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Anyone a member of your State Guard?

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I contemplated joining the California NG, (After 8 years active duty in the Marine Corps,) but since the guard is being mis-used abroad to the detriment of its mission at home, I decided not to.

But the Guard still has plenty of oppurtunities, and I wouldn't dissuade a person from joining if they'd a mind to.
 
As Mandewolf suggested, I think a lot of folks would join up with the National Guard if it meant staying put in their own state (or region, at least). A state guard sounds like just the ticket.

I only wish NH had one. I'd sign up tomorrow.
 
Any word on the Georgia guard? I hear it's little more than "MP in camo" duty.

As observed prior, I'd like to do my part for "well regulated" (equipped, trained & organized) but, for open-ended enrollment, draw the line at national boundaries.

If use of standard military hardware (starting with M16s) is not part of the plan, then they're not taking it seriously enough for me to take them seriously.
 
I only wish NH had one. I'd sign up tomorrow.
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As I said before, I find it very odd that NH doesn't have one.

I very casually looked into getting one up and running, but I didn't have much motivation because I was already in the Mass State Guard. From what I gathered it would be an uphill battle, to say the least.

Now that I'm in the New Hampshire National Guard, I've been looking into the possibility of getting the Massachusetts State Guard to provide OPFOR (enemy combatants) for us just like they did for the Mass National Guard's 181st Infantry back in 1999-2003. Our armory is only 55 minutes from Fort Devens (where we train all the time) so there is no reason the MSG couldn't show up.

However, the biggest problem with OPFOR involving a state guard is the issuance of rifles. It used to be no big deal: show up, sign out some A2s and a couple of SAWs, load up the blanks, and go cause trouble. Then somebody realized the problem of issuing federal property to state guardsmen and the whole thing got sticky. The most obvious answer, personally-owned firearms, has the problem of bringing them onto Fort Devens as well as some obvious liability issues. When I was in the MSG I pushed hard for training out at Leominster State Park and other state land in order to use personally-owned firearms, but to no avail.

That was too bad, because my M1 cycled blanks just as well as live rounds and is appreciably louder than 5.56mm blanks. :D
 
Any word on the Georgia guard? I hear it's little more than "MP in camo" duty.

As observed prior, I'd like to do my part for "well regulated" (equipped, trained & organized) but, for open-ended enrollment, draw the line at national boundaries.

If use of standard military hardware (starting with M16s) is not part of the plan, then they're not taking it seriously enough for me to take them seriously.
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I was in the GA State Defense Force for several years and was activated by the Gov twice. Once to recover bodies after a major flood in south GA uneathed many cemetaries and once for the Olympics where we did unarmed security paired with a National Guard member.

After the Olympics however, the Gov seemed to no longer take us seriously so I dropped out. I hear now that it is making a comeback so I might get back in.
 
TEXAS STATE GUARD??

:banghead: :cuss: I joined in 1996 and struggled through nearly 10 years of boredom and empty promises of useful training. What real training my unit was able to get was done on the sly and at our expense. On those occasions that we were discovered to be doing anything related to real MP or infantry training, we were thoroughly chastised.

The typical drill weekend consisted of siting in class at the armory and learning the "basics". We almost never went to the field to actually explore the supposed skills we were "taught". Needless to say, whatever knowledge that was in the classroom vanished without a trace. Yes, we did occasionally go to Camp Maxey in Paris Tx., but we were never allow to train as a unit in the tactics that would be needed to keep us alive and useful in a crisis. For me the final straw came when the National Guard unit we shared the armory with was scheduled to go to the "sand box". They needed preparation training and were to go to Ft Hood. Their commander spoke to our commander and he agreed to allow us to assume the OPFOR roll. This was perfect for us as several in our unit were combat veterans. It was scrubbed by our command in Austin the night before we were to board the bus for Ft. Hood.

911 didn't change a thing except that a lot of folks showed up hoping to help out with the security of the State of Texas. Most of them were already gone by the time I took my discharge late last year. :barf:
 
Things are moving along and it looks like I will be joining the South Carolina State Guard soon.

