Normally we don’t do a poll after we did one the previous week, but we have a question we want to hear from you, our community. *Scuttlebutt Episode 9 Rescheduled.
State Defense Forces were originally created in 1917; some, however, draw their lineage much further back, even to the founding of the country. When initially created, they were under the direct command of the Governor, so the chain of command ran from the Governor to the State Defense Force commander. During World War II, some states placed their State Defense Forces under the command of the Adjutant General; however, others kept a separate structure: still a military force, still subject to the state’s UCMJ, but the Adjutant General would not have authority over the State Defense Force—only the Governor. After World War II, approximately between the 1970s and 1980s, many states started to place State Defense Forces directly under the command of the Adjutant General for a variety of reasons such as budget consolidation, National Guard influence, the expanding power of the Adjutant General, and centralized control. Since then, every State Defense Force in the nation has been under the command of the Adjutant General.
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Early in the 1980s, when Cold War tensions were on the rise, many Adjutant Generals were proponents of reactivating State Defense Forces for a variety of reasons. There was increased concern over mass National Guard activations throughout the nation to deploy to Europe and Asia in the event of a conflict breaking out between the United States and the USSR. Adjutant Generals saw a need for State Defense Forces to fill in the gaps if such a conflict ignited—not only to assist with mobilization of the National Guard but also to assume National Guard in-state military roles and responsibilities once they were deployed overseas. FEMA also encouraged each state to have a National Guard, a State Defense Force, and an Emergency Management Agency, stating that if a conflict arose to the level where conventional warfare escalated to the use of nuclear weapons, a State Defense Force and Emergency Management Agency would be extremely needed.
During that period many State Defense Forces were reactivated, such as the California State Military Reserve (now California State Guard), Alaska State Defense Force, Maryland Defense Force, etc. However, in 1991 a world-defining shift in power occurred when the USSR dissolved, many of its satellite nations broke off, and a new democratic government was soon installed in Moscow. Following the end of the USSR, tensions between the United States and Russia decreased, with some even speculating that Russia might become a member of NATO one day. This time marked the end of the Cold War and a massive reduction in U.S. military budgeting and spending. The U.S. ramped down new shipbuilding, weapons production, and new weapons designs as world tensions had drastically been reduced to a level not seen for nearly a century. This reduced the perceived need for a National Guard and State Defense Force to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
That peace, unfortunately, was shattered on one day—September 11, 2001—when multiple planes were hijacked and slammed into the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon, foreign terrorists intentionally using them as flying bombs. Since then, the U.S. sought to pursue the terrorist organization responsible for carrying out these horrendous acts and the nations that harbored them. Following the U.S. military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. National Guard went through a shift in its operating capability. The National Guard was originally intended to be a strategic military reserve used to augment the U.S. Army during major conflicts such as World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. However, Afghanistan and Iraq presented new challenges to the U.S. military, as deployments in such locations required lengthy tours, and at such a rate the active-duty military alone wouldn’t be capable of supporting all of its commitments worldwide. The U.S. Army National Guard and Air National Guard became an operational force that was integrated into U.S. military global operations. Many National Guard units would routinely deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan, then redeploy a few years later. During this time period, State Defense Forces were once again on a resurgence. The New York State Guard became part of the New York National Guard CERFP Team (a WMD response force). The Maryland Defense Force deployed with the Maryland Air National Guard in the first-ever State Defense Force overseas deployment to Bosnia and Herzegovina on a medical and humanitarian mission. State Defense Forces became a key resource to augment National Guard forces in states that were short thousands of troops due to overseas deployment commitments.
