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As Hurricane Season fast approaches, the dedicated soldiers of the South Carolina State Guard are diligently preparing to safeguard their communities. Understanding the potential devastation and chaos that hurricanes can bring, these highly trained individuals are actively engaged in comprehensive readiness efforts. They recently held a large scale simulated exercise...

The Virginia Defense Force (VDF) recently conducted a large scale hurricane response exercise called “Spring Winds 2023”. This exercise took place across eight different locations in the state. It aimed to enhance technical skills at both the individual and company levels while fostering the development of small unit leadership skills....

Nearly Two Dozen Soldiers of The Georgia State Defense Force recently completed The Defense Force’s Basic Leader Course. This unique course provides the skills and training soldiers need to become Non-Commissioned Officers in The Georgia State Defense Force. During the graduation ceremony two special guests joined The Commanding General of...

Colonel Darren Fitz Gerald started his military career in the early 90’s after graduating from the prestigious West Point Military Academy. After his graduation, Fitz Gerald served for 23 years as an officer in the United States Army, including tours in Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. During his military career, Fitz...

Today we are realeasing the first episode of our newest podcast, Scuttlebutt. This podcast features a group of knowledgeable co-hosts who discuss everything related to State Defense Forces in an informative and engaging way. From updates on recent missions to in-depth analysis of proposed legislation, Scuttlebutt provides a comprehensive look...

The New York Guard (State Defense Force) held a ceremony to honor The 37 Fallen New York Guard Servicemen who died while on Active Duty during World War I. During World War I, the entire National Guard was activated and deployed to Europe to fight the Axis Powers who were...

The Georgia State Defense Force recently participated in a large scale hurricane response exercise with The National Guard, Georgia Emergency Management Agency & Georgia Homeland Security. Senior leaders from each organization including The Adjutant General (Senior National Guard General), Commanding Generals of The Army National Guard, Air National Guard &...

The Governors Guards also known as The Connecticut Foot Guard (State Defense Force) recently participated in The 248th Anniversary of Powder House Day. This historic day marks Connecticut’s entry in The American Revolution. Upon hearing of The first shots of The American Revolution being fired in the towns of Lexington...

The Georgia State Defense Force recently graduated a new class of soldiers from their Initial Entry Training (Basic Training) Course. Initial Entry Training is a course designed to teach new recruits, who have never served in the military, the basics of military procedure and training. It is composed of Basic...

A few weeks ago we reported on The Texas State Guard’s 2nd Brigade Annual Training. During The training period the troops got a surprise visit from The Commanding General of The Texas State Guard, Major General Anthony Woods. Maj. Gen. Woods spent time talking to the troops, observed their field...

A POD, or Point of Distribution, exercise is a major function of nearly all State Defense Forces. It involves soldiers settings up emergency distribution locations throughout the state to facilitate the distribution of food, water and medical supplies to citizens. Such a mission became paramount during the recent Covid-19 pandemic...

The South Carolina State Guard (State Defense Force) recently participated in a large scale US Army exercise called Operation Guardian Spring. The mission involved nearly 1,000 soldiers from a wealth of units from multiple departments and branches of The US Military. Units from The Army National Guard, Air National Guard,...

The Washington Military Department recently released their 2022 Annual Report. This is a yearly document that evaluates the missions and performance of The Washington Army National Guard, Air National Guard and State Guard (State Defense Force). During the year The Washington State Guard completed a wide variety of missions from...