State Defense Forces

State Defense Forces or State Guards, in the United States are military units that operate under the sole authority of a state government. State Defense Forces are authorized by state and federal law and are under the command of the governor, as commander-in-chief, through the Adjutant General as the state's chief military officer.

Related Topics:
United States - Governor - Commander-in-chief - Adjutant General

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State Defense Forces are distinct from the National Guard in that they are not federal entities and cannot be made so. The federal government officially recognized State Defense Forces under 32 USC Sec 109 and provided that State Defense Forces "may not be called, ordered, or drafted into the armed forces" (of the United States), thus preserving their separation from the National Guard.

Related Topics:
National Guard - USC

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Only about 25 states currently have active State Defense Forces, plus Puerto Rico, each with different levels of activity, state support, and strength.

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SDFs generally operate with emergency management and homeland security missions.

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