I worked with the State Defense Force yesterday

[flyguy06]

I had the opportunity to train with my state's State Defense Force at a week long activity my Guard unit had this past week. I never knew anything about the SDF, but after this week, I am reallyimpressed with them. Eventhough they are volunteers, they are straight up military. They take this stuff seriously. They are similar to CAP whre most members are retired folks or folks thta own their own busines and can take the time out of their lives to volunteer.

I wish CAP had a closer relationship with their respective Guard units and I wish members took CAP as seriously as the SDF does. But I guess the biggest difference is CAP members pay once a year to belong and SDF folks dont. When someone is paying for a serivce they fell they can come and go or d oas much or as little as they feel.

[Eclipse]

SDF's are different animals with different missions and scope, to compare them is unfair to either side.

[flyguy06]

I was just making an observation. I think they are similar in some ways yet different in many other ways.

[SM Scanner Ballast]

So what state are you in that has one? What do they do? What did you do with them? What cooperation might there be with CAP?

[RiverAux]

I have always felt that CAP, the CG Aux, and SDFs face a lot of the same issues even though the focus of each organization is slightly different. 

[mawr]

In Alabama, the State Defense Force is considered a military asset.  They fill in for the Guard when the Guard is unavailable (Federalized).  In acuallity, they specialized in loading/unloading water/food here in Alabama  during Katrina, leaving the Guard free for other duty.

I've researched them and have considered joining but I'm already stretched for time to volunteer.

[FlyingTerp]

I was a member of my State's SDF for 3 years.  It was generally a good experience.  In 1995, I was called to state active duty by the Governor and paid in my grade for the week.  Luckily, my employer allowed me to take the time off (it was during a massive snowstorm, so there wasn't much going on anyway).  State active duty was a great experience.  I worked with the National Guard and State Emergency services. 

There is a degree of similarity with CAP.  SDFs are volunteer organizations with a focus on emergency services.  Probably the major difference is that many SDFs will take over some NG duties (armories) with they are called to Federal Duty.  I don't believe CAP takes over or augments USAF duties (but I believe USCGAux does).  There was no cadet program in the SDF I was a member of, but 16 year olds could join as full members.

In 1996, I left the SDF.   Generally, it was because of career demands, and there was no inactive or "patron" status.  I think that SDFs are a mixed bag and generally differ depending on the State's TAG support and funding.  Personally, I think the CAP is a better fit for me, but I would encourage any interested CAP members to check out their State's SDF.

[RiverAux]

SDFs range from coffee clubs that are essentially useless to organizations that are highly integrated into their state's National Guard system and that are a very valuable member of the team.  Most are in the middle in that they exist (barely) and do some valuable training, but are generally ignored by the National Guard and are only rarely used in any mission. 

[flyguy06]

My guard unit is a specialized homeland defense unit. We respond to Terrorist threats, natural disaters and other emergencies. We have a Chemical Company(Decon element), Medical unit, and Search and Extraction element (Engineers) Our medical unit is a joint Army-Air Guard unit.

We are a new unit and we are getting certified by Fifth Army. Anyay, we used the SDF to act as role players. Poeple we ran through the system. It went very well and we got certified. CAP could have helped us with this mission, and I had thought about using them but I thought it may be hard to get cadets out of school and Senior members off of work, Now though I wish I had put the call out for some Senior Members.

Its a cool mission. It got me involved in the ICS system, and eventhough I am NOT in CAP for ES if I ever decide to get involved with ES, this training should come in handy and I am thinking of getting back into ES ( I a already a Mission Observer).

Our SDF is very professional and they are very motivtaed.

[Nomex Maximus]

Takes 90 days for them to process the application in Michigan. Not clear from the introductory email just what we would be used for. Doesn't sound like much. I might just stay with CAP alone.

[Eclipse]

SDFs range from coffee clubs that are essentially useless to organizations that are highly integrated into their state's National Guard system and that are a very valuable member of the team.  Most are in the middle in that they exist (barely) and do some valuable training, but are generally ignored by the National Guard and are only rarely used in any mission. 

Wait - are you talking about an SDF, or CAP?   

[RiverAux]

I had thought of making that very comparison....

