The article “A Condensed History of California’s State Defense Forces” by SSgt. D. Carl Ehlig provides a detailed chronological overview of the evolution of California’s state military organizations from their early militia roots to the modern California State Military Reserve. It begins by tracing the origins of state defense forces to the 1940 National Defense Act amendment that allowed states to organize militias when their National Guard units were federalized. The narrative then moves through California’s early militias during the Mexican and Civil Wars, the formation of the National Guard in 1866, and the service of state forces during the Spanish-American War and 1906 earthquake. It recounts the creation of the California State Guard and State Militia during World War II, which grew to more than 75,000 members protecting infrastructure and performing rescue missions, before being disbanded in 1946. The article continues through the Korean War’s reactivation of state forces as the California National Guard Reserve, their later disbandment, and reestablishment in 1976 by Governor Jerry Brown as the California State Military Reserve. It highlights their critical roles during crises such as the 1992 Los Angeles riots, Y2K readiness operations, post-9/11 mobilizations, and major wildfire responses including Operations Fall Blaze and Lightning Strike. Concluding with the emergence of the Installation Support Command in 2008, the article emphasizes the enduring legacy, adaptability, and service of California’s citizen-soldiers under many names—from the California Militia to today’s California State Military Reserve—each dedicated to defending the state and supporting its National Guard.
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