One thing: where can I find LBE / TA-50 (Pistol Belt, Y Straps, 2 Canteens with covers / Water system, Canteen Cup / Butt Pack)?
 
I honestly did not know about the difference between State Guards and your state's National Guard units. I learned something today.


After seeing this thread, I did a little looking around and found that Mississippi does indeed have a state guard:

http://www.ngms.state.ms.us/stateguard/

http://groups.msn.com/MississippiStateGuard/_homepage.msnw?pgmarket=en-us

I had always assumed that I'd be involved in some type of local guard unit to help with disasters, ect. However, I am not in a position to go overseas. The MS State Guard may well fit the bill. I intend to learn more and decide.


Thanks for this valuable discussion.


John
 
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Good, accurate post Tanksoldier.

I might have missed it but didn't see mentioned that a federal law permitted the states to establish the state guards as a supplement to the National Guard. One of the restrictions is that a state guard member can't have a active reserve or active duty committment. So, within limitations, those who can't or can no longer serve on active duty or in active reserve units can serve in the state guard.

Virginia does indeed have one of the best of the state guard systems and the state guard commander reports directly to the Commonwealth's Adjutant General. The state guard does things such as support public events for traffic control, support guard unit mobilization activities, and assist in state emergencies. Many members of the state guard have served in active and/or active reserve units.
 
I actually just had a long conversation with a representative of the MS state guard. I liked what I heard, and they are sending me the information now.

I can see how this is a needed thing in states that have hurricane (and other natural disaster) threats.


John
 
What does the state guard do?
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from what i have seen from the TX State Guard, they are generally unarmed and assist in disaster relief. when alot of refugees left NOLA and sought refuge in Texas, many of them were working at shelters.

i have yet to see an armed TX State Guard member unless they are some sort of off-duty peace officer as well....then im not even sure they can carry under that auspice. who knows. their website isnt exactly helpful:

www.txsg.state.tx.us

one thing i have noticed, some of their personnel aren't in the greatest shape....so they probably couldn't really assume a combat role. ive also heard their rank/command structure is rather arbitrary, like, you don't always enter in as an E-1, depending on some criteria you can come in as a higher rank:

http://www.gotxsg.com/faq.php

Q. HOW WILL MY RANK BE DETERMINED?
Applicants will be evaluated and appointed or enlisted in accordance with Texas State Military Forces regulations to an appropriate rank based on prior military service, education, civilian occupation, and other factors. It also depends on the authorized job position (billet) the applicant will be filling within the unit. As an example, typically a recently separated member of the Texas National Guard or Army Reserve would enter the TXSG at the same grade as his/her Federal grade when separated. However, each applicant package is reviewed on an individual basis by an enlistment or appointment Board.
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overall i have heard good things about it.
 
Does Arizona have a State Guard?

It sounds like the perfect organization to help patrol the border, if we had a governor that was actually serious about the problem? I'd volunteer, if they actually did something.

Kind of like the Sheriff's "Posse" that Sheriff Joe Arpaio started in Maricopa County AZ.
 
I inquired about Ohio's State Guard. Was told the unit in the Columbus area (don't know if there is another anywhere) meets at Rickenbacker once a month for training. If they aren't training they sometimes pull guard duty at Ohio based ANG bases. Didn't get into whether issued live rounds or not. May apply to join when we close our business. Also got the impression that the members were older in which case I am a lock.:(
 
Just found this:

26-174. Arizona state guard; establishment; purpose; appropriations

A. If the national guard of Arizona or a major portion thereof is called into active federal service, or if the national guard or a major portion thereof is alerted for federal service, the governor may establish an armed force for the safety and protection of the lives and property of the citizens of the state which shall be known as the Arizona state guard.

B. The Arizona state guard shall insofar as practicable be governed by and subject to the laws of the state pertaining to the national guard. The governor shall issue or cause to be issued rules and regulations to govern administration and organization of the state guard.

