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The Evolution of the South Carolina State Guard: Guardians of the Palmetto State

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SDF News

Recently The South Carolina Military Department featured an article highlighting the history, missions and accomplishments of The South Carolina State Guard (State Defense Force). The State Guard, a key component of the South Carolina Military Department, stands alongside the legendary South Carolina Army National Guard and the South Carolina Air National Guard, and has a distinguished history and unique mission. Founded with the establishment of Charles Towne in 1670, the guard’s legacy is deeply interwoven with the state’s military history, dating back to its roots as a volunteer citizen-militia. Throughout the Revolutionary War, the guard played a pivotal role under the leadership of figures like Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion, a pioneer of guerrilla warfare and a progenitor of the United States Army Rangers. The guard’s contributions were crucial in recapturing the South from British control, marking a significant chapter in the fight for American independence. Over the years, the State Guard has continued to evolve, playing key roles in various conflicts, including the early 19th-century battles against the Spanish in Florida, the War with Mexico, and the Spanish-American War.

In the face of World War II, the emergence of the South Carolina Defense Force, later renamed the South Carolina State Guard in 1944, underscored the strategic importance of state defense forces in maintaining domestic security and readiness. Tasked with coastal defense and internal security, including search and rescue operations, the State Guard was pivotal in safeguarding the state against potential threats, such as German submarine landings. Today, the South Carolina State Guard is organized as an army division, led by Major General Leon Lott, and is structured to provide comprehensive support across various emergency scenarios. Comprising the Personal Staff, Special Staff, Coordinating Staff, Professional Services Command, and the 1st Civil Support Brigade, the guard is dedicated to serving the citizens of South Carolina. The commitment of its members to service and community is exemplified through rigorous training at the State Guard’s Military Academy, ensuring their readiness to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Did you know?
Separate from the South Carolina Army National Guard and the South Carolina Air National Guard, the South Carolina State Guard is also one of the entities within the South Carolina Military Department.
The South Carolina State Guard enjoys a rich history that stretches back to the volunteer citizen-militia which was formed at Charles Towne with the first settlers in 1670.
Starting in 1775 during the war with Great Britain, Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion acted with Continental Army and South Carolina militia commissions. Due to his irregular methods of warfare, he is considered one of the fathers of modern guerrilla warfare, and is credited in the lineage of the United States Army Rangers.
Commanded by the naval component of the State Guard, the frigate South Carolina captured tons of gunpowder from the British to supply the state and Continental Armies in the early stages of the war.
Under the command of Revolutionary War Commanders such as Francis Marion, Andrew Pickens, Thomas Sumter and William Washington, South Carolina State Guard forces recaptured the South from British occupation in concert with the Continental Army led by Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene.
In the early 1800s, State Guard troops were instrumental in defeating the Spanish and securing Florida and they served with distinction in the War with Mexico and the Spanish-American War.
In 1940, the war in Europe raised the possibility of a mobilized National Guard deploying, leaving no military force at home, so Congress again passed legislation allowing the establishment of state defense forces.
The South Carolina Defense Force (SCDF) was quickly organized and by July 2, 1941, numbered 191 officers and 3,060 enlisted men. Among the officers was Strom Thurmond, then a second lieutenant in Company L (Edgefield),
3d Battalion, 1st Regiment.
The mission of the SCDF-renamed the South Carolina State Guard (SCSG) in January 1944 —was to defend against invasion along the South Carolina coast and assist local officials in providing internal security, including search and rescue. While invasion by sea was unlikely, there was a fear that German submarines might land saboteurs. The SCDF was tasked with holding off enemy forces until troops could be brought in from Fort Jackson.
Occasionally they were called out to provide security for crashed aircraft or after a natural disaster. The last known wartime unit, Company E (Greenville), 2d Battalion, 2d Regiment, was mustered out on 8 August 1947.
Currently, the South Carolina State Guard is organized as an army division under the leadership of the Commander of the SCSG (COMMAND). It is comprised of the Personal Staff, Special Staff, Coordinating Staff, Professional Services Command and the 1st Civil Support Brigade.
The 1st Civil Support Brigade is further divided into the following: 1st Battalion, 2nd Battalion and 3rd Battalion.
Each battalion is further divided into companies, corresponding to the boundaries of the six regions of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
State Guard members share a passion for service and an equally strong commitment to their fellow South Carolinians. New and current members receive training at the State Guard’s Military Academy located at the McCrady Training Center in Eastover, S.C.
Major General Leon Lott is the current Commander of the South Carolina State Guard.

Source: South Carolina Military Department

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