Usually you only see that amount of variation between CAP squadrons while with SDFs the state level is much more important since regulations, relationship with the Adjutant General, National Guard, and the Governor vary so much between states.  You can get a state like California where the SDF is almost totally meshed with the NG and then another state where  the SDF (I won't give an example) does nothing either because of their own lack of initative or the unwillingness of those in charge to use them.  It is my impression that within each SDF you'll probably see a little less differences between units than you might see in CAP. 

[Stonewall]

FlyGuy.

I was working the gate last week and had a few of the SDF guys come through seeking guidance as to where they need to go.

Based solely on their appearance, courtesies and professional demeanor, I rendered appropriate salutes and showed them where to go.  The one guy, a 1 star general type, could have come off as a butt-munch.  Instead, he drove up in his PT Cruiser with a smile, asked where to go and showed a special State Defense Force ID card.  I pointed him in the right direction as I held onto his ID card only to find a Retired Colonel ID card underneath.  Yep, he's not just an SDF brigadier general, he's a retired Colonel from the Army.

Another guy, a Sergeant, same story.  Looked sharp, was polite, and professional.  Their conduct and actions purely showed professionalism and respect.

You're spot on, FlyGuy!

When I was in the Virginia Army Guard, we had the VDF, Virginia Defense Force.  I can assure you, they couldn't touch the SDF you speak of.  Moreso a bunch of wanna-be's with a lot of bling and wanting attention.

[JohnKachenmeister]

Takes 90 days for them to process the application in Michigan. Not clear from the introductory email just what we would be used for. Doesn't sound like much. I might just stay with CAP alone.

I didn't know Michigan even HAD a State Defense Force.  There were a lot of Michigan folk in the Ohio SDF (Called the Ohio Military Reserve) because they had none up north. 

[Nomex Maximus]

Michigan's website indicated that they have about 200 people statewide.

Just for grins, here is the email the email-bot sent back to my inquiry:


-------------------------------------------------------------

Thank your for your interest in the MI VDF (Michigan Volunteer Defense Force. The state defense force is created by Michigan Compiled Law in Public Acts.

Michigan Volunteer Defense Force           

Authorization and Command

Authorization

Act No. 246, Public Acts of 1988

Filed with the Secretary of State, 11 July 1988

Entitled;  "An act to provide for the militia of this state and its organization, command, personnel, administration, training, supply, discipline, employment and retirement and to repeal certain acts and parts of acts," ......


Command Structure

Commander in Chief: Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor, State of Michigan

Supervision and Oversight

The Department of Military & Veterans Affairs,

Office of The Adjutant General,

MG Thomas Cutler


Michigan Volunteer Defense Force

Commander BG Warren J. Lawrence


Function:

Provides homeland security and defense services within the

Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

What is The Michigan Volunteer Defense Force?

The Michigan Volunteer Defense Force (MI VDF) is a military organization authorized by the Michigan Legislature and established under the office of the Adjutant General.  The purpose of the MI VDF is to act as a trained backup and force multiplier for the National Guard that can assist in times of emergency or in time of special needs.

The MI VDF is comprised of Michigan residents who give their time and talent, to train to meet specific goals of the organization's assigned mission.  The force is established to support military activities within the State of Michigan.


Most of the men and women who stand in the ranks of the MI VDF are people with previous military experience. 

However, there is also a need for people with certain civilian skills who have not had previous military experience.  All MI VDF members are trained in the basic skills of a soldier along with specific mission based skills.

Why do people join the MI VDF?

The main reason that people join the MI VDF is the satisfaction of doing something important that may someday be of great assistance to our State and their home community. During these challenging times it is important that our Governor and Adjutant General have citizens available who are trained and organized to meet any calamity whether caused by an enemy or by nature.

One of the chief benefits from becoming a member of the MI VDF is that you will be training and serving with dedicated men and women who are willing to give of themselves to insure that our state and nation are safe and secure both now and in    the future.

Table of Organization

The MI VDF is organized with four regimental headquarters, each with two battalions located across Michigan in National Guard armories.  Within each battalion there are sections and detachments located in various communities throughout the State of Michigan.

