California State Guard Uniform 1 2

Controversy Arises Over California State Guard’s Surprising Uniform Change

We recently discovered The California State Guard (State Defense Force) will undergo some major uniform changes. Previously, members of the California State Guard were outfitted in the same uniform similar to that of the Army National Guard, with the key distinction being the “CALIFORNIA” nametape, replacing the “US ARMY” inscription. This uniformity extended to various elements, including the U.S. flag patch adorning the right shoulder and the color scheme of the nametapes. However, a recent decision has been made to introduce distinctive changes to the uniforms. These modifications are designed to further differentiate State Defense Force soldiers from their National Guard brothers and sisters.

Here is a sample of the change:

This is a drastic change to the uniform of The California State Guard. No other State Defense Force, albeit one (New York Guard), has undergone such a drastic change in the appearance of their uniform. We do not know what prompted such a radical change.

Also The US Flag normally worn by California State Guard, US Army National Guard and other branches will be replaced by The State Flag. Whether the flag will be subdued or in color is still in discussion. Here is a sample of one of the subdued flags will look like:

The Maritime element of The California State Guard, a department that includes ships and sailors which assist The US Coast Guard on various missions throughout the year, will also have their uniforms altered. Instead of The US Navy Working Uniform Type IIIs uniforms they currently wear, those soldiers will transition to Army OCP uniforms. Here is a Illustration of that change:

These drastic uniform changes are of concern to StateDefenseForce.com. While the switch from US Flag to State Flag is a minor change and fits into the paradigm of State Defense Forces which are state only military forces, the other changes are more sudden and radical and are of significant concern to StateDefenseForce.com. Usually when such changes are proposed it is due to viewpoint changes from a Adjutant General (Senior National Guard General). As of last year California State Military Adjutant General recently changed commands from Major General David Baldwin to Major General Matthew P. Beevers. Not only is there a new Adjutant General but The California State Guard has recently seen a transition in leadership from Major General Jay Coggan to Brigadier General (CA) Robert Spano. Major General Coggan has been responsible for increasing the size of The California State Guard, drastically increasing involvement of The State Guard into wild land firefighting but also expanding The California State Guard and their missions. Since his departure news from The California State Guard has been limited.

We have reached out to The California State Guard for comment, we haven’t heard back yet, stay tuned for update.

It is news like this why StateDefenseForce.com has started a lobbying program. Our lobbying program will be developing relations with The National Guard Bureau, State & Federal Legislators and Adjutant Generals throughout the country in hopes of advocating for State Defense Forces, as well as opposing such drastic uniform changes, but we need you and your help to develop The State Defense Force cause, become a Patreon member.

Click Here To Join Our Patreon Program and Support The State Defense Force Cause

Here is the notification California State Guard troops are receiving from leadership:

From: Peterson, James@CMD
Sent: Sunday, January 7, 2024 1:45 PM
Subject: State Defense Force Uniform Changes
CSMs,
Among numerous briefings to/with the CG yesterday at HQ, the pressing point of uniform changes was decided upon by the CG. These changes are not in effect at this time, and will only take effect IAW information distributed through official channels.
The efforts of the uniform working group, working with their connections in concert with the CGs work as well, has resulted in the information below, which the CG will deliver to the TAG for his blessing.
No major changes such as Red caps, or similar. Duty uniform remains the OCP which is already worn by Army and Air component. Maritime will switch to OCP, so that the State Defense Force presents a united appearance.
Details:
Army and Air rank on OCP remains as-is. Maritime will display maritime rank on OCP. Not sure what color/design background is available for Navy rank on OCP material at this time.
One shoulder patch on left sleeve – the newer Bear and Star CSG patch. No use of Federal-aligned patch or locally-designed Joint command patches.
US Flag on right shoulder replaced by California state flag. Unsure if full-color or subdued: this was not discussed at our meeting.
Qualification/skill badges from Federal service remain (CIB, CAB, former wartime service, etc)
Nametape and CALIFORNIA tape switch to black background, with lettering changed to either white or silver. Exact color was not specified at the meeting.
The CG’s position is that State will fund the initial purchase of CALIFORNIA name tapes and a shoulder unit patch for each SM (one per SM), as the changes are being mandated by State/TAG. Vendor information will be provided for those wanting to purchase additional items.
Due to the uniform change for Maritime, it was discussed that we explore having the State provide funding for one OCP uniform set for each Maritime SM, as this guidance will mandate a uniform change from what Maritime members have already purchased. Not finalized but all agreed upon this.
I have requested a set of the changed nametapes and patches from a vendor, to begin modeling the changes for our SM to see how they will appear in (what we anticipate) final approved form. If/when approved, we will provide multiple vendor sources for SM to utilize for their own out-of pocket purchases, beyond the initial issue.
Let me know your thoughts, as this is going to happen, and we must be prepared to address anticipated resistance to various changes. Ultimately, the goal is to make the CSG into a State Defense Force that is distinctive in appearance and united in effort, while continuing our service to the State alongside the National Guard.
Jim Peterson
Command Sergeant Major (CA)
Senior Enlisted Advisor
California State Guard
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