The South Carolina State Guard (State Defense Force – SCSG) continues to sharpen its capabilities by ensuring its troops are properly trained to meet the demands of modern emergencies. Recently, soldiers of the 8th Troop Command participated in a firearms familiarization exercise designed to provide new recruits undergoing Initial Entry Training (Basic Training) with critical instruction on the safe and effective use of firearms.
The training, led by the Provost Marshal Detachment, emphasized the fundamentals of firearm safety, operation, maintenance, cleaning, and secure storage. For many of the newest members of the State Guard, this was their first hands-on introduction to firearms training. Meanwhile, seasoned personnel had the opportunity to qualify and refresh their skills to ensure readiness. The Provost Marshal Detachment, commanded by Major Adam Oxendine, coordinated and supervised the event, ensuring that all training met law enforcement-level standards.
The South Carolina State Guard is unique among State Defense Forces in that it maintains armed and trained units that meet rigorous law enforcement qualifications. These troops are regularly called upon to augment local and state police forces during statewide emergencies, supporting law enforcement when resources are stretched thin, especially the last few years when Hurricanes ravaged the state. Additionally, the Guard fields a specialized detachment dedicated to augmenting South Carolina’s correctional facilities, many of which face chronic understaffing. These Guard troops provide external security, ensuring facilities remain secure, procedures are followed, and no escape attempts are made.
This specialized role places the SCSG alongside a select number of State Defense Forces nationwide that maintain armed and law enforcement-trained elements. For example, the California State Guard maintains similar capabilities within its 40th Support Group, a unit staffed by former U.S. military and police instructors. These instructors provide firearms training to California Army National Guard soldiers, improving accuracy and proficiency with their assigned weapons. The California State Guard also maintains a security unit that works in close partnership with the Army and Air National Guard, providing essential base security at installations such as the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base.
Another State Defense Force that has been stepping up during high-visibility events, the Louisiana State Guard (State Defense Force – LASG) recently demonstrated its capabilities during Super Bowl LIX. The LASG Force Protection Team, working in coordination with the Louisiana Military Department and the Louisiana National Guard, helped secure Jackson Barracks—a key military installation in New Orleans—by handling perimeter security, access control, vehicle inspections, and operational support. Prior to deployment, LASG personnel were re-certified via the Louisiana State Police weapons qualification program, reinforcing their readiness.
Together, these examples demonstrate how State Defense Forces like those in South Carolina, Louisiana and California are adapting to modern challenges by building specialized units capable of providing law enforcement-level support. As state emergencies become increasingly complex, the presence of well-trained, armed, and qualified State Guard troops ensures that communities remain secure and public safety is maintained when it is needed most.
The South Carolina State Guard Provost Marshal Detachment, part of the 8th Troop Command, spent the day training new recruits in firearm familiarization, technique and safety. The unit conducted qualifying as well for current personnel. The Provost Marshal Detachment is commanded by MAJ Adam Oxendine. Photos by MAJ David Finleyson, SCSG Public Affairs.
Source: South Carolina State Guard