However, during the 2010s, as operations in Iraq and Afghanistan were being ramped down, we started seeing a change in some Adjutant Generals’ views of State Defense Forces. Instead of being proponents of them as they were in the 1980s, they saw them more in a negative light. The reasons were various—from seeing State Defense Forces as competitive personnel for full-time state military roles to, in some cases, petty political views about whether State Defense Forces were worthy enough to wear the uniform they wore. During the 2010s we saw State Defense Forces being deactivated, such as the Alabama State Defense Force and Massachusetts State Defense Force, and even being reorganized and reclassified as a civilian agency in the case of the Oregon Defense Force (now Oregon Civil Defense Force). Soon we saw Adjutant Generals start to alter the uniforms of their State Defense Force. Typically, when the U.S. Army National Guard would update its military uniform to the latest standard, State Defense Forces would be allowed to do so a few years later. However, in 2024, the National Guard Bureau Chief, General Daniel R. Hokanson, published a revised CNGBI 5500.01, which is a policy directive for National Guard interaction with State Defense Forces. General Hokanson name maybe familiar to some Oregonians as he was the Adjutant General of Oregon who reclassified The Oregon Defense to a Civilian Organization. The new revised policy he pushed out went way beyond the scope of its mandate, recommending that State Defense Forces in all states convert to a heavily modified uniform. Instead of an OCP uniform, OCP camouflage patrol cap, nametapes, and rank insignia, they would now wear a bright red (or other bold color) baseball cap, nametapes, and rank insignia. Also, they would have to wear a patch on their left shoulder next to their unit patch—a bright red patch with white lettering stating “SDF.” There was no cause or reason for such modifications. Our inquiries into this policy change were left unanswered. The policy went further and recommended that State Defense Force troops who were veterans of the U.S. military—many of whom account for nearly half of the State Defense Force troop count—were forbidden to wear their combat patch (a patch provided to soldiers who served in a combat zone) and any U.S. military badges, awards, or accomplishments such as the Combat Infantry Badge. The policy also included a recommendation that State Defense Forces should consider moving to a Polo and Khakis pants uniform. To push this policy directive, General Hokanson invited every Adjutant General in the nation to Washington, D.C., a very unusual step as these policies are normally published and no special events are held, once every Adjutant General was in the room he pushed each to implement these changes in their State Defense Forces.
Some in the State Defense Force community rested their hopes that the Governor of the state would prohibit such a drastic uniform conversion of their State Defense Force, especially as, in 2025, State Defense Forces have become such a vital part of emergency response and National Guard augmentation missions. From the California State Guard’s inclusion in Joint Task Force Rattlesnake—a California Army National Guard, Air National Guard, State Guard, and CAL FIRE task force which is the largest wildland firefighting task force in California and responsible for saving thousands of lives and millions of acres of homes and property—to the Virginia Defense Force’s augmentation of the 91st National Guard Cyber Brigade, ensuring the state’s critical infrastructure can repel the daily attacks from rogue actors and nation-states intent on disrupting American society, State Defense Forces across the nation perform these vital missions in their states. So we were perplexed when, instead of commending and recognizing State Defense Forces, we saw some Adjutant Generals implementing this new policy towards their State Defense Force.
On the state level, we see drastic changes happening on the ground to State Defense Forces. The new Adjutant General of California, Major General Matthew P. Beevers, came in in 2024 and immediately began restructuring the California State Guard. First, the uniforms were changed to align with the National Guard Bureau directive. Then he removed large swaths of the Emergency Response Command component, which included the Search & Rescue unit, the Mounted Search & Rescue unit, and Team Shield, which was a force composed of police officers, former military police, and law-enforcement-certified personnel whose mission was to assist local and state police forces during wildfire evacuations. But the largest change made was the alteration of Team Blaze, the nearly 1,000 certified State Guard troops who were trained and certified in responding to wildfires as part of Task Force Rattlesnake. There has been much confusion as to what occurred. Some sources informed us that it was a simple change of command—that Team Blaze would be under National Guard command—while others indicated each soldier would be able to stay on the team but be reclassified as civilians and not as part of the State Guard. We were also able to confirm that the six fire engines that the California State Guard had been given for Team Blaze and used in wildfire response were disposed of from the State Guard. This was a major blow to the California State Guard.
