Ensuring Those Who Serve Their State Are Not Forced to Serve Alone
Across the United States, State Defense Force volunteers stand ready to support disaster response, emergency management, and continuity of operations during statewide crises. These men and women serve quietly, often without recognition, and in many cases without the logistical support resources necessary to sustain their service.
In some states, soldiers must personally bear the cost of uniforms, equipment, travel, and even meals during training or deployment. No individual who is willing to serve their community during times of crisis should be forced to choose between their personal financial stability and their commitment to public service.
The State Guard & Defense Force Council (Also Known As StateDefenseForce.com) exists to ensure these forces are supported, structured, and positioned to operate effectively when communities need them most.
Your support strengthens that mission.
WHAT ARE STATE DEFENSE FORCES?
State Defense Forces are state-authorized military organizations established under federal law, under Title 32, United States Code, Section 109, which permits states to maintain defense forces separate from the National Guard. These forces operate under the exclusive authority of their respective states and cannot be federalized. Unlike the National Guard, whose Commander in Chief is the President of the United States, State Defense Forces remain under the command of the Governor at all times, serving as a dedicated state resource for domestic missions such as disaster response, emergency management support, and continuity of government operations in the event The National Guard is deployed overseas during a conflict.
Known by various names across the country, including State Guard, State Defense Force, Indiana Guard Reserve, Governor’s Guard, State Military Reserve, and others, these organizations provide trained military personnel who augment state and local agencies during crises. Their missions often include supporting National Guard units, assisting state agencies and local authorities, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and enhancing statewide readiness. By maintaining a force that cannot be deployed overseas, states ensure they retain a reliable capability to respond to emergencies within their own borders.
State Defense Forces are subject to the same State Military Law & Regulations as The National Guard.
WHY THIS MATTERS
State Defense Forces operate largely behind the scenes of national preparedness. When disasters strike, when continuity operations must be maintained, and when emergency systems are strained, these military forces provide essential support to state authorities and National Guard units.
However, the long-term effectiveness of these forces depends on:
- Sustainable operational support
- Responsible policy development
- Historical preservation of institutional knowledge
- Structured advocacy for modernization and readiness
Without these foundational elements, the ability of State Defense Forces to support their states during crises may be significantly limited.
Click Here To Visit Our Donation Site
A key purpose of this fundraiser is to remove the barriers that currently place some of our content behind a Patreon-based subscription and make that information freely accessible to the entire community. Many of the legislative updates, research insights, and discussions we produce are important to the continued development of State Defense Forces nationwide, and we believe this information should be available to everyone. By supporting this fundraiser, donors will help ensure that our featured articles, legislative news, interviews, Podcasts, Legislative Advocacy activities, and community discussions can be accessed by anyone interested in the future of State Defense Forces without requiring a subscription.
2026 Fiscal Year Operational Milestone – $65,000
Our Fiscal Year 2026–2027 operating plan outlines $64,579 in projected annual expenses, rounded to a $65,000 campaign goal.
This milestone funds:
The Quartermaster Corps is set to begin on April 11th, the day after our fundraiser ends. We are hopeful that we can achieve the minimum goal of $65,000 so we can get this program off the ground. What we plan to do first is email every single State Defense Force and State Defense Force Association (most states have Associations, such as the New York Guard Association, except for one or two like California) to inquire about the needs of their State Defense Force. We will ask how many uniforms they need for their current troops, how many are required for new recruits entering the State Guard, and if they inform us they are unable to provide new uniforms for their troops, we will request a list of all personnel who require uniforms for calendar year 2026. We will then purchase the uniforms, gear (LBE, etc.), boots, and ship them to that State Defense Force. If the State Defense Force is unable to accept outside contributions due to legal obstacles, which we have encountered previously, we will provide these supplies to the State Defense Force / State Guard Association, which in many cases is able to distribute these items to the soldiers who need them. For the State Defense Forces / State Guards that refuse to participate in our Quartermaster program but still require their troops or new recruits, who are under financial hardship, to purchase their own uniforms, gear, boots, etc., we will work directly with those soldiers directly.
