-
State Defense Forces
Did you know that 22 States have their own State Defense Forces, State Guards or State Military Reserves that answer solely to the Governor? They are not regulated by the National Guard Bureau nor are they a part of the Army National Guard. They are the last true State Militias, total volunteer, no pay and can not become federal entities. I think I might join the one in Indiana if I ever make it back there.
More info in case some are curious.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Defense_Forces
-
I know two fellows that have gone into the New Jersey Naval Militia. Not sure what the advantage is. In this case there are no vessels, no pay, you buy your own uniforms. Not authorized weapons training by state law. Seems to be a "good old boy club".
On 9/12/2001 they were not even considered in emergency response since they were untrained and poorly organized. Not saying that all are like this, but I would consider volunteering for a local emergency squad or some such would be more valuable.
-
Indiana's is used quite a bit. They have helped activate Guard units when they deployed and help provide security for events like the Indy 500 and Mini Marathon. Pretty large organization.
-
Massachusetts has a State militia?
Wow. Does the Governor know this? Seems he's been trying his best to make that amendment about well-run militias obsolete.
:p
-
Does anyone know what the original intent of a Militia was?
-
In the American British Colonies the militias where intended to serve as organized armed and unarmed response to local emergencies in or attacks on their home-colonies, wherever coordinated man-power or fighting might be called for, but an ad-hoc posse might not be enough, in the absense of or in supplementation to British military response.
Building up to and during the American Revolution the militias where to serve the same purpose, but of course swapping the British Military forces with the new-forming Continental Army, Marines and Naval forces.
pretty sure that's a fair description of the intent.
-
-
-
-
-
-