C. Appropriations made to the national guard shall be deemed appropriated to both the national guard and the Arizona state guard, if and when the latter organization is established, and any funds which are unexpended from appropriations to the national guard may be used for establishment and maintenance of the Arizona state guard.
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http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/26/00174.htm&Title=26&DocType=ARS

So all it would take is a governer with some heuvos.
 
state/national guard???

did you know that the national guard was started in 1903/6? when ww1 started they disbanded the guard as by law it could not leave the states.after ww1 it was reactivated and in 1930? was made a component of the army reserve.note the sign on the armorys.they used to say massacusetts national guard/south carolina national guard.now they say army national guard.only a few states have state guards because they dont want to pay for them.state guards are state militia.
me I want to see the draft again,because I believe the guard is being wore out and it would be good for the young to get the discipline instilled in them.
---:uhoh:---:confused:--:)--:)
 
Until this last July I was ineligible for membership in the unorganized militia or the state guards since I was still subject to recall by the US Army (age 55). Oklahoma has the enabling legislation but doesn't have an active state guard force.

http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/OKStatutes/CompleteTitles/os44.rtf

"§44 41. Composition of Militia Classes.
The Militia of the State of Oklahoma shall consist of all able bodied citizens of the United States and all other able bodied persons who shall be or shall have declared their intentions to become citizens of the United States, who shall be more than seventeen (17) years of age and not more than seventy (70) years of age, and said militia shall be divided into three (3) classes: The National Guard, the Oklahoma State Guard, and the Unorganized Militia."

"§44 241. Governor authorized to organize, maintain, etc. Uniform.
The Governor, pursuant to the authority granted the states by the Act of Congress of October 21, 1940, and under such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe for discipline in training, is hereby authorized to enlist, organize, maintain, equip and discipline such military forces other than the National Guard as he may deem necessary to defend the state. Such forces shall be uniformed and subject to Sections 1 through 117, 192 through 195.8, 208 through 235.2, and 2101 through 3113 of this title unless in conflict with such sections.
Laws 1941, p. 170, § 1, emerg. eff. June 4, 1941; Laws 1985, c. 96, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1985.

§44 242. Designation Composition Distinct from National Guard Place of service.
Such military forces shall be designated as the 'Oklahoma State Guard' and shall be composed of officers commissioned or assigned, and such able bodied male citizens of the state as shall volunteer for service therein. They shall be additional to and distinct from the National Guard organized under existing law. They shall not be required to serve outside the boundaries of this state.
Laws 1941, p. 170, § 2, emerg. eff. June 4, 1941.

§44 243. Rules and regulations Arms and equipment Drill and instruction Similarity to National Guard Compensation and allowances.
The Governor is hereby authorized to prescribe rules and regulations governing the enlistment, organization, administration, equipment, discipline and discharge of the personnel of such military forces; to requisition from the Secretary of Defense such arms and equipment as may be in the possession of and can be spared by the Department of Defense and to extend thereto the facilities of state armories and their equipment and such other state premises and property as may be available for the purpose of drill and instruction. Insofar as applicable the procedure for the enlistment, organization, pay, maintenance, equipment and disciplining of such forces shall be in conformity with the law and the rules and regulations governing and pertaining to the National Guard; provided that the officers and enlisted men in the Oklahoma State Guard shall not receive any compensation or monetary allowances from the state except when called into active service by order of the Governor.
Laws 1941, p. 170, § 3, emerg. eff. June 4, 1941; Laws 1985, c. 96, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1985.

§44 244. Calling into military service of United States not authorized No exemption from military service.
Nothing in this act shall be construed as authorizing such forces, or any part thereof to be called, ordered or in any manner drafted, as such into the military service of the United States, but no person shall by reason of his enlistment or commission in any such forces be exempted from military service under any law of the United States.
Laws 1941, p. 170, § 4, emerg. eff. June 4, 1941.

§44 245. Persons not to be commissioned or enlisted.
No person shall be commissioned or enlisted in such forces who is not a citizen of the United States or who has been expelled or dishonorably discharged from any military or naval organization of this state, or of another state, or of the United States.
Laws 1941, p. 170, § 5, emerg. eff. June 4, 1941.