This approach will also apply to the two other offerings our Quartermaster Corps provides: supplying meals for troops during weekend drill or Annual Training, as well as our travel reimbursement program. With these offerings, we will provide financial assistance so that if a soldier attends weekend drill and the unit does not have funds to provide meals, we will ensure those soldiers are fed. If the State Guard works with us, we will arrange for a caterer; however, if they refuse to work with us, we will provide financial assistance so the soldier can purchase a meal and drink at their local market. The same principle applies to travel reimbursement. Soldiers undergoing financial hardship should not have to tap into the critical funds that feed their families in order to pay for gas, tolls, or metropolitan transportation fees such as subway or bus fare. In those cases, we will provide gas cards or financial assistance so they can use these donated funds to cover their travel expenses.
If a State Guard or State Guard Association is unable or refuses to work with our organization, we will still ensure that these benefits reach the soldiers who need them. How will we go about that:
First, we will confirm whether the individual is a member of that State Defense Force / State Guard and are in good standing. We will then assess if they are undergoing financial hardship. If all criteria are met and everything is verified, we will ship these critical items directly to those soldiers. We want to ensure that the State Defense Force / State Guard is not, as one soldier described it, an organization where it appears only the well-off can join and serve. Everyone has the right to serve their State and Country, regardless of how much money they make.
State Defense Forces, their Associations, or individual Soldiers in need of these services can visit quartermastercorps.com and email us. We will reach out to you and ensure your taken care of.
To ensure full transparency in how each donation is allocated, we will publicly provide a detailed spreadsheet on QuartermasterCorps.org outlining which State Defense Force, State Defense Force association, or individual soldier received support, including the value of funds, uniforms, supplies, and gear distributed.
Quartermaster Corps – 29.4%
- Direct troop support for State Defense Forces with limited budgets
- Uniforms, essential gear, and training-day meals
- Director-level program oversight
- Legislative Advocacy – 13.9%
- Office of Legislative Affairs
- Policy research & bill drafting
- Targeted legislative mailings (1–2 states)
- Direct communication with State & Federal lawmakers
The Office of Government & Legislative Affairs was established in 2026, but our staff within StateDefenseForce.com has been working with State and Federal legislators, as well as Federal agencies, for years prior to the formation of this department. We have been working behind the scenes contacting State Representatives and State Senators (these legislators are different from members of the United States House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. They develop, discuss, and ultimately pass laws that affect only their respective state. In essence, they are a mirrored version of the U.S. Congress, but at the state level).
We began our legislative outreach years ago, originally focusing on Arizona, in an effort to establish a State Guard within the state. In 2025, we came very close to having the bill move through the Military Committee, which is where legislation is discussed before being sent to the main legislative chamber where all State legislators vote on its passage. Most bills never make it out of committee due to a variety of factors, such as time constraints, competing priorities, and other legislative considerations.
Unfortunately, in 2025, we were unable to move the bill out of committee, but we maintained contact with the legislators who expressed interest in submitting a new bill to create a State Guard in the future.
We also conducted similar efforts in Oklahoma in 2025. Originally, in 2024, State Senator Nathan Dahm proposed the formation of an Oklahoma State Guard, which we reported on. However, the proposal also did not make it out of committee. Senator Dahm later lost his seat to a freshman State Senator, Christi Gillespie. We had hoped his successor would reintroduce the legislation, but when we made contact with Senator Gillespie, she had no prior knowledge of what a State Guard was, its missions, or its roles, nor why it would be needed. After numerous discussions by both email and phone, we became optimistic, as she came to understand the potential benefits a State Guard could provide to Oklahoma. Our last conversation was very positive, but she wanted to seek feedback from The Adjutant General regarding the development of such an organization. She mentioned that the current Adjutant General was a family friend and that she wanted their input before proceeding. After that point, we were unable to reach or arrange another meeting with Senator Gillespie. We ultimately assumed that the Adjutant General was not supportive of the initiative and that the effort would not move forward.