However, in early 2025, multiple fires ravaged large swaths of California, endangering thousands of lives and millions of acres of homes and property. It took weeks, but the fires were eventually extinguished, albeit with a catastrophic toll. Soon after, we started to see a shift in the Adjutant General’s view of the State Guard. We started to see State Guard troops in training videos of Task Force Rattlesnake, something not seen since the reorganization. We saw the Adjutant General appoint a new commander of the California State Guard, a former U.S. Army combat veteran commander by the name of Brigadier General (CA) Larry K. Adams. Since then we have seen a revitalization of the California State Guard—more training updates, new missions, and even a new ship. We believe this shift occurred because of the questions asked during and in the aftermath of those wildfires. It is unfortunate that it took such a horrendous tragedy to cut out the politics and place the emphasis back on ensuring the right resources are there when you need them.
California, however, wasn’t the only State Defense Force that underwent revisions from an Adjutant General. In Connecticut this year, legislation was introduced and championed by the Adjutant General of Connecticut, Major General Francis J. Evon Jr., that proposed the Connecticut Governors Guards (State Defense Force) be removed from the Connecticut Military Department and reorganized as a private entity within the state. The legislation was opposed by this organization, the State Guard & Defense Force Council (also known as StateDefenseForce.com), and many other groups in Connecticut. One shocking twist in the hearing was when Major General Evon Jr. was asked if the Governors Guards were under similar military rules and regulations as the Connecticut National Guard; he responded no. As we heard this, we immediately knew this was false, as every State Defense Force in the nation is under the state UCMJ (a state equivalent to the U.S. Military Uniform Code of Military Justice), which both the National Guard and Governors Guards are bound to. We don’t know if the Adjutant General was ignorant of his own force’s legal status or answered dishonestly to the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee, but during our allotted time addressing the committee we corrected them on this and highlighted the amazing missions the Governors Guards had been performing.
Even in Texas, where we have the largest and strongest State Defense Force in the nation, they have come under intense pressure from the Texas Military Department. During 2025, some National Guard generals within the Texas Military Department, such as Brigadier General Tanya Trout, repeatedly tried to implement new policies that would limit or alter the Texas State Guard. Considering the Texas State Guard has the largest State Guard in the nation—over 1,700 troops—engaging in many missions from emergency response and cyber defense to having soldiers on full-time active duty as part of Operation Lone Star, we were shocked to hear of those attempting to hinder the development of the Texas State Guard. We were informed of attempts to change the uniform of the Texas State Guard and even an attempt to transition the force to a civilian agency.
This article can go on highlighting cases in Ohio, Virginia, and other states, but the point of this article is to ask you, our community, a very important question regarding a new policy directive we are developing. Should State Defense Forces be structured in such a way as the Florida State Guard has been—out of the authority of the Adjutant General and Military Department, but still a military force, subject to the state UCMJ, and with its commanding officer reporting to the Governor alongside the National Guard Adjutant General?
For State Defense Forces to have a chain of command similar to the way it was situated in World War II would offer many benefits. Increased budgets would be one benefit, as under many Adjutant Generals the State Defense Force budget is normally very limited or zeroed out. State Defense Forces would also gain access to emergency management budgets, homeland security budgets, disaster-preparedness grants, and state continuity-of-government budgets, which would bolster the capabilities of the State Defense Force in all fields, from mission success to recruiting and retention. A State Defense Force with its own budget would have the capability to purchase its own vehicles and equipment, which many State Defense Forces today are unable to do due to lack of funding.
Another benefit would be that missions would be expanded. State Defense Forces wouldn’t have to request authorization from the Adjutant General or Military Department to start a Search & Rescue program or Cyber Defense Unit; they could implement the program based on the purview of the Governor and State Guard Commander. The section of the National Guard directive that pushes for major uniform alterations would become null and void, and State Defense Forces could return to the uniform they normally wore—OCP uniforms with OCP camouflage, nametapes, rank insignia, and a patrol cover that is OCP camouflage, not a red baseball cap. They would also be immune from a new Adjutant General who dislikes State Defense Forces and immediately slashes missions, training, and the organization.