Regimental HQ Locations


1st. Lansing:      South Lansing Armory, 2500 S. Washington Ave

2nd. Detroit:      Lt Guard Armory, Detroit Michigan

3rd. Wyoming:  GV Armory, Wyoming Michigan

4th. Grayling:    Camp Grayling, Grayling Michigan


Battalion Locations

There eight battalions (2 per regiment) located in Michigan armories with one assigned to each State Police district ( to support homeland security.

Drill

Regiments and battalions will set their own schedules and curriculum in support of the state (Division Level) training calendar, soon to be posted on the website.

A monthly 1 day training (drill) is to be expected and possibly more depending on your commander's agenda.  Drill is a volunteer service, expenses to and from drill are not reimbursable but all related expanses are tax deductible.  Only when operating on State Active Orders are MI VDF personnel paid for services.  As a member you are subject to the UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE and must adhere to its conventions.


Missions

Manage and organizing volunteers in times of emergency.
Logistics management of donations during an emergency.
Augmentation of a Joint Operations Center.
Training as evaluators and controller for training exercises.
Augmentation of family support
Training selected individuals in damage assessment
Support the operation of the SNS (Strategic National Stockpile)
Support initiatives of the Adjutant General of the State of Michigan
Provide support initiatives directed by the Adjutant General of the State of Michigan


MI VDF Regulation 600-10

MI VDF CSM George Hawkins

Eligibility for enlistments in our force is very simple.  We accept citizens who reside in Michigan and who are between the ages of 18 and 60.  These individuals must be mentally stable, of good character, and medically able to do the duties of the position to which assigned.

Applicants without prior service can only be accepted as recruits and will receive training in basic military subjects before they are eligible for advancement.

Prior service personnel may be enlisted at a rank no higher than that obtained in their previous enlistment.  They must produce an honorable discharge and a DD 214 (or equivalent document) supporting their prior service and actual rank obtained.

Applicants with prior service in MI VDF or defense force from another state may be enlisted in the same grade attained.  Applicants with three or more years of high school ROTC or two years of college ROTC may be enlisted as a corporal.  Supporting documentation must be supplied.

I hope this brief of the MI VDF Reg. 600-10 will clarify the placement of volunteers in our force.  We cannot assign untrained or unqualified personnel into key positions without weakening our force.  We must not deviate from the regulations as outlined in Reg. 600-10.


MI VDF applications can be down loaded from the MI VDF web site. 

Go to: www.michigan.gov/dmva

From the DMVA home page, click on the VOLLUNTEER DEFENSE FORCE button.  On the next page in the box below "Volunteer Information" click on the link Volunteer Opportunities, then scroll down to "Become a Member Today" and click on the underlined link Attached Here.  This will download an Adobe PDF file that must be filled out and sent by regular mail to;

Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs

Office of Military Support to Civil Authorities

Michigan Volunteer Defense Force

2500 South Washington Avenue

Lansing, Michigan 48913-5101

for processing, "do not give them to anyone"— they must be mailed!

Mailing instructions are on the form.  DO NOT EMAIL


We must receive the Hand Signed original application, in order to run the background check.  You will be notified within 30 days upon receipt of the application form, confirming that is has arrived, processing will take about 90 days.

You will then be notified whether or not your application has been accepted or rejected.

If you are accepted you will receive a mailing with contact information (where to report) and your assignment, grade and rank.

Applications are available online at www.michigan.gov/dmva 

Download your application, fully complete and mail in today.

[JohnKachenmeister]

The website explains it.  The VDF was disbanded in 1998 and re-activated in 2004.

[Nomex Maximus]

I seem to remember some years back, was it the 80's or the 90's that there were some *wacko* private militias being operated in Michigan... they were on Nightline or some such, saying that they had a right unde the second amendment to roganize themselves as a private militia. I wonder if this was a factor in Michigan disbanding the VDF for those years...?

[RiverAux]

No.  They've got those in just about every state.  No relationship.

[Nomex Maximus]

Yes, I understand that the VDFs have nothing to do with the private militias but I was wondering if public opinion against the privateers worked for an elimination of the VDF in this case.

 

[RiverAux]

It was an Adjutant General decision. 

[flyguy06]

FlyGuy.

I was working the gate last week and had a few of the SDF guys come through seeking guidance as to where they need to go.

