WASHINGTON, D.C. – A recent strategic shift by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has created a significant opportunity for State Defense Forces (SDFs) across the country to assume a critical new mission in public health and emergency management.
In a memo dated July 24, 2025, the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response announced it is retiring the Federal Medical Stations (FMS) program from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). These stations, designed to provide surge medical capacity for 50-250 low-acuity patients in temporary facilities, have not been deployed in over five years and are no longer considered central to the SNS core mission of responding to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
Consequently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is archiving the associated Pre-scripted Mission Assignment (PSMA), meaning states can no longer request this federal capability during emergencies.
While this creates a capability gap for state and local governments, the HHS memo indicates that states may be able to acquire the divested FMS equipment. This presents a unique opportunity for SDFs to provide the trained and organized personnel needed to turn these equipment caches into a ready state asset.
“This is a textbook example of where State Defense Forces can and should step in,” said SGAUS President Lt. Colonel Barry Greene, NYG, Ret. “The federal government is streamlining its focus, and that creates a need at the state level. SDFs are the perfect solution. As state-exclusive forces under the command of the Governor, authorized by federal law, we are ideally positioned to take over this mission, ensuring our states remain prepared to handle medical surge events without federal assistance. This enhances state sovereignty and resilience.”
The potential mission for SDF personnel would involve receiving, storing, and maintaining the former FMS equipment, as well as training to rapidly deploy and operate these temporary medical facilities during a disaster.
SGAUS Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sergeant Shawn Peno, USAF, Ret., commented on the readiness aspect. “This is a hands-on, vital mission that our enlisted members are built for. From the logistics specialists who will maintain the caches to the medical professionals who will staff them, our troops bring a wealth of civilian and military expertise. This isn’t just about storing equipment; it’s about building a trained, disciplined force that can deliver a critical life-saving capability for their neighbors at a moment’s notice. It’s a mission our NCOs can really sink their teeth into.”
The legal foundation for SDFs to assume this role is well-established in 32 U.S. Code § 109, which authorizes states to maintain their own defense forces for state-level duties, including homeland security missions.
Next Steps for SDF Members
Individual members and leaders within State Defense Forces can take proactive steps to prepare their organizations for this potential mission:
- Engage Your Chain of Command: The most critical step is to discuss this opportunity through the proper military chain of command. Unit leaders can assess current capabilities and express interest to their higher headquarters.
- Identify and Highlight Relevant Skills: Members with civilian expertise in medicine, logistics, supply chain management, emergency management, or facility operations should ensure their skills are accurately reflected in their records and known to their leadership.
- Support Command-Level Briefings: While individual members should not contact legislators directly, they can support their leadership by helping prepare information and briefings for state officials and emergency management agencies. Advocacy for this mission is most effective when channeled through the State Adjutant General and the SDF command structure.
- Focus on Foundational Training: Units can focus on training that would support such a mission, including logistics, communications, and basic medical support skills, in anticipation of receiving a new mission.
Monitor National Training Standards: Monitor SGAUS training Academies and badge programs. These programs are often designed to align skills with relevant federal requirements, ensuring capabilities are interoperable and meet national emergency response standards.