Are state defense forces real military?

The State Defense Forces are true military entities under State law and are under The command of The Governor of The State. State Defense Forces focus their training on the needs of Their National Guard.

Is the South Carolina State Guard military?

Yes. The South Carolina State Guard is recognized under Title 32, Sec 109 in South Carolina’s Code of Laws, and the National Guard Bureau before being delegated to the States. It is a formal military organization which follows normal military courtesies and customs.

Do state defense forces get paid?

State defense forces operate on a volunteer basis, and usually are not paid for the once or twice a month they drill. Some must provide their own uniforms and equipment. However, if activated, they are usually paid by their state. State defense forces can include army, naval, and air units.

What does a state Defense Force do?

State defense forces are todays version of the traditional local militia — citizen patriots who volunteer to defend their homes and hearths. They are strictly state troops to serve the respective governors during times of emergency.

Does the SC State Guard get paid?

While SC State Guard members are not paid, service does offer a tax benefit. Any member providing a minimum of 192 hours of service per year can claim a $3000 SC state tax credit. Members should keep up with service hours, expenses, and receipts.

What is a sanctuary Soldier?

Commonly referred to as “18 year lock in”, “Sanctuary” is the term that is used for Reserve Component (RC) Soldiers who are mobilized, and have achieved at least 18 years, but less than 20 years of Active Federal Service (AFS).

Does the federal government recognize State Defense Forces?

The federal government recognizes state defense forces, as per the Compact Clause of the U.S. Constitution, under 32 U.S.C. § 109 which provides that state defense forces as a whole may not be called, ordered, or drafted into the armed forces of the United States, thus preserving their separation from the National Guard.

Are state Military Forces authorized under federal law?

These state military forces were authorized military training at federal expense, as well as “arms, ammunition, clothing, and equipment,” as deemed necessary by the Secretary of the Army. At the end of the two years, however, they were not reauthorized under federal law.

Can a member of a State Defense Force be excluded from draft?

However, under the same law, individual members serving in the state defense force are not exempt from service in the armed forces (i.e., they are not excluded from the draft). Under 32 USC § 109(e), “A person may not become a member of a defense force if he is a member of a reserve component of the armed forces.”.

Can the National Guard be federalized?

All state National Guard personnel (to include the National Guard of the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the territories of Guam and the Virgin Islands) can be federalized under the National Defense Act Amendments of 1933 with the creation of the National Guard of the United States.