The 2024 revision of CNGBI 5500.01 introduced a substantial and dramatic change in uniform guidance for State Defense Forces nationwide. Whereas the 2017 policy principally required State Defense Forces using modified Army uniforms to alter their insignia sufficiently to distinguish themselves from the U.S. Armed Forces such as having their NameTape state the name of The State Defense Force instead of US Army and switch from wearing The US Flag on their right shoulder of their uniform to a State Flag, CNGBI 5500.01A introduced a radical and highly controversial uniform requirement, whereby State Defense Force troops would be required to wear Bright Red or Similar Distinctive Colors to contract their name and State name tapes. The policy also instructed State Defense Force troops no longer wear US Military Patrol Caps, instead transitioning to Bright Red or similar color Baseball caps. The policy instruction didnt end there it also recommended State Defense Forces Rank Insignia be represented in Bright Red and White color, and lastly recommended SDF troops to wear a large bright Red and White Patch on their Uniform stating 'SDF'.

Also the new revised policy advised all State Militaries to no longer allow former US Military Veterans, who were currently serving in The State Defense Force, to wear the awards, Combat Patch and other achievements they earned while serving in The US Military.

Lastly the policy update suggested State Defense Forces convert from a Military Uniform, a uniform they had worn since 1917 to today, to a Polo and Khakis Uniform.

The drastic policy revision was issued during the tenure of General Daniel R. Hokanson as Chief of the National Guard Bureau. Hokanson, who had previously served as The Adjutant General of Oregon from 2013 to 2015, a period during which he dismantled The Oregon State Defense Force by  personally testifying before the Oregon Legislature which led to the disbandment of The ORSDF disbanded.

The 2024 national uniform requirements have subsequently generated widespread concern within the State Defense Force community that forcing these critical State military forces away from a conventional military appearance can undermine military identity, esprit de corps, recruiting & retention, and possibly risk the lives of the men and women who serve in The State Defense Force.

Some States have moved toward substantially altered military uniforms or nontraditional combinations such as polo-style shirts and civilian trousers. The policy marks a strategic shift in State Defense Force,  fastly leading to a drastic decline in recruiting and retention.

The 2017 revised CNGBI 5500.01, National Guard Interaction with State Defense Forces, establishes the National Guard Bureau’s policy governing how the National Guard may interact with State Defense Forces (SDFs). It replaced the earlier 2011 National Guard Regulation 10-4 and formally permits National Guard units to work with SDFs in training, exercises, maneuvers, and domestic or civil-support operations when appropriate. The instruction directs the National Guard to generally treat an SDF like any other State entity participating in domestic-support activities, while maintaining the federal restrictions imposed by law.

The policy also establishes important limits on that relationship. Federal funds, equipment, pay, transportation, medical support, or other federal resources may not be used when the primary purpose is to train or support an SDF. It also restricts SDF access to certain federal military facilities and benefits, establishes requirements for SDF use of modified U.S. military uniforms, limits eligibility for federal awards, and prohibits members of federal reserve components from simultaneously serving in an SDF. The instruction assigns oversight responsibilities to State Adjutants General and several NGB directorates, including provisions for reporting SDF availability, capabilities, and capacity for supporting State civil authorities.