymore, I would be only too glad to try to explain what else I might have learned along the way. In any event a nice holiday and new year to all, by all means, as well, from both my wife as well as myself.

StateGuardAssociationoftheUnitedStates,HomePage

Welcome to the State Guard Association of the United States, SGAUS. We are a national organization representing more than fifteen thousand men and women who are serving in our nation’s state defense forces.

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Dec 27 at 2015 9:01 AM

2015-12-27T09:01:17-05:00

The right of a state to have its own militia is the only unambiguous interpretation of the 2nd Amendment.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Dec 27 at 2015 2:13 PM

2015-12-27T14:13:06-05:00

No. To whom are they accountable but to themselves?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 27 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-12-27T15:35:07-05:00

They DO exist. It's called the National Guard... The civilian fat guys running around in Camo are just that. Wannabes...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2015 8:43 PM

2015-12-27T20:43:53-05:00

Yes

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Dec 27 at 2015 9:45 PM

2015-12-27T21:45:46-05:00

As long as they do not violate any laws and are not advocating any hate based ideology, I don't see a reason why not. However, I question their purpose. There are plenty of government and non-government agencies that respond to disasters. It seems like these would get in the way. And as several others here have stated, there are state guards to augment that National Guard in many states. I would be that many of these are people who left the service and miss it but are too old or out of shape to go back in. Some are probably people who never joined for one reason or another but this makes them feel like they are "serving."

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Dec 28 at 2015 7:58 AM

2015-12-28T07:58:24-05:00

Yes, I belong to the KY militia but it's so few in number of members I wonder why more people have not joined.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Dec 28 at 2015 9:02 AM

2015-12-28T09:02:50-05:00

Texas Has a State funded Texas Guard. Differes from the National Guard. They can only go WITH IN the state. I do not know much about it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-12-28T10:10:11-05:00

is int that called the National Guard?

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Dec 28 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-12-28T13:15:11-05:00

State militias should fall under the control of the state and should be compensated for their time, expenses, and injuries and death, and should be monitored so that there is no harm or abuse to citizens, this should be in the state's constitution.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Dec 28 at 2015 6:46 PM

2015-12-28T18:46:19-05:00

The respective state National Guards are authorized by the Constitution of the United States. As originally drafted, the Constitution recognized the existing state militias, and gave them vital roles to fill: "to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasion." (Article I, Section 8, Clause 15). The Constitution distinguished "militias," which were state entities, from "Troops", which were unlawful for states to maintain without Congressional approval. (Article I, Section 10, Clause 3). Under current law, the respective state National Guards and the State Defense Forces are authorized by Congress to the states and are referred to as "troops." 32 U.S.C. § 109.

Although originally state entities, the Constitutional "Militia of the Several States" were not entirely independent because they could be federalized. According to Article I, Section 8; Clause 15, the United States Congress is given the power to pass laws for "calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions." Congress is also empowered to come up with the guidelines "for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress" (clause 16). The President of the United States is the commander-in-chief of the state militias "when called into the actual Service of the United States." (Article II, Section 2).

The traditional state militias were redefined and recreated as the "organized militia"—the National Guard, via the Militia Act of 1903. They were now subject to an increasing amount of federal control, including having arms and accouterments supplied by the central government, federal funding, and numerous closer ties to the Regular Army.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jan 9 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-01-09T14:36:08-05:00

I thought about this question with the ongoing situation in Oregon and the militia members that showed up there. I think their inefficacy was shown when they asked for money, socks, and snacks. While they do have the right to exist, I don't see them really doing anything other than being a news story every now and then.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 8:43 AM

2017-04-08T08:43:19-04:00

Absolutely yes. But ONLY the state regulated ones. Ohio is completely funded through the state and serves alongside the Army National Guard.

Response by Matt Moon made Jun 1 at 2017 3:09 PM

2017-06-01T15:09:47-04:00

Yep I'm a Proud Member of the Texas State Guard.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 16 at 2017 8:51 PM

2017-12-16T20:51:41-05:00

Not unless they meet military standards, "well regulated" and under the command of the CinC

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2018 3:56 PM

2018-03-22T15:56:12-04:00

I'm with the Virginia Defense Force, the actual bonafide state militia. We generally tend to shy away from the word "militia" because all too often the word "militia" itself paints pictures of subversives who would go out and say unfortunate things like they want to overthrow our government. That's in no way shape or form us. We are an official State Agency under the Virginia Dept. of Military Affairs. Our upline command is the State Adjutant General and the Governor.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 22 at 2018 5:46 PM

2018-03-22T17:46:31-04:00

The state militia has it's current roots in the fact that so much of the AD support is tied up in the NG/USAR. Also do to the deployment cycles, many NG units have been called up for service outside the country- MFO- Sinai for one. Thus leaving the Governor with no one to call in case of emergencies.

Response by Matt Moon made Apr 15 at 2018 3:40 PM

2018-04-15T15:40:42-04:00

Yes I'm in the Texas State Guard. The State Defense Force has saved the state of Texas 7 Million Dollars a year in Search & Rescue efforts and assit the National Guard .

Response by Matt Moon made Apr 15 at 2018 3:42 PM

2018-04-15T15:42:56-04:00

No the National Guard isn't really considered a Malitia nodays there more advanced than that . The State Defense Force would be considered a Malitia.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2018 6:19 PM

2018-12-20T18:19:04-05:00

Has an awesome mission offering free service to the community. In a declared disaster, the Governor can apply that volunteer time thru FEMA and get full reimbursement. It's a definite win for the State and the members can often get a tax break

Response by Col Tri Trinh made Jan 5 at 2021 12:24 AM

2021-01-05T00:24:53-05:00

We have the National Guard already.

Response by Col Tri Trinh made Jan 9 at 2021 11:57 AM

2021-01-09T11:57:13-05:00

In this day and age, what are the compelling arguments for militia? How are they regulated?
We have our National Guard and Reserve forces that are funded and regulated with civilian control.