The State Guard & Defense Force Council traces its origins back to 2005 with the launch of HomeGuardArmory.com, one of the earliest online platforms dedicated to reporting on State Defense Forces. From its inception, the project focused on covering State Defense Force news, training activities, and missions at a time when information about these organizations was scarce and often misunderstood. In 2008, this effort evolved into StateDefenseForce.com, which replaced HomeGuardArmory.com and expanded its role as a central source for timely reporting on State Defense Forces nationwide.

As StateDefenseForce.com grew, its mission expanded beyond news reporting to public education and engagement. The site began providing clear, accessible information for individuals unfamiliar with State Defense Forces, explaining their missions, service commitments, benefits, and role in supporting the National Guard and state emergency operations. This evolution also led to the creation of original media programming, including the Commanders Briefing podcast, featuring interviews with State Defense Force Commanding Officers and Adjutants General, and Scuttlebutt, a community-focused podcast where members of the State Defense Force community discuss training, policy, and the future of these forces.

In 2022, StateDefenseForce.com formally became a nonprofit organization under the name The State Guard & Defense Force Council, doing business as StateDefenseForce.com, expanding its mission to include legislative advocacy and organizational development. This work includes supporting the creation of new State Defense Forces where they do not exist, engaging with policymakers, and collaborating with the Congressional Research Agency on federal legislation to expand and better integrate the use of State Defense Forces with federal agencies and U.S. military branches. In 2025, the organization was recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit. Continuing to evolve, the Council will unveil its Quartermaster Corps in 2026—an initiative dedicated to strengthening State Defense Forces nationwide by providing critical logistical and financial support, including uniforms for new recruits, food and supplies for training and emergency activations, travel assistance, and sustainment resources, thus ensuring State Defense Forces remain mission-ready, resilient, and focused on serving their communities and states.