Beginning this year, we reached out again to our contacts in Arizona to explore reintroducing State Guard legislation. We contacted Representative Alexander Kolodin, who had introduced the previous State Guard bill, about submitting it again for the 2026 legislative session. Both Representative Kolodin and Representative John Gillette, Chairman of the Arizona House Military Affairs & Public Safety Committee, expressed support for the concept of a State Guard but were not in favor of introducing the bill in 2026. They preferred to wait until after the gubernatorial race this fall, in hopes that Congressman Andy Biggs, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, would be elected Governor. We were informed that Congressman Biggs is a strong advocate for the establishment of a State Guard in Arizona. We advocated extensively for a bill to be introduced this year with both Representatives Kolodin and Gillette, but they remained firm in their position that the legislation should wait until after the gubernatorial election.
We also reached out to numerous State Senators in the West Virginia legislature after two bills were introduced, House Bill 4879 and Senate Bill 491, which would establish and provide for a West Virginia State Guard. After Senate Bill 491, the key legislation that would create the State Guard, was introduced, it was referred to the West Virginia Military Committee. We contacted multiple State Senators repeatedly, day after day, in an effort to secure a meeting either digitally or in person. Unfortunately, the committee was overwhelmed with other higher priority legislation, and the bill did not advance further in the legislative process. However, an exceptional staff member from one of the Senate offices informed us that the bill could potentially be brought forward for deliberation through a rarely used procedural mechanism. Unfortunately, due to our extremely limited staff and funding, most of which comes from our Patreon subscribers, our team was unable to continue dedicating the necessary volunteer time to make calls or travel to West Virginia. As a result, our effort to advance the creation of a West Virginia State Guard came to an end.
Lastly, in 2026, we also reached out to a State Senator in Georgia to introduce legislation that would guarantee Georgia State Defense Force personnel receive pay when activated for State Active Duty due to a natural disaster or statewide emergency. The proposed pay structure would mirror that of an Army National Guard soldier under Title 32, basing compensation on rank and the number of days activated, and aligning it with what that soldier would earn as an Active Duty member of the U.S. Army. Unfortunately the State Senator informed that it was too late in the legislative season to introduce new legislation.
So what do we plan to do with the $65,000 in funding if we achieve that goal? We would be able to hire dedicated staff members to advocate for new State Defense Force / State Guard legislation. We could have a paid staff that regularly advocates for State Defense Force / State Guard bills that would benefit those organizations. This staff would allow us to contact State legislators multiple times each week to discuss and shape new legislation that would either establish a State Defense Force / State Guard in states that currently do not have one, or advocate for legislation that would strengthen and benefit existing State Defense Forces. The types of legislative initiatives we are advocating for are as follows:
- Pay For State Active Duty deployment for each State Defense Force / State Guard soldier
- States to recognize those who had served in The State Guard / State Defense Force as Veterans (New York had already passed such legislation so New York Guard members are now considered Veterans within The State of New York [This Veteran identification does not translate to The Federal US Military Veteran classification], so if you served in the New York Guard and apply for State exams, colleges, programs, etc. that asks you if you are a veteran, you can but only in NY State).
- Advocate for legislation that would separate State Defense Force budgets be separate from The National Guard. That each State Guard / State Defense Force would be allocated an exact amount of funding during each State Legislative Session. The reason for this is because some State Defense Forces receive their funding at the behest of The Military Department of The State. And in many cases funding requests are denied or limited funding is provided. Having a guaranteed amount of funding each year will ensure that State Guard / State Defense Force commanders know exactly what funding they have, what they can utilize that funding for, so they can properly train, feed, and cloth their soldiers during weekend drills and annual training.
- Advocate for educational benefits that are currently offered to National Guard soldiers to also be extended to State Guard / State Defense Force troops. This would include a range of educational assistance programs, such as full funding for college or trade school, discounted tuition rates, and eligibility for scholarships based on their military service.
You can learn more about our Legislative efforts in finer details on Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/collection/894423
Legislative Advocacy – 13.9%
- Purchasing of Needed Equipment
- Direct communication with State & Federal lawmakers
- Promote legislation on the creation and development of State Defense Force s
- Targeted legislative mailings (1–2 states)
- Research & Develop Policy Materials
Core operations funding sustains the daily work that allows the State Guard & Defense Force Council (also known as StateDefenseForce.com) to inform, connect, and strengthen State Defense Forces across the United States.
