STATE GUARD ADMINISTRATION

State Guard & Defense Force Council

State Defense Forces

State Defense Forces (SDFs) also known by names such as State Guard, Guard Reserve, or Governor’s Guards are state military organizations operating under the sole authority of their respective Governors. They are held to the same military standards and regulations as the Army and Air National Guard of their state, but unlike the National Guard, they cannot be federalized by the President of the United States. Established in 1917 and serving through both World Wars, SDFs continue to provide critical support to the National Guard, acting as a force multiplier during peacetime by responding to natural disasters, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other statewide emergencies. They also augment civilian authorities, including state and local law enforcement and departments of corrections. In times of war, when the National Guard is federally deployed, SDFs assume The National Guards in-state military roles and responsibilities to ensure continuity of mission and security until the National Guard’s return from deployment.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower 1955 letter to Congress concerning State Defense Forces

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President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1955 special message argued that U.S. national security demands armed forces maintained in a state of readiness, backed by a trained reserve pool. He urged Congress to enact legislation strengthening the State Defense Forces, emphasizing that active forces alone were insufficient to meet the threat of sudden global conflict. He also contended that states should be able to maintain troops in addition to the National Guard to prevent any gap in defense when Guard units are federalized, thereby ensuring continuity of homeland security and defense obligations.

Download "Eisenhower Special Message to Congress On National Security"

Federal Law Authorizing State Defense Forces

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Federal law grants states the authority to organize and maintain State Defense Forces. Under 32 U.S.C. § 109, states and territories may establish these military organizations in addition to their National Guard. These forces operate solely under the authority of the Governor, cannot be called into federal service, and are separate from the U.S. Armed Forces. Federal law also prohibits individuals from serving simultaneously in a federal reserve component and a State Defense Force, and it clarifies that service in a State Defense Force does not entitle members to federal pay, allowances, or benefits.

Download "Federal law 32 U.S.C. s.109"

Department of Defense House Armed Services Committee Report

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The Department of Defense Report on State Defense Forces (November 2005) was prepared for Congress to assess the role of SDFs in homeland defense and homeland security missions. It recognizes that while states are solely responsible for organizing, training, and funding SDFs, these forces can provide valuable support by augmenting the National Guard during disasters, emergencies, and large-scale incidents. The report suggests that SDFs could help reduce demand on federal forces when the National Guard is deployed, and it notes that DoD may consider providing surplus equipment and training support to governors who choose to employ their SDFs. Overall, it highlights the potential of SDFs as a cost-effective resource for strengthening state and national resilience

Download "Department of Defense House Armed Services Committee Report"

Department of Defense Evaluation of State Defense Forces

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The Department of Defense Inspector General report DODIG-2014-065 (April 30, 2014) recommended the increased use and creation of State Defense Forces (SDFs) as a cost-effective way to strengthen homeland defense and emergency response. The report noted that restrictive interpretations of federal law (32 U.S.C. § 109) and overly cautious National Guard Bureau policies hindered cooperation, preventing states from fully leveraging SDF capabilities despite their proven value during events like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. It urged the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy to clarify what types of coordination with SDFs are legally permissible, and called on the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to revise regulations so that SDFs are treated on par with other state agencies in preparing for and participating in federal responses, including access to federal equipment where allowed. The report concluded that greater reliance on SDFs would enhance national resilience, fill gaps when the National Guard is federally deployed, and provide states with an essential force multiplier for homeland defense needs.

Download "Department of Defense Inspector General Report"

National Guard Policy Regarding Interaction with State Defense Forces

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The National Guard Regulation (NGR) 10-4, issued November 2, 2011, sets the official policies and responsibilities for how the National Guard Bureau and state National Guards interact with State Defense Forces (SDFs). It affirms that states are solely responsible for establishing, funding, training, and managing their SDFs under 32 U.S.C. § 109, while clarifying that SDFs may cooperate with the National Guard in domestic operations. However, the regulation restricts the use of federal funds, benefits, and property for SDFs, and prohibits dual membership with federal reserve components. It also establishes rules on uniforms, awards, and access to equipment, ensuring that SDFs remain state-controlled forces that supplement, but are distinct from, federally funded military organizations

Download "National Guard Interaction with State Defense Forces Policy"