New Scuttlebutt Episode 8 Released! National Guard Bureau Equivalent for SDFs? Examining the Push for National Training Standards

We want to begin by apologizing for the delay in releasing this episode. It entered the editing phase a few weeks ago and was originally recorded in early November. This time of year is exceptionally busy for our team, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we worked to finalize it for release.

Episode 8 focuses on the evolving Basic Training Standards for State Defense Forces and includes a critical update on federal-level consideration surrounding the creation of a National Guard Bureau–equivalent for State Defense Forces. We dive into items like Puerto Rico State Guard’s establishing of a Department of Defense Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) equivalent department to evaluate applicants and see if they are qualified to join the State Guard. We also discuss whether SGAUS should become the organization responsible for setting national standards, we address what Commanding Generals of numerous State Defense Forces feel about the concept of unified national training and readiness requirements.

The conversation then expands into the topic of uniforms, focusing on one State Defense Force’s use of blue polo shirts and khaki pants and the potential dangers of drifting too far from military-structured standards. We explore how such deviations can become a slippery slope, using the Oregon Defense Force’s shift into the Oregon Civil Defense Force as a cautionary example of how civilianization can take hold. The episode concludes with a discussion of New York’s newly approved legislation designating New York Guard Soldiers as Military Veterans within the state.

Click Here To Listen To The Episode

The Scuttlebutt Podcast are only available to our Patreon members – Corporal $5 Tier and above. We provide this to them as a thank you for keeping StateDefenseForce.com online and running. Thanks to their generous support, we’re able to cover essential expenses such as website hosting, domain fees, and compensating our podcast hosts and authors who create in-depth historical features. Their funding also helps power our new lobbying initiative, which plays a critical role in advancing the State Defense Force mission across the nation.

About Scuttlebutt:

Scuttlebutt is hosted by Jean Marciniak, one of the directors of StateDefenseForce.com, also known as The State Guard & Defense Force Council. Jean oversees the daily operations of the organization, spearheading legislative efforts, recruitment initiatives, and managing a team of authors who contribute timely and impactful editorial content. He is also responsible for the operation of StateDefenseForce.com, State Defense Force Online Store, State Guard Administration, The Center for State Defense Force History, Legislative Advocacy Department, and The Quartermaster Department. Jean brings strategic insight and a deep commitment to strengthening and promoting State Defense Forces nationwide.

Joining him is co-host Major Beverly Shepard (GA – Retired), one of the most accomplished Public Affairs Officers in the State Defense Force community. As the architect of the Georgia State Defense Force’s Public Affairs Department, she transformed it into a premier operation that now rivals full-time active military public affairs teams. Her exceptional leadership and communication skills have significantly elevated the public image of the Georgia State Defense Force, directly contributing to increased recruitment and awareness. With her extensive knowledge and experience, Major Shepard brings valuable perspective and professionalism to every episode, and we are honored to have her as a core member of the Scuttlebutt team.

Thank you to our Patreon Members who make this possible:

Thank You To Our Patreon Members