Is anyone a member of their state defense force or would consider it as a way to continue your military service?

SFC Don J. — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 18:50:21 -0500

Michigan Volunteer Defense Force missions include:

· Support MI’s Receipt, Store and Stage of the Strategic National
Stockpile

· Support MI with certified Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

· Support the MING with county Liaison Officers

· Support the MING with Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement
and Integration staffing

· Support the MING with Retirement Services Specialists

· Support the MING & county/local authorities with Search and

Rescue/Recovery

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 7:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 19:22:08 -0500

The guys in this state that are in the Virginia Defense Force take it pretty seriously. However, the majority of them have some type of issue that kept them from regular service. I have 9 years until retirement, but just seeing them I do not think I would partake. There are better ways to continue my service in IMHO post military.

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 25 at 2014 11:41 AM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:41:40 -0400

So is this different than the National Guard?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 9:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 21:24:20 -0400

I was very interested in these a few years ago. Around the time I enlisted I noticed the TN Defense Force was directing traffic on a trip to Shiloh and I wondered who they were, but I forgot about it until years later. When I had some time on the internet I started looking up different State Guard and State Defense Forces, these are organizations that have NO federal mission. They vary in discipline and origination, some states have very active State Defense forces others…not so much. These groups are normally not paid unless called up and have to provide their own equipment.

Alaska Defense Force all have Law Enforcement Authority so they are used quite often.

TN has a former 101st DCG as the commander, they require former military service to join and they are armed if needed.

Response by SSG Lawrence Campagna made Aug 6 at 2014 3:55 PM

SSG Lawrence Campagna — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 15:55:17 -0400

Here in Florida they are still in talks to get this recognized.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 5:01 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 05:01:33 -0400

Sounds like something I might be interested in after I retire from the MI ANG. Either this or the Civil Air Patrol.

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Nov 3 at 2014 9:27 AM

SSG Christopher Parrish — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 09:27:15 -0500

I am a member of the Texas State Guard, 19th RGT (Parson's Brigade). We are technically classified as Civil Affairs, but the 19th's roots are with the 19th Texas Cavalry.

We have quite a few prior service and a good amount of combat vets, so it is a great experience. I joined up because I felt like I had to do something to help defend my state and her people in the event of a natural disaster or whatever she calls us to do.

Response by SGT Ronald Lunn made Dec 30 at 2014 2:22 PM

SGT Ronald Lunn — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 14:22:54 -0500

I volunteer with the Maryland Defense Force. I enjoy the camaraderie and being able to put the skills that I have learned in the US Army to work. Maryland also conducts background checks on applicants. Maryland residents also get a $3500 tax deduction on their state income taxes after 3 years of service.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 3:25 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:25:12 -0500

I would love to join the Missouri Militia (as it is actually sanctioned by the state constitution), but organization appears to be so disjointed that I can't get ahold of anyone for info on it :(

Response by CSM Buddy S. made Feb 11 at 2015 4:26 PM

CSM Buddy S. — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 16:26:15 -0500

I am the Command Sergeant Major for the Maryland Defense Force, this is an excellent way to give back to your communities and states. Maryland has a proud tradition of volunteer military service. We trace our unit back to 1917 during WWI and again in WWII.

I am ALWAYS willing to talk to anyone about what we do.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2015 6:10 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 18:10:33 -0500

I am not aware of any state guard in Idaho, although we do have a few local militas but I aint even going to touch that crap. XD

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 11:19 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 11:19:32 -0500

I'm a SPC in Virginia, (soon to be SGT) This is what we are doing in the Commonwealth.
http://vaguard.dodlive.mil/2018/02/05/11023

VDF kicks off recruiting push at amateur radio convention

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Defense Force kicked off a new recruiting push with a display at the Frostfest amateur radio show and convention Feb. 3, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia. The all-volunteer reserve of the Virginia National Guard is looking to grow from its current strength of approximately 300 personnel to its full authorized strength of 750. “Based on the […]