The Georgia State Defense Force continues to expand its operational capabilities with the recent introduction of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) unit. Across the nation, many State Defense Forces have begun to incorporate drones into their emergency response missions due to their ability to provide rapid, real-time intelligence to state agencies and Emergency Operations Centers. These aircraft can survey disaster zones, assess structural integrity of bridges and dams, and locate individuals stranded by floods or injury—all within minutes. This aerial perspective allows commanders and emergency managers to make faster and more informed decisions, ensuring that rescue and relief efforts are both swift and effective. Recognizing the critical role drones play in modern emergency management, the Georgia State Defense Force has joined this growing movement by forming a specialized UAS unit dedicated to training and deploying drone operators. Soldiers from the unit recently conducted field training at the Ellenwood Readiness Center in Ellenwood, Georgia, on October 4, 2025, where they practiced UAS operations in simulated emergency response environments. These exercises reflect the GSDF’s broader mission to enhance the readiness of Georgia’s military support force and to better serve the state during crises. The newly established UAS program is designed to educate, train, and certify soldiers in drone operations for disaster response, search and rescue, and intelligence gathering. As drones have proven indispensable in both military and civilian sectors, their integration into the Georgia State Defense Force ensures that the organization remains on the cutting edge of emergency response capabilities.
In addition to expanding its mission set with modern technology, the Georgia State Defense Force also continues to grow its ranks with new, well-trained soldiers. On September 21, 2025, approximately 14 recruits graduated from Initial Entry Training (IET – Basic Training) at the Georgia Army National Guard Armory in Cumming, Georgia. This ceremony, conducted under the Regional Training Institute (RTI) of the Georgia Force Assistance Brigade – North, marked the culmination of weeks of rigorous physical, mental, and military instruction. StateDefenseForce.com congratulates these new soldiers who now stand ready to serve the people of Georgia and assist the Georgia National Guard in missions throughout the state. The IET program, modeled after U.S. Army Basic Training, provides recruits with a comprehensive foundation in military discipline, physical conditioning, drill and ceremony, first aid, map reading, and land navigation. It instills in every recruit the values of leadership, integrity, and teamwork—principles that are essential for cohesive and effective units. Furthermore, GSDF soldiers are instructed in the state’s equivalent of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), ensuring that they fully understand their legal and ethical obligations when serving on State Active Duty. This legal framework holds them accountable for their duties, from following lawful orders to maintaining their posts during emergencies, just as in federal military service. The training is both demanding and rewarding, forging disciplined soldiers who embody the spirit of service and readiness that defines the Georgia State Defense Force. Through its dual focus on advanced technologies and professional soldier development, the GSDF continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to protecting and supporting the citizens of Georgia.
Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers conduct Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations field training exercise, Ellenwood Readiness Center, Ellenwood Ga., Oct. 4, 2025.
The GSDF has established a special unit to educate, train, and conduct UAS operations. UAS, or drones, are used across many sectors, including military, man-made and natural disaster response, search and rescue operations. They provide an aerial perspective, enabling tasks that are too dangerous, difficult, or time-consuming for human-operated aircraft, including intelligence gathering and emergency support.
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
(Georgia State Defense Force photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Alexander Davidson)
Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Georgia Force Assistance Brigade – North, Regional Training Institute (RTI), Initial Entry Training (IET) Class Charlie 2025 graduation ceremony, Georgia Army National Guard Armory, Cumming, Ga., Sept. 21, 2025.
The RTI trains new Soldiers and ensures that they are mentally and physically prepared and administratively correct before they are assigned to their new unit. IET is a program of physical and mental training required in order for an individual to become a Soldier in the GSDF.
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
(Georgia State Defense Force photo by Spc. Raul Francisco Gonzales Fernandez)
Sources: Georgia State Defense Force