The article “The Role of State Defense Forces in Homeland Security” by Colonel John R. Brinkerhoff (USA-Ret.)presents a detailed argument for the reestablishment and strengthening of State Defense Forces (SDFs) as critical components of America’s homeland security framework. Brinkerhoff explains that since the National Guard is now largely a federal operational force—with many of its units deployed overseas—governors often lack sufficient military personnel for disaster response, civil defense, and law enforcement support. He traces the historical evolution of SDFs from the Home Guards of World War I and II through their reactivation during the Cold War, noting that they have repeatedly proven effective whenever the National Guard was unavailable. The article warns that in large-scale crises, such as terrorist attacks or weapons of mass destruction incidents, existing police and National Guard resources would be overwhelmed, leaving states dangerously short on manpower. Brinkerhoff argues that Title 32 U.S. Code §109 authorizes states to form SDFs to fill this gap and that these all-volunteer, state-funded units can provide organized, trained, and disciplined troops to maintain order, protect infrastructure, and support emergency operations. He calls for each state to build an SDF roughly half the size of its National Guard, led by the Adjutant General and trained to federal standards. Brinkerhoff concludes that State Defense Forces are a low-cost, high-value solution to strengthen homeland defense, ensure continuity of governance during crises, and uphold America’s citizen-soldier tradition.
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