Over the past several days, we highlighted a significant milestone for the Georgia State Defense Force with the successful graduation of its most recent Initial Entry Training (IET), commonly referred to as Basic Training. Those newly graduated soldiers have now returned to their respective home units, prepared and ready to respond to any mission or emergency call placed upon them by the State of Georgia. Their completion of training represents the culmination of months of effort, dedication, and hard work, it also underscores the continued growth and readiness of the Georgia State Defense Force.
In that very same week, another important step in the force’s future took place as a new group of recruits formally took the oath of enlistment. This oath marks the beginning of their transformation from civilians into soldiers of the Georgia State Defense Force. By raising their right hand and committing themselves to service, these individuals accepted the responsibility to support their state in times of need, whether during natural disasters, emergencies, or other state missions. This moment is both symbolic and consequential, as it represents their entry into an organization with a proud mission centered on service, readiness, and community support.
Before reaching this point, each of these recruits successfully completed the Georgia State Defense Force’s Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) process. Modeled after the U.S. military’s MEPS system, this process is designed to ensure that only qualified and capable individuals move forward. Recruits are carefully evaluated through multiple phases that assess their medical readiness, physical ability, background suitability, and overall eligibility for service. Passing MEPS is no small accomplishment as it reflects a recruit’s commitment, preparedness, and willingness to meet established standards before ever setting foot in formal training.
With the oath taken and MEPS completed, these recruits now face the most demanding phase of their journey, Initial Entry Training (Basic Training). Over the course of several months, they will undergo an intensive program designed to instill the foundational qualities required of a Georgia State Defense Force soldier. The IET program is modeled after U.S. Army Basic Training and provides a comprehensive introduction to military life. Recruits are challenged physically and mentally as they develop discipline, resilience, and the ability to operate effectively as part of a team.
During IET, recruits receive instruction in physical conditioning, drill and ceremony, first aid, map reading, and land navigation, along with other essential soldier skills. Just as importantly, the training emphasizes leadership, integrity, and teamwork, values that are critical to building cohesive and reliable units. Recruits also learn the state’s equivalent of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, ensuring they fully understand their legal and ethical responsibilities while serving on State Active Duty. This framework holds them accountable to lawful orders and to their duty during emergencies, reinforcing the seriousness of the role they have volunteered to fill.
The training environment is intentionally demanding, designed to push recruits beyond their comfort zones and prepare them for real-world missions. By the time they complete Initial Entry Training, these individuals will have been transformed from civilians into disciplined soldiers, capable of supporting state and local authorities and standing ready to serve when Georgia calls upon them.
As these new recruits begin their journey through Basic Training, we wish them the very best in the months ahead. Their willingness to step forward and volunteer reflects a deep commitment to service. We thank them for choosing to serve their state and country, and we look forward to seeing them join the ranks of the Georgia State Defense Force as trained, capable, and dedicated soldiers.
New Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) recruits take the Oath of Enlistment during Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), Ellenwood Readiness Center, Ellenwood Ga., Feb. 7, 2026.
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)
