What are state defense forces?  The dictionary term (according to Wikipedia) for state defense forces "(also known as State Guards, State Military Reserves, or State Militias) in the United States are military units that operate under the sole authority of a state government, although they are regulated by the National Guard Bereau."

Even though the state defense forces aren't federal forces, they are fully legitimate military organizations that play a vital role in homeland defense, and they play an even more vital role as fighting forces during war time.  Right now, there are two wars this country is engaged in and more and more are the state defense forces being called upon to assist the federal National Guard as many of their National Guard counterparts are being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.  The state defense forces have been federally mobilized many times during the past-- during both World Wars, the Korean War, and during natural disasters.

California has its own state defense force: the California State Military Reserve.  The CSMR is a prestigious military organization that has lended many of its men and women to the services of the federal National Guard many times in the last several years.

In 2005, members of the CSMR were federally mobilized and deployed to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.  In late 2007 and early 2008 as the State of California suffered severe damages from wildfires and flooding, the CSMR was right there with the Army and Air National Guard units.

The CSMR was at it's best during World War II-- there were over 14,000 state reservists then.  There are 700 of us now.  The CSMR suffered dwindling numbers for decades, but ever since 9/11 the organization has received the applications of hundreds of patriots of all creeds, as young as 18 and as old as 62, dedicated to preserving the defense of the United States.

The Installation Support Group at the Joint Forces Training Base has had the privelege of its membership more than doubling.  This growth is good, because there is a lot to do during our nation's trying times. 

The CSMR needs Californians to enlist!  As the Army and Air Nationl Guard's mission objectives grow, the CSMR's mission grows as well.  Luckily, patriotic Americans have been answering the call to service, and they have the gratitude of their country.

UPDATE FOR NON-CALIFORNIANS

Are you living outside of California, but you want to give one weekend a month to serve in the armed forces? Join your state defense force! The following is a list of current active state reserves:

Alabama State Defense Force
Alaska State Defense Force
Alaska Naval Militia
Connecticut State Militia
Georgia State Defense Force
Indiana Guard Reserve
Illinois Naval Militia
Maryland Defense Force
Massachusetts State Guard
Michigan Volunteer Defense Force
Mississippi State Guard
New Jersey Naval Militia
New Mexico State Defense Force
New York Guard
New York Naval Militia
Ohio Military Reserve
Ohio Naval Militia
Oregon State Defense Force
Puerto Rico State Guard
South Carolina State Guard
Tennessee State Guard
Texas State Guard
Texas State Guard Maritime Regiment
Vermont State Guard
Virginia State Defense Force
Washington State Guard

And if you don't live in any of those states, but are still interested in being a Citizen Soldier, the Army National Guard, Air National Guard or Coast Guard can be found in every state!

This blog was originally published February 15, 2008 at www.myspace.com/smrfoster.  The blog you have just read is the independent writing of PFC Foster and has not been endorsed or sponsored by the CSMR, National Guard, or the State of California.