Connect with your state’s official State Guard recruitment pathway. The State Guard Enlistment Network helps you explore requirements, begin the application process, and join a trusted force dedicated to community protection, emergency response, and homeland support. Start your enlistment journey today.
The State Guard Enlistment Network is the official bridge to service in a State Defense Force (SDF). Unlike the National Guard, the State Guard is a state specific military force that is the states military departments reserve military forces and is only under the control of the state government.
Enlist in the State Guard • Call 855-560-5588For More Information
TO JOIN THE STATE GUARD YOU MUST MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS:
Be between the ages of 18 and 65
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Have a high school diploma or a GED
Meet medical, physical and moral requirements
STATE GUARD VS NATIONAL GUARD
What is the difference between the State Guard and the National Guard?
Many prospective recruits ask, “What is the difference between the State Guard and the National Guard?” While both organizations serve under the authority of the governor and support state missions, there are important differences.
The State Guard, also known as a State Defense Force, is a state-only military organization that cannot be federalized or deployed overseas. Its primary mission is to maintain state security, emergency response, and homeland readiness when the National Guard is deployed, mobilized by the federal government, or otherwise unavailable.
In contrast, the National Guard operates in both state and federal roles and can be activated for overseas deployments. The State Guard exists to ensure the state always has a trained military force available to support disaster response, civil support operations, infrastructure protection, and continuity of government, providing a critical layer of defense and readiness at the state level.
National Guard vs State Guard (State Defense Forces)
Category
National Guard
State Guard / State Defense Force
Historical Background
Originated from colonial militias of the 1600s.
Formally organized as a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces in the early 1900s.
Created to ensure states retain a military capability when National Guard units are federally deployed.
Expanded significantly during World Wars I and II.
Legal Authority
Operates under both state and federal law.
Governed by Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code.
Authorized under 32 U.S.C. § 109.
Exists solely under state law and authority.
Federal Control
May be federalized by the President and placed under federal command for national or overseas missions.
Cannot be federalized.
Remains permanently under the Governor’s control.
Command Structure
Reports to the Governor during state missions and to the President when federally activated.
Reports exclusively to the Governor through the state military department.
Primary Mission
Dual mission force:
• Federal military operations
• State emergency response and disaster relief
State-focused mission:
• Disaster response
• Emergency management
• Security, logistics, and community support
Operational Area
May operate locally, nationally, or internationally.
Operates primarily within state borders and does not deploy overseas.
Compensation
Members are paid during drills, training, and activations.
Typically volunteer and unpaid unless activated by the Governor.
Relationship to Each Other
May leave the state during federal mobilization.
Designed to maintain state readiness and continuity when the National Guard is deployed.
Unique Value
Federally trained, equipped, and combat-capable reserve force.
State-controlled force with strong local knowledge and rapid in-state response capability.
GET IN TOUCH
Contact US Today To Be Connected With A Recruiter.
