The article “Volunteer Military Organizations: An Overlooked Asset” by Lieutenant Colonel Brent C. Bankus (AUS-Ret.) argues that State Defense Forces (SDFs) and other volunteer military organizations represent an untapped solution to America’s growing homeland security and manpower challenges. Bankus traces their origins from colonial militias to modern SDFs, Naval Militias, the Civil Air Patrol, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary, emphasizing how these forces have repeatedly filled critical domestic roles when the National Guard was federalized during major wars or crises. He highlights their effectiveness in World Wars I and II, where Home Guards safeguarded infrastructure and supported emergency response, and notes their continued relevance after 9/11 and during disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The article provides numerous examples of SDF missions, including pipeline and harbor security in Alaska, search and rescue operations in Tennessee and Virginia, weapons of mass destruction (WMD) response in Georgia, and law enforcement augmentation in New York. Bankus also explores their cost efficiency, showing that volunteer forces save states millions in manpower costs annually, while offering professionals—such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers—a means of service without federal deployment. However, he identifies challenges including the lack of federal recognition, inconsistent training standards, and limited access to surplus equipment. He concludes that these issues could be resolved through partial federal funding, standardized doctrine under the National Guard Bureau, and greater integration with U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM). Bankus asserts that expanding the role of SDFs and other volunteer military organizations would provide states with trained, disciplined, and cost-effective manpower for homeland defense and emergency management while reinforcing America’s citizen-soldier tradition.
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