Through StateDefenseForce.com and our affiliated platforms, we report on the latest State Defense Force training exercises, missions, legislative developments, and operational innovations. This reporting ensures that soldiers, commanders, and policymakers remain informed about how State Defense Forces are evolving nationwide. In many cases, this information directly influences mission development, training priorities, and operational readiness across multiple states.
For example, our continued reporting on the Georgia State Defense Force’s Opposing Forces (OPFOR) mission has highlighted how Army National Guard soldiers train in both woodland and urban environments against live, thinking opponents rather than static cardboard figures. This realistic training environment forces National Guard troops to employ safer, more disciplined tactical decision making under stress. Georgia Army National Guard Officers that have returned from deployments have expressed that these exercises have helped produce more experienced, focused, and adaptable soldiers in deployed conflict zones, ultimately contributing to saving soldiers lives on the battlefield. As awareness of this mission has grown through our coverage, other State Defense Forces have begun exploring similar partnerships with their National Guard counterparts.
Our reporting has also highlighted how the South Carolina State Guard augmented the South Carolina Department of Corrections with exterior security support during critical staffing shortages. This mission demonstrated how State Defense Forces can provide structured support to civil authorities during periods of operational strain. Following coverage of this capability, other states have begun examining similar support roles to ensure continuity of operations within their own public safety systems.
There are numerous other examples that range from State Guard Medical Units providing no cost health services to low income communities every year to State Guards developing a Cyber Defense unit that augments The National Guard Cyber Defense Forces which ensure that our power grids, natural gas systems and other critical infrastructure we rely on everyday are secured from outside attacks from foreign actors and malicious groups.
Maintaining the infrastructure necessary to research, document, and report on these missions requires sustained operational support. Core operations funding enables:
Core Operations – 51.9%
Maintaining the infrastructure necessary to research, document, and report on these missions requires sustained operational support.
Core operations funding enables:
- Website infrastructure & hosting for StateDefenseForce.com, SDFOnlineStore.com, StateGuardAdministration.com, SDFHistory.org, and QuartermasterCorps.org
- Daily news reporting & original research articles
- Podcast production and national leadership interviews
- Editorial coordination and content development
- Development of new State Defense Force analytical articles
- Social media monitoring and community engagement
- In-the-field reporting on training and mission activities
- Financial compliance, transparency, and fundraising coordination
- Operational support for the SDF Online Store
This work ensures that the lessons learned, innovations developed, and missions conducted by State Defense Forces are not isolated within individual states, but instead contribute to a broader national framework of preparedness, resilience, and operational effectiveness.
The Center for State Defense Force History exists to preserve, document, and share the enduring legacy of State Guards and State Defense Forces, which have served this nation continuously since 1917. For more than a century, these military forces have supported their states during times of war, natural disaster, civil emergencies, and periods of national uncertainty. Their contributions have often been made quietly, without recognition, yet their impact has been deeply woven into the fabric of American resilience.
Across generations, State Defense Force personnel have safeguarded infrastructure, assisted civil authorities, supported military readiness, and strengthened local communities during moments of crisis. However, much of this history remains fragile. Mission reports, photographs, training records, correspondence, and personal accounts are at constant risk of being lost to the passage of time. Many of these materials exist only in aging paper files, deteriorating film, or scattered private collections. With each passing year, irreplaceable evidence of service and sacrifice degrades further, threatening to disappear entirely.
The Center works to locate, digitize, and preserve these historical records before they are lost. This effort is not simply about maintaining an archive; it is about honoring those who served, ensuring that future generations understand the role State Defense Forces have played in defending communities and strengthening national preparedness. By building a comprehensive digital repository, the Center provides researchers, policymakers, service members, and the public with access to a legacy that might otherwise fade into obscurity.
Preserving this history is an urgent responsibility. Once lost, these records cannot be recreated. Each photograph restored, each document digitized, and each mission account preserved ensures that the story of State Defense Forces, and the citizens who stepped forward to serve their states, remains a permanent part of our nation’s historical record.
