Scuttlebutt Episode 7 Released: Millions in Savings, Stronger Partnerships – The Case for Sending State Defense Forces Overseas

In our last poll, our Patreon community decided that we should explore whether State Defense Forces should deploy overseas to assist the National Guard during their missions abroad—a topic that has sparked intense interest across the SDF community.

In one of the most visionary Scuttlebutt episodes ever produced, Episode 7: Should State Defense Forces Assist The National Guard In Overseas Mission Support explores a groundbreaking concept chosen directly by our Patreon members. Hosted by Major (GA) Beverly Shepard and Jean Marciniak—one of the directors of The State Guard & Defense Force Council (StateDefenseForce.com)—the discussion opens with a remarkable example of cooperation between the State and National Guard: The New York Guard’s decade-long augmentation of The New York National Guard CERFP Team. This joint unit, composed of approximately 50% State Guard and 50% Army and Air National Guard, became the first operational CERFP Team in the nation. The hosts discuss how this unprecedented partnership showcased the immense value of State Defense Forces in such critical missions and units.

For those unfamiliar, CERFP stands for CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) Enhanced Response Force Package. These specialized units are trained to respond to hazardous incidents—both natural and manmade—using four primary elements: search and extraction, decontamination, medical triage, and command and control. They provide lifesaving capabilities during disasters, bridging the gap between civilian first responders and federal military assets. The New York Guard’s direct participation in such a complex and federally recognized mission demonstrates the exceptional skill, discipline, and professionalism that State Defense Force soldiers bring to joint operations with the National Guard.

Building on this example, the hosts explore a bold proposal: deploying State Defense Forces overseas alongside National Guard units to assist in non-combat support missions. These deployments would be composed solely of volunteers from State Defense Forces across the nation—citizen-soldiers who wish to do more to serve their state and country. Instead of relying on costly private contractors who currently fulfill essential roles such as logistics, supply, medical support, administration, food service, and maintenance—often at a cost of millions to billions of dollars—State Defense Force troops could perform these same duties more reliably and at a fraction of the expense. Unlike contractors, SDF personnel are bound by their state’s Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), ensuring accountability, discipline, and continuity of service. Major Shepard and Mr. Marciniak emphasize that such missions would not only save state and federal governments tens of millions annually but also elevate the reputation and respect of State Defense Forces among Adjutant Generals, Pentagon officials, and the National Guard Bureau. This episode presents a powerful vision of how volunteer State Defense Force soldiers could strengthen America’s defense network—both at home and abroad—through dedication, skill, and service-driven patriotism.

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 The State Defense Force Online Store — SDFOnlineStore.com — which provides quality merchandise for State Defense Force members and supporters across the country. 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