While portions of the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) were called to State Active Duty in response to Winter Storm Fern and the powerful Bomb Cyclone that followed, the organization continued to advance one of its most important missions: training and ...
From Ice to Recovery: State Defense Forces Assist Communities After Fern and Bomb Cyclone
We continue our coverage of the severe winter weather storms that swept across large portions of the United States, beginning with Winter Storm Fern and followed almost immediately by a powerful bomb cyclone that intensified conditions across the southea ...
Governor McMaster’s Final State of the State Address Reflects a Legacy of Commitment to the South Carolina State Guard
January 28, 2026, marked a historic moment in South Carolina political life as Governor Henry McMaster delivered his final State of the State address. After nearly a decade serving as the state’s chief executive and acting as Commander in Chief of the So ...
No Visibility, No Force: How Social Media Determines a State Defense Force Survival
In this Episode 10 clip of Scuttlebutt, Jean Marciniak, Major General (TX - Retired) Anthony Woods & Major (GA-Retired) examine what led to the disbandment of four State Defense Forces in just a decade and zero in on a key lesson: visibility matters. ...
Winter Storm Fern Response Ongoing as State Defense Forces and National Guard Prepare for Additional Weather Threats
The other day, we reported that multiple State Defense Forces and National Guard units had been activated as Winter Storm Fern, an expansive arctic system, swept across the United States, leaving millions of households without power and plunging wide reg ...
State Defense Forces and National Guard Mobilize as Major Winter Storm Slams the United States
A powerful and fast-moving winter storm system has swept across large portions of the United States, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, ice accumulation, and dangerously cold temperatures to millions of Americans. The storm developed as a strong Arctic ...
Virginia Defense Force Participates in Historic Inauguration of the Commonwealth’s 75th Governor
The Commonwealth of Virginia marked a significant moment in its history with the inauguration of Abigail Spanbergeras the 75th Governor of Virginia on January 17, 2026, in Richmond. The ceremony reflected both the traditions of the Commonwealth and the c ...
South Carolina State Guard Balances Growth and Legacy with Recent Retirements
In 2025, the South Carolina State Guard (State Defense Force - SCSG) has experienced a steady and noticeable rise in new recruits, with its ranks continuing to grow month after month. This increase reflects a renewed interest in state service, ...
Building Leaders Under Load: Texas State Guard Officer Candidate School Kicks Off With Intense Ruck March
The Texas State Guard (State Defense Force - TXSG) is starting the new year hard and strong, setting a clear tone for what is expected of those who aspire to lead within its ranks. January training for Officer Candidate School candidates opened with an i ...
Inside the Washington State Guard’s 2025 Training and Statewide Missions
Early January is typically a slower period when it comes to State Defense Force news, as many units are transitioning between training cycles and operational planning for the new year. With that in mind, we felt it was fitting to highlight substantive up ...










