The Georgia State Defense Force recently graduated a new IET (Initial Entry Training / Basic Training) class of troops. The State Defense Forces are mostly made up of prior service US Military service members, those with no prior service background must undergo this Basic Training to instill basic military courtesies, discipline, and training.

Graduates of the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Initial Entry Training (IET) Class Echo 21 stand with their cadre (center, wearing black patrol caps), Georgia Army National Guard, Marietta Armory, Marietta, Ga., Dec. 5, 2021.

IET, a program of physical and mental training, is a prerequisite for becoming a Soldier in the GSDF. In this photo, graduates and cadre stand in front of a wall painted to represent the Army National Guard 248th Medical Company.

Georgia State Defense Force photo by Warrant Officer Alexander Davidson

Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Initial Entry Training (IET) Class Echo 21 graduates Staff Sgt. Charlie Carlson (left), winner of the class leadership award, and Pvt. Scott Gaskill (right), winner of the class academic award, hold the challenge coins GSDF Commanding General Brig. Gen. Mark D. Gelhardt Sr. presented them during the IET Echo 21 graduation ceremony, Georgia Army National Guard Marietta Armory, Marietta, Ga., Dec. 5, 2021. IET, a program of physical and mental training, is a prerequisite for becoming a GSDF Soldier.

Georgia State Defense Force photo by Warrant Officer Alexander Davidson