The State Guard & Defense Force Council, also known as StateDefenseForce.com, is dedicated to strengthening and expanding State Defense Forces across the nation. Through daily news updates, recruitment initiatives, legislative advocacy, and expert guidance on training, structure, and uniforms, we ensure these forces remain ready to support the National Guard, serve their states, and safeguard their communities.
Also Known As State Guard, State Military Reserve, Guard Reserve, Military Reserve, Governors Guards, etc.
State Defense Forces (SDFs), also commonly called State Guards or State Military Forces, are state-authorized, Governor-controlled military organizations that operate alongside, but separate from a state’s National Guard.
Authorized under Federal law 32 U.S.C. s.109. Over 20 States maintain a State Guard to assist Local & State Agencies as well as The States' National Guard in a variety of missions.
First created in 1917, their mission was to assume in-state National Guard duties and responsibilities while U.S. National Guard units were deployed to Europe during World War I. During peacetime, State Defense Forces assist and augment National Guard forces, and during wartime,such as World War II or the Global War on Terror, they assume the roles and responsibilities of the National Guard. Their core purpose is to provide trained, organized, and mission-ready personnel to support homeland missions that keep communities safe, including disaster response and recovery, search & rescue missions, emergency logistics, law enforcement augmentation, communications support, shelter and distribution operations, logistical support & management, medical and administrative augmentation, and other state-directed support roles. Because they are state forces, they are funded, equipped, and activated under state authority (State Active Duty), allowing them to help states sustain emergency operations, reduce strain on the National Guard, and maintain continuity of response capabilities when Guard units are deployed or tasked elsewhere.
To learn more visit StateDefenseForce.com
We advance awareness, understanding, and growth of State Defense Forces through comprehensive news coverage, public engagement, and legislative advocacy. Through near-daily reporting on State Defense Force missions, training, and activities via StateDefenseForce.com—along with in-depth interviews with State Defense Force and National Guard leaders—we keep service members, policymakers, and the public informed. At the same time, we monitor and share legislative developments while actively advocating for new laws and policies that create, sustain, and expand State Defense Forces, working to secure greater recognition, support, and benefits for those who serve.
Beyond awareness and advocacy, we provide practical guidance and long-term support to strengthen the professionalism and effectiveness of State Defense Forces nationwide. This includes developing recruitment initiatives that help states build capable forces, offering recommended best practices for training, organizational structure, and uniform standards to ensure consistency and interoperability with the National Guard, and preserving the historical legacy of State Defense Forces through educational outreach. We also assist Adjutants General and policymakers by supporting the creation of new State Defense Forces where they do not exist and providing proven frameworks for successful organizational development.
Office of Financial & Resource Management
The Office of Financial & Resource Management ensures the responsible stewardship of resources by managing finances, regulatory compliance, fundraising, and grant development to sustain and advance the mission of the organization.
Quartermaster Corps
The Quartermaster Program strengthens State Defense Forces by providing essential funding and logistical support to units facing budget constraints that limit their ability to issue uniforms, equipment, supplies, and food during drills and training. By reducing financial and logistical burdens, the Quartermaster Program ensures units remain mission-ready and focused on serving their communities and states.
The State Guard & Defense Force Council
(Also Known As StateDefenseForce.com)
To Develop & Grow State Defense Force Nationwide.