Through this work, the Center for State Defense Force History helps safeguard not only the past, but also the institutional knowledge that informs the future of community resilience and emergency preparedness in the United States.
Historical Preservation – 6.2%
- Center for State Defense Force History
- Archival research
- Documentation & preservation of legacy missions
Why This Campaign Matters
State Defense Forces operate in the background of national security, quietly reinforcing emergency management, disaster response, and continuity operations. Yet many lack structural support, policy clarity, and sustained advocacy.
This campaign ensures:
- Responsible governance
- Transparent financial management
- Professional legislative engagement
- Direct support to troops and State Defense Forces with limited budgets
- Preservation of State Defense Force history
Operational Transparency
A detailed breakdown of this Fiscal Year operating plan, including hosting costs, podcast production, legislative outreach budgets, Quartermaster Corps allocation, and director-level compensation, is available in our published 2026–2027 Fiscal Plan
Click Here To Download Our Expense Spreadsheet
We believe transparency builds trust.
Click Here To Visit Our Donation Site
This fundraiser will also allow us to pursue important stretch goals that will expand our national impact. One of the most critical goals is hiring a full-time staff member dedicated entirely to supporting State Defense Forces. This individual would work daily contacting lawmakers, communicating with legislative offices, and traveling to state capitals across the country to meet directly with legislators and advocate for policies that strengthen State Defense Forces. In addition to legislative outreach, this staff member would help develop and operate the Quartermaster Corps and coordinate support efforts for State Defense Force organizations and individual soldiers who may require assistance with equipment, travel costs, or other operational needs.
Another stretch goal would fund a study examining recent changes made to the uniforms of many State Defense Forces across the country. These changes have significantly altered the appearance of these organizations, and questions have emerged regarding whether such changes could create confusion during emergency operations or potentially place personnel at risk. Funding would allow for a professional study by an accredited and respected agency examining whether these uniform changes could jeopardize mission success or possibly lead to loss of life. The results of this study would be presented to Governors and Adjutant Generals across the United States to help guide future decisions regarding uniform standards and operational safety.
To recognize the individuals and organizations who make this work possible, all donors will be offered the opportunity, with your permission, to be listed as supporters across the StateDefenseForce.com network. This network includes StateDefenseForce.com, SDFOnlineStore.com, SDFHistory.org, SGDFC.org, QuartermasterCorps.org, and additional websites we plan to launch later this year. Those who donate $5,000 will have their name prominently featured on the front page across all these websites in recognition of their support for the development of State Defense Forces. Individuals or organizations who donate $10,000 will receive recognition across every piece of original content we publish, including our original articles, podcasts, research publications, and policy recommendations. Those who contribute $25,000 will receive all recognition and benefits from the previous tiers and will be recognized as Strategic Partners supporting the national development of State Defense Forces. Strategic Partners will be consulted on the future of StateDefenseForce.com programs and goals, as well as the ability to provide insight and feedback to our Board of Directors on current and future initiatives, programs, and national efforts supporting State Defense Forces.
StateDefenseForce.com serves a large and growing national community of supporters who believe in the mission and importance of State Defense Forces. With tens of thousands of visitors coming to our platform, even small contributions can make a significant difference. Even if members of our community contribute even just $5 dollars, the collective impact could help sustain and expand the programs that inform the public, support individual soldiers undergoing financial hardship, and advocate for stronger State Defense Forces nationwide. It may be giving up that additional cup of coffee for the day, but skipping that small purchase today could help make a real difference in strengthening the future of State Defense Forces and improving the security of our nation.
And StateDefenseForce.com operates under the State Guard & Defense Force Council, which is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, so all donations made to support this fundraiser are tax deductible, meaning your contribution helps strengthen State Defense Forces nationwide while potentially helping you receive a larger return when filing your 2027 taxes. With your support we can expand our programs, open our research and reporting to the entire community, and continue building a stronger future for State Defense Forces across the United States.
If Needed When Doing Your Taxes, Our Federal Tax ID (EIN): 88-4191434
If you would like our detailed funding allocation report: Click Here To View
