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

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.

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.

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.