In this episode of Scuttlebutt, “Two Forces, Two Missions – When Domestic Response Comes at the Cost of Combat Readiness,” Major (GA – Retired) Beverly Shepard and Major General (TX – Retired) Anthony Woods examine one of the most consequential questions facing America’s State Defense Forces: which domestic missions should be performed by the National Guard, and which should increasingly become the responsibility of State Defense Forces? Drawing on decades of military leadership and State Guard experience, the discussion explores disaster response, Search & Rescue, Points of Distribution, shelter operations, emergency mobilizations, law-enforcement support, border missions, training requirements, manpower, funding, and the growing demands placed on National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who must balance state emergency missions with their federal warfighting responsibilities.
The episode examines whether properly trained, funded, equipped, and integrated State Defense Forces can assume a significantly larger share of sustained domestic-response missions, providing Governors with a military force specifically prepared to respond to emergencies within their states while allowing National Guard units to preserve critical training time for combat readiness and federal deployments. Shepard and Woods also explore what State Defense Forces would need to successfully assume those responsibilities, including stronger funding, greater personnel strength, professional training standards, clear mission authorities, improved relationships with state military departments, and greater support from Governors and Legislatures. At its core, the discussion raises a fundamental question about the future of America’s state military forces: if State Defense Forces exist to defend and support their states at home, should they become the primary military force for domestic response while the National Guard concentrates on preparing for the missions only it can perform?
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About Scuttlebutt:
Scuttlebutt is hosted by 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.
Along with Major Shepard we have Major General (TX – Retired) Anthony Woods. Major General Anthony Woods is a highly experienced military leader whose career spans more than three decades of US Military service in both the U.S. Army and Texas State Guard. He received his commission as a Second Lieutenant through ROTC in 1984 and has held key leadership positions throughout his career, including Battalion Executive Officer and Commander of the 1st Battalion, 112th Armor Regiment. Early in his career, he served during Operation Noble Eagle, the post-9/11 homeland security mission mobilizing forces to protect U.S. infrastructure. He also served as Deputy Commander for Operation Jump Start, supporting border security efforts along the Southwest United States. Woods later deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where he commanded the Security Forces Assistance Task Force (SFAT), mentoring and overseeing brigade and Kandak staff in combat environments.
In addition to his combat and operational experience, Woods has led major interagency initiatives like the Joint Interagency Task Force in Texas, designed to support civil authorities during disasters. As Commanding General of the Texas State Guard, he oversaw significant force growth and capability improvements, expanding readiness for a wide range of missions including disaster response, search and rescue, and border support operations. His awards reflect extensive service in both combat and operational roles, including the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit.