Based solely on their appearance, courtesies and professional demeanor, I rendered appropriate salutes and showed them where to go.  The one guy, a 1 star general type, could have come off as a butt-munch.  Instead, he drove up in his PT Cruiser with a smile, asked where to go and showed a special State Defense Force ID card.  I pointed him in the right direction as I held onto his ID card only to find a Retired Colonel ID card underneath.  Yep, he's not just an SDF brigadier general, he's a retired Colonel from the Army.

Another guy, a Sergeant, same story.  Looked sharp, was polite, and professional.  Their conduct and actions purely showed professionalism and respect.

You're spot on, FlyGuy!

When I was in the Virginia Army Guard, we had the VDF, Virginia Defense Force.  I can assure you, they couldn't touch the SDF you speak of.  Moreso a bunch of wanna-be's with a lot of bling and wanting attention.

That was Gen McQuinn. and yes he is a retired COL. he is also a WWII vet. He was cool to work with. They all were. I probably saw you too. Which gate were you working?

[RiverAux]

By the way, this is a good source for information on SDFs: http://www.sdfpc.org/sdfpc2.htm.  Some of the articles are reprints from other sources and some info is a bit out of date, but overall you can get a good idea of what SDFs are capable of. 

[FlyingTerp]

When I was in the Virginia Army Guard, we had the VDF, Virginia Defense Force.  I can assure you, they couldn't touch the SDF you speak of.  Moreso a bunch of wanna-be's with a lot of bling and wanting attention.

I was a member of the VADF and Stonewall is correct in describing some of the membership.  Lack of professionalism was one of the reasons I left.  The relationship with the Virginia Army Guard was strained at best.  There were several embarrassing incidents including some members attempting to acquire a tank http://www.stateline.org/live/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=136&languageId=1&contentId=15520  (about 2/3 down the page).  Since the tank incident, they have been reorganized.

By the way, this is a good source for information on SDFs: http://www.sdfpc.org/sdfpc2.htm.  Some of the articles are reprints from other sources and some info is a bit out of date, but overall you can get a good idea of what SDFs are capable of. 

The State Guard of South Carolina that hosts that site is one of the best SDFs.  I believe they have a commissioning program with The Citadel and the make up much of the leadership in the State Guard Association of the US (http://www.sgaus.org/).  Off hand, I also remember CA, TN, and PR having excellent organizations.

In many states (VA included) the SDFs perform vital emergency services, but they differ in quality from state to state.  For me, CAP is a better choice.  The US in "dare I say - USCAP" does have its advantages (easy on the flames - its my 2nd post  ).

[RiverAux]

Puerto Rico has one of the largest SDFs and from what I can tell probably has a great relationship with the National Guard.  However, at least from what I hear over the net Tennessee isn't doing all that well.  I remember a few years ago the TN State Guard commander had an end of year report that more or less admitted that they had a terrible relationship with the National Guard.  They have also had problems with people leaving the SDF and trying to start up their own independent militia organization (not the anti-government kind, but the sort that sort of pretends they are an official SDF when they aren't -- generally called "rump militias"). 

[mikeylikey]

SO in everyones opinion what state has the best SDF?  I know PA is lacking, I have met some Ohio members who were pretty high-speed.

[RiverAux]

The California Military Reserve without a doubt is the best and most relevant SDF of any in the nation.  Its members serve right alongside CA NG members most of the time and members regularly serve on paid state active duty and even have the opportunity to compete (though rarely get) full time paid status positions. 

The Texas State Guard is probably second.  Though it primarily still tries to operatate as an independent unit, it is used on a regular basis for disaster relief missions.  Its medical units regularly are called on for duty in south Texas. 

The Maryland Defense Force's medical component is probably third.  Parts of it have been deployed to Katrina, Bosnia, and lately an Indiana Reservation.  I'm not so sure that the rest of the force is so high-speed though. 

Parts of the New York Guard have been assigned for some high profile chemical response duties and have been training up pretty well. 

The Alaska State Defense Force had some limited numbers called up for law enforcement duty this year and seems to regularly participate in military exercises up there. 

The Ohio Naval Militia has a regular patrol mission that it conducts, but frankly what it is doing could be done just as well by the CG Aux.  OH NM isn't armed.

The other SDFs do get occassional service but generally make the mistake of trying to go it alone and have varying degrees of disfunctional relationships with the National Guard and Adj. Gen.