State Guard Association of the United States
StateDefenseForce.com is an excellent source of information about how State Defense Forces (SDFs) are organized; their relationship to active duty, reserve, and National Guard units; the legal background of SDFs that distinguish them from militias, and the history of SDFs. Click on the image below to read this summary.
The June 2022 issue of National Guard Magazine published an article titled “State Guards” that provides history and mission of the nation’s State Defense Forces, pp.14-18. SGAUS recommends this excellent article, which can be read by on the image of the magazine front cover below.
Find out more about the National CommEx and Cyber Competition to be held in conjunction with the National Conference on 19 November!
Contact for registration for 2023 course: LTC Ungar-Sargon julian.ungar@igr.in.gov Phone: 219 588 8000
REGISTER NOW AT https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-sgaus-annual-conference-tickets-391306727957
Attend the SGAUS Annual Conference at the Crown Plaza Hotel – The Desmond Hotel from 17-20 November, 2022 in Albany, New York.
SFC (SC) Patricia Isenberg leads the way at the 2018 SGAUS Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Beginning on Thursday, 17NOV, events will include training for MEMS, Engineering, Cyber, Communications, Public Affairs, JAG, Chaplain, and other SGAUS Academies. Saturday’s (19NOV) events include a nation-wide communications exercise for all State Defense Forces worldwide, and an all-comers Cyber competition.
Register with the hotel directly to secure the conference room rate of $114/night (not including the 14% guest and state taxes).
Guests who would like to Call-in Reservations to please use Group Code SGA and to call the Hotel direct at 518-869-8100.
PLEASE NOTE THE RESERVATION CUT-OFF DATE OCTOBER 27, 2022
Mark your calendars for this event. Contact MAJ (TN) Steve Estes with questions at Steven.estes@sgaus.org.
Click below to read the WSG’s newsletter.
Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, has appointed Larry M. Pinkerton, a retired colonel in the Ohio Army National Guard, to the position of commander of the State of Ohio Defense Forces (OHSDF). Pinkerton takes command upon the retirement of Brig. Gen. (OH) Richard J. Vasquez, who has led the organization since its inception in 2019.
Please read the pressser below:
By Maj. (MD) Stephen Rice 
March 1, 2022
MDDF 121st Engineer Regiment Supports MDNG with ISR Program
For over 15 years the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) 121st Engineer Regiment has been managing the Installation Status Review (ISR) program for the Maryland National Guard (MDNG). The ISR program is an annual facility inspection program of Army National Guard infrastructure. The ISR program is a critical part of the U.S. Army’s Installation Management Program and it supports budgetary and resource allocation decision making.
Every year each state adjutant general is required to submit completed ISR reports to the U.S. Army. The facilities that are reviewed are benchmarked against U.S. Army standards to determine their physical condition and readiness. Any facilities that are not equipped to carry out the National Guard’s mission are identified and construction or revitalization requirements are determined. Last year the 121st Engineer Regiment inspected 70 Maryland Army National Guard buildings as a part of this program and donated 1,050 hours towards this effort.
“Over the years the MDDF has identified facility issues that might have impeded the operational readiness and quality of life of MDNG soldiers. We’ve also had the opportunity to identify and help to resolve safety issues at MDNG armories,” shared Lt. Col. (MD) Isadore Beattie who leads this effort for the MDDF. “The Maryland National Guard relies on the MDDF to complete this critical work annually and we take immense pride in supporting the MDNG and serving the state,” said Col. (MD) Ed Hubner, commander of the 121st Engineer Regiment. “We have effectively unburdened the National Guard of this important work so that they can focus their energies elsewhere and we’re honored to do it,” Hubner continued. It is estimated that the MDDF has saved the State of Maryland $6.5 million dollars over the 15 years that the MDDF has managed the ISR program. The MDDF ISR reports have also helped to justify the construction or replacement of six armories across the State of Maryland.
“The ISR program is of value to the Maryland National Guard but it also serves as a training mission for the MDDF,” shared Brig. Gen. (MD) Gregory J. Juday, commanding general of the MDDF. “Conducting ISR missions helps the MDDF prepare for the performance of building damage assessments during an emergency if and when our services are requested by the state. This program is truly a win-win for the Maryland Military Department,” concluded Juday.
The Maryland Defense Force is the state’s uniformed volunteer militia branch that provides competent supplementary professional and technical support to the Maryland Military Department and the State of Maryland as needed. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 200 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support, and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: www.mddf.maryland.gov.
PENSACOLA, Fla – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $100 million in funding proposals to support Florida’s National Guard and establish the Florida State Guard, a civilian volunteer force that will assist the National Guard in state-specific emergencies. Also see Establishing The Florida State Guard