Even further, State Defense Forces would become more widely known, being a separate but still military force within the state. In many legislatures there are lawmakers who are not aware they even have a State Defense Force. With it being a separate military force, they would be more aware that a State Defense Force exists and provide the needed resources for it. Also, State Defense Forces often deploy faster than the National Guard; in the case of a natural disaster or state emergency, it typically takes the National Guard approximately 24 hours to be ready to deploy, while State Defense Forces are able to deploy in 2–3 hours, as we heard from a commander of a highly regarded State Defense Force. This would give Governors options not available before. For example, if additional resources are needed in one part of the state for Search & Rescue missions following an unexpected natural disaster, the Governor will have the National Guard Adjutant General and State Guard Commander in his office and ask both how fast their troops can deploy and assist residents in that area. Twenty-four hours versus two hours can make all the difference in saving lives.
It also removes any complications that could occur in the future. The Adjutant General is a U.S. military officer who can at any moment be subject to activation by the President of the United States, which in turn could cause confusion in the ranks, especially if much of that state’s military leadership is federalized due to a national emergency or international conflict. The functions and chain of command of the State Guard would be uninterrupted and be able to continue performing their missions as normal and even assume the roles and responsibilities of the National Guard soldiers and officers that were activated and deployed outside the state.
This issue is especially important today, as global tensions continue to rise at a pace not seen in generations. In Europe, the continent is witnessing its first major war since the end of World War II, with Russia repeatedly violating the sovereignty of neighboring nations and openly identifying NATO countries—including the United States—as adversaries. In Asia, Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly stated that China will use military force, if necessary, to absorb the democratic nation of Taiwan. Many military analysts warn that China is preparing for a potential amphibious invasion as early as 2027, an event that would trigger severe economic, political, and military repercussions across the Pacific. Taiwan is one of America’s most critical trading partners, producing the majority of the world’s advanced semiconductor chips used in everyday devices such as iPhones, iPads, MacBook Pros, Dell and ASUS laptops, televisions, and countless other technologies. A conflict there would almost certainly draw the United States into the fight. If war expands in Europe or erupts in the Pacific, the U.S. military would rapidly deploy forces overseas—undoubtedly including a significant portion of the National Guard.
Lastly, State Defense Forces would grow drastically. They would no longer be unknown or unheard of, and State Defense Force troops wouldn’t be mistaken for National Guard soldiers because the public would be more aware of State Defense Forces. They would understand the mission, role, and existence of the State Defense Force, and many who were unable to join the military due to family obligations, career ambitions, or MEPS disqualification would join the State Defense Force to serve their community, state, and country.
We have seen much of this already with the Florida State Guard—the first State Defense Force to have a budget of over 70 million dollars, and a continuing year-to-year budget in the eight-figure range. The Florida State Guard has grown in numbers, surpassing many State Defense Forces that have been in existence for decades. They have been involved in a multitude of missions within the state, from emergency response missions during natural disasters or statewide emergencies to augmenting many state agencies, from prisons to maritime response. They also have their own vehicles and even a aerial vehicle to quickly deploy their troops where they are needed most. Since their inception in 2023, they have deployed out of state on numerous missions to assist other states in need following natural disasters in those states.
So we want to hear from you and before we make our determination on a new policy we plan to publish, we want to hear from you—those of you who serve and defend your state and this great nation.
Do you think State Defense Forces should report directly to the Governor instead of remaining under the authority of the Adjutant General and Military Department?
- Yes — State Defense Forces should report directly to the Governor as a separate military force.
- No — State Defense Forces should remain under the authority of the Adjutant General and Military Department.
*UPDATE – Scuttlebutt Episode 9 Will Be Rescheduled. Stay Tuned for Further Details.