Scuttlebutt Episode 9 Released! Should State Defense Force Recruits Undergo Firearms Training During Basic Training

Just in time for Christmas and the New Year, we’re releasing the latest episode of Scuttlebutt. the perfect listen for those long drives to see friends and family over the holidays.

Episode 9 of Scuttlebutt features Jean Marciniak, one of the Directors of the State Guard & Defense Force Council (StateDefenseForce.com), and Major (GA – Retired) Beverly Shepard of the Georgia State Defense Force, as they take on one of the most critical and timely questions facing State Defense Forces today: Should State Defense Force recruits undergo firearms training during basic training. The discussion opens by examining the growing number of State Defense Forces across the country that have already implemented structured firearms training programs, including weapons safety, maintenance, qualification standards, and the ability to perform armed security functions during important and high profile missions. The hosts emphasize that in these programs, SDF soldiers are trained by certified law enforcement instructors and are required to meet the same qualifications and certifications expected of sworn law enforcement officers.

As the episode progresses, the conversation expands into why this level of training is becoming increasingly necessary. State Defense Force personnel are now being utilized more frequently during natural disasters and statewide emergencies, often tasked with securing shelters, logistical hubs, and critical supply locations that support tens of thousands of displaced civilians. Jean and Major Shepard discuss the reality that during high-stress emergencies, desperate and frightened civilians may attempt to loot or overwhelm supply depots essential to sustaining relief operations. Without proper defensive training and equipment, SDF soldiers placed in these roles face serious personal danger, while the loss of secured supplies could put entire communities at risk. The episode underscores that firearms training is not about militarization, but about ensuring disciplined, well-trained personnel can maintain order, protect life, and prevent chaos during moments of crisis.

The hosts then place these domestic concerns into a broader global context. They discuss the sharp rise in global instability, including the first open war in Europe since World War II with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, increasing Russian aggression toward NATO nations, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and growing confrontations in Southeast Asia as China openly signals its intent to invade Taiwan, a event that could trigger a conflict between two major nuclear powers. The conversation highlights the inevitability that the National Guard would once again be activated and deployed overseas on a large scale, similar to World War II. In such a scenario, State Defense Forces would once again be required to assume many of the National Guard’s domestic responsibilities, as they did during World War II, making it imperative that SDF units are properly trained, adequately equipped, and institutionally trusted to operate independently throughout prolonged national emergencies.

A particularly serious concern addressed in this episode is the 2024 National Guard Bureau policy recommendation ‘CNGBI 5500.01A National Guard Interaction with State Defense Forces’ calling for State Defense Force uniforms to adopt highly visible red baseball caps, red rank insignia, red nametapes, and a red shoulder patch labeled “SDF.”

The State Guard & Defense Force Council, citing conclusions reached by national security professionals currently serving within the U.S. military and the executive branch of the federal government, emphasize that these experts have determined the proposed uniform changes would dangerously undermine the perceived legitimacy of State Defense Force troops during emergency operations. In chaotic environments where crowds are panicked and critical resources are scarce, These experts conclude that such uniforms would cause State Defense Force personnel to appear unofficial or unrecognized, prompting panicked crowds to question whether they are legitimate state military forces, especially when those troops lack visible defensive weaponry. It would invite confrontation, overwhelm small security details, and significantly increase the likelihood of serious injury or loss of life among both soldiers and civilians.

The episode then shifts to policy solutions. Jean and Major Shepard outline a series of forthcoming policy directives from the State Guard & Defense Force Council that aim to establish best practices nationwide. These measures include enhanced applicant vetting procedures that go well beyond the standard criminal background checks currently used by State Defense Forces, incorporating structured social media reviews of each applicant to identify any views that propose incompatible ideologies that may disrupt a mission. It would also recommend mandatory psychological evaluations and the establishment of State Defense Force–specific Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS). Collectively, these measures would subject State Defense Force applicants to a level of review and testing that is, in many respects, more comprehensive than that required of U.S. military applicants, ensuring that SDF soldiers are not only physically capable but also psychologically prepared to make sound, disciplined decisions under extreme pressure.

The discussion concludes with a preview of the first policy directive to be released on StateGuardAdministration.com, proposing a structural shift in command relationships. Drawing on the Florida State Guard model, the hosts advocate for State Defense Force Commanding Officers to report directly to the Governor alongside the Adjutant General, rather than remaining subordinate to the Adjutant General. They outline how this change would allow State Defense Forces to deploy within one to two hours instead of the 12 to 24 hours often required for National Guard activation, while remaining fully subject to the state’s Uniform Code of Military Justice. The episode highlights how this independence would enable faster disaster response, drastically foster smoother integration with state and local agencies, enlarge the budget of the State Defense Force and with it the development of specialized units such as cyber defense, search and rescue, wildland firefighting, engineering teams, as well as other units that would be critical during a state emergency, while also saving states millions of dollars.

Episode 9 concludes that as global tensions rise and the National Guard increasingly serves as an operational force augmenting U.S. military missions worldwide, State Defense Forces must be ready and capable of effectively protecting state and local communities during complex emergency operations.

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.

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