§44 246. Oath of officers.
The oath to be taken by officers commissioned in such forces shall be substantially in the form prescribed for officers of the National Guard, substituting the words 'Oklahoma State Guard' where necessary.
Laws 1941, p. 171, § 6, emerg. eff. June 4, 1941.

§44 247. Term of enlistment Oath upon enlistment.
No person shall be enlisted for more than one (1) year, but such enlistment may be renewed. The oath to be taken upon enlistment in such forces shall be substantially in the form prescribed for enlisted men of the National Guard, substituting the words 'Oklahoma State Guard' where necessary."
 
A little clarification to Tank Soldier's first post. Virginia has more than one state supported militia.

There is the Virginia State Militia that encompasses the VMI faculty and students and there is the Virginia Defense Force which works closely with the National Guard as a supplement.

The Virginia State Militia has a Command Sergeant Major. He is a full time enlisted member. The students of the corps serve also as part of the militia. They are one of the few state militias that have seen combat although it was during the Civil War at the Battle of New Market.

The Virginia Defense Force is quite active.
 
The only time there was a Florida State Guard was during WWII, when some groups of civilians were assembled to form a sort of Home Guard to watch our shores, and assist in guarding military installations. It's interesting that since they were disbanded, there has never been any kind of movement to re-form a State Guard system. We've just relied on our state National Guard units, local police and fire departments, and groups like the Red Cross to perform emergency preparedness tasks and help the recovery processes.

I, for one, would be happy to volunteer for a State Guard, as long as I knew that it meant (as has been said) I'd be guarding my state, and my fellow countrymen, rather than being constantly deployed overseas.
 
I did meet a few who said they where in Massachusetts State Guard. Lets put it this way they were not the cream of the crop. Personally I don't see how these people could be accepted into any organization that had any standards. The way they described the Guard it sounded more like an established drinking fraternity than a professional state militia. The Guard seemed to be more ceremonial than a group with actual duties. Maybe it was just these individuals but it left me with a negative image of the State Guard.
 
cbsbyte,

I did meet a few who said they where in Massachusetts State Guard. Lets put it this way they were not the cream of the crop.
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Maybe I'm taking your comments too generically, but the tone of your commentary reads like it's meant to imply badness about the whole of the MASG, rather than just the individuals you met. Please PM me with the names of the individuals against whom you make your accusations, along with your specific accusations against them.

Personally I don't see how these people could be accepted into any organization that had any standards.
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Many of the MASG are former military (Army, Navy, and Marines), many of whom were active, overseas, at wartime. There are some who are active or retired police officers. Some are members of the Central Massachusetts Search and Rescue team (CMSRT). Some have gone on from being members of the MASG to doing Federal military service. One has gone from being a state police officer to border patrol.

Members obviously do meet standards, your opinion notwithstanding.

The way they described the Guard it sounded more like an established drinking fraternity than a professional state militia.
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Then there must have been a severe miscommunication. In the three years that I have been a member of the MASG, there has never been any drinking while on duty. Individuals may choose to go drinking when off duty, just as anyone else, in the world, but the MASG is not a "drinking fraternity".

The Guard seemed to be more ceremonial than a group with actual duties.
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The MASG has performed for the NGMA, as requested, and always performs to a high caliber. Prior to my entry, the MASG engaged in OPFOR exercises with the NGMA, on a routine basis (politics temporarily paused this activity). Since my joining, the MASG has:

- assisted the NGMA with guard duties, when drilling on base
- assisted the NGMA with SRPs and reverse SRPs
- assisted the New England area CERFP team with training
- learned basic functions of the New England area CERFP team
- NCOs have been trained at the regional training institute (RTI) at Camp Edwards - the local location where the NG trains both their NCOs and their officers.
- received weapons familiarization from the NGMA
- received basic search & rescue training from the CMSRT, and the MA state police

Our mission parameters fluctuate, depending upon the requirements of the NGMA. Our mission is to support the Massachusetts National Guard.




Maybe it was just these individuals but it left me with a negative image of the State Guard.
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Again, please PM me with the names of the individuals. I want to get this straightened out ASAP.
 
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