The paper “A Guide for Establishing a State Defense Force with a Homeland Security Mission” by Colonel Martin Hershkowitz (MDDF-Ret.) and Brigadier General Herbert Wardell Jr. (DNG-Ret.) provides a detailed framework for creating and organizing a State Defense Force (SDF) that supports state-level Homeland Security and emergency management operations. The authors explain how modern threats—terrorism,
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The article “The Impact of the Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Academy on State Defense Forces” by Command Sergeant Major Jeffrey A. Slotnick (WASG)examines how the MEMS Academy, created by the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS), has become a cornerstone for enhancing the professionalism, readiness, and interoperability of State Defense Forces (SDFs).
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The article “The Militia You’ve Never Heard Of” by Adam Freedman highlights the overlooked but essential role of State Defense Forces (SDFs) as America’s untapped resource for homeland security. Freedman begins with the example of the New York Guard’s 56th Brigade, which successfully supported law enforcement during the 2004 Republican National Convention when National Guard
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The article “State Defense Forces: Challenges and Opportunities of Recruiting and Retention” by Deano L. McNeilanalyzes the difficulties State Defense Forces (SDFs) face in attracting and retaining qualified members while operating as volunteer military organizations with limited funding and public awareness. McNeil explains that SDFs, authorized under Title 32, Section 109 of the U.S. Code,
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The thesis “State Defense Forces and Their Role in American Homeland Security” by Lieutenant Commander Jonathan R. Pohnel, U.S. Navy, explores how State Defense Forces (SDFs)—state-controlled military units that cannot be federalized—can serve as essential assets in domestic disaster response and homeland security. The study traces the historical evolution of militias from the colonial era
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The article “Tapping State Defense Forces to Decrease Defense Spending” by Warrant Officer 1 Seth G. Stuck of the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Public Affairs Office argues that State Defense Forces (SDFs) represent one of the most cost-effective tools available to states seeking to maintain high levels of emergency preparedness while minimizing defense expenditures.
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The paper “Why More States Should Establish State Defense Forces” by Jessica Zuckerman, Colonel Martin Hershkowitz, Brigadier General Frederic N. Smalkin, and Dr. James Jay Carafano makes a strong case for the creation and expansion of State Defense Forces (SDFs) as essential components of homeland security and emergency preparedness. Using Arizona’s newly authorized Senate Bill
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The paper “The 21st-Century Militia: State Defense Forces and Homeland Security” by Dr. James Jay Carafano and Jessica Zuckerman, published by The Heritage Foundation in October 2010, examines the growing importance of State Defense Forces (SDFs) as vital state-level components of homeland security. The authors trace the evolution of state militias from the Militia Act
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The article “A Well-Regulated Militia” by James Jay Carafano explores the enduring importance of citizen-soldiers and state defense forces in America’s national security framework. Carafano begins by tracing the historical roots of the militia concept, noting that the Founding Fathers viewed a well-regulated militia as a safeguard against tyranny and an essential component of a
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The paper argues that the National Guard’s transformation from a strategic to an operational reserve—especially during the War on Terror—has become unsustainable because of its dual federal and state missions. Gelinas contends that the Guard cannot simultaneously meet the demands of Title 10 federal deployments and Title 32 state responsibilities. To resolve this, he proposes
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