State Defense Forces are military units comprised of volunteers who train primarily for disaster response and relief. Although the mission, training and use of each SDF varies by state, they are authorized by law under Title 32 of the US Code:

US Code Title 32, Section 109

 (c)In addition to its National Guard, if any, a State, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, or the Virgin Islands may, as provided by its laws, organize and maintain defense forces. A defense force established under this section may be used within the jurisdiction concerned, as its chief executive (or commanding general in the case of the District of Columbia) considers necessary, but it may not be called, ordered, or drafted into the armed forces.

In general, SDF soldiers volunteer their time for training, purchase their own uniforms and equipment, and drill one weekend a month with some sort of Annual Training period. Some states offer paid deployments when SDF soldiers are activated for disasters or emergencies. Each SDF has it's own requirements and qualifications, but none require that you have prior federal military service.

There are currently 19 states and the Territory of Puerto Rico that have active State Defense Forces. If you live in one of these states and are interested in serving as a State Defense Soldier, let us help connect you with a recruiter!

   

Alabama | Alaska | California | Connecticut | Georgia | Indiana 

Maryland | Michigan | Mississippi | New York | Ohio | Puerto Rico

South Carolina | Tennessee | Texas | Vermont | Virginia | Washington 

 

If you are a recruiter for a State Defense Force, please contact us at info@statedefensesupply.com to help us connect you with interested applicants. 

 

 State Defense Supply LLC is not associated with any state organization and does not represent any State Defense Force, State Guard, State Military Reserve, State Militia, or any other name by which a SDF might be identified. 

Recruiting links are offered only as recommended means of contacting the official SDF recruiting channel; State Defense Supply does not guarantee any result or contact, and is not liable for the validity of any of the links provided.