North Carolina State Defense Militia

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North Carolina State Defense Militia
Active1941 - 1947
1988 - 1996
Country United States
Allegiance North Carolina
TypeSDFBranchInsigniaColor.jpg  State defense force
RoleMilitary reserve force
Commanders
Civilian leadershipLance Kane

The North Carolina State Defense Force is the current active state defense force of North Carolina.

World War II[]

The North Carolina State Guard was officially established as a state defense force on 27 February 1941 when the North Carolina National Guard was mobilized into federal service during World War II. The State Guard actually began organizing in early February with the appointment of officers, and the mustered strength reached a high of 2,128 by 1944. With the return of the National Guard, units began being inactivated in 1946, and the State Guard was completely disbanded by July 1947.

Reactivation[]

The North Carolina State Defense Militia (NCSDM) was reactivated by North Carolina Governor James G. Martin in February 1988.[1]

The NC State Defense Militia operated under Chapter 127A of the North Carolina General Statutes,[2] and as such, is a distinct unit from the NC National Guard. Under United States Code 32 sub-section 109,[3] "may not be called, ordered, or drafted into the armed forces".

The NCSDM participated in operations for Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and members filled in for National Guard troops while they were deployed for the Persian Gulf War in 1990–91. Other actions were during coastal storms and an outbreak of tornadoes in King, North Carolina.[4]

Due to the temporary suspension in 1996, the NCSDM or NCSDF was never officially re-activated by the North Carolina governors elected since April 1996.

Authority[]

Joint Resolution 987 of the North Carolina General Assembly ratified 27 June 1995 honored the efforts and assistance of the members of the NCSDM and expressed appreciation for the service that the members rendered to their respective communities, counties, and to the State of North Carolina.[4]

Temporary Suspension[]

Activities of the NCSDM were temporarily suspended in April 1996 by the North Carolina Adjutant General. This suspension was due to a workers' compensation claim, and a review of the workers' compensation laws regarding the North Carolina State Defense Militia.[5] This temporary suspension at the state governor's level is still in effect. A non-governmental organization that is the active North Carolina State Defense Force is an all-volunteer civil defense force composed of former military, law enforcement, EMS, medical, logistics and tech personnel working under a volunteer civilian leadership team.[6]

Historical North Carolina militias[]

The North Carolina Provincial Congress authorized a militia in 1775 for the American Revolution. The militia continued after the war. In 1836, the North Carolina General Assembly of 1836–1837 passed a law establishing a permanent militia. The law enrolled all free white males between the ages of 18 and 45 in the State Militia. Exceptions were given for certain public officials and other occupations. Free black males could only be enrolled as musicians in the militia. The division, brigade, and regiment structure of the militia was prescribed and included each county.[7]

Reactivation efforts[]

A small group of former military, law enforcement and EMS personnel re-activated the North Carolina State Defense Force in September 2020. Under direct civilian leadership and according to Chapter 127A of the North Carolina General Statutes, NCSDF has a steadfast mission to help ensure the safety of the communities they stand guard in, assist local and federal law enforcement when needed or requested and assist their communities in times of civil emergencies or disasters. All members pledge to keep a similar oath as military and law enforcement officers have to protect and defend the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic. Members are provided access to FEMA CERT training, Infragard and Cyber awareness training and more.. While the law established by the North Carolina General Assembly of 1836-1837 makes the NCSDF a permanent militia, NCSDF does not currently fall under the leadership of Governor Roy Cooper or the North Carolina Adjutant General. NCSDF is an all-volunteer civilian defense force.

From the website: Authorized by North Carolina General Statutes, Section 127A, NC State Defense Force members are an all-volunteer, pro-government, non-partisan civil defense force composed of current and formerly serving military, police, first responders, and other like-minded legal US citizens of all races, colors, ethnicities and religions, who pledge to fulfill an oath like all military and police take to “defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic” and to protect and serve the citizens of North Carolina according to the NC State Constitution in times of need such as natural disasters or local threats to law and order.

From the NCSDF website: "The NC State Defense Force is a strong and growing all volunteer civic organization, providing civilian readiness training. We are postured for effective responses to natural disasters, search and rescue objectives, security needs, and aim to support law enforcement, EMS and Emergency Management personnel when needed or required.  NCSDF members bring a wealth of experience, training and resources to bear in times of civic need. We are an active, diverse membership who share a passion to serve our communities and defend our civil liberties."[8]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ PR Newswire (22 February 1988). "Governor Martin creates State Defense Militia to support North Carolina National Guard". PR Newswire. Retrieved 18 March 2011.[dead link]
  2. ^ "NC General Statutes Chapter 127A". North Carolina General Assembly. Retrieved 8 November 2013.
  3. ^ NC State, Defense Forces. "US Code Title 32 Sub-section 109". NC State Defense Forces. Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives - Maintenance of other troops.
  4. ^ a b "H987 [Res 1995-11]". State of North Carolina. 27 June 1995. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
  5. ^ Letter to BG Theodore B. Gesulga (Commander, North Carolina State Defense Militia, from MG Gerald A. Rudisill Jr. (Adjutant General, North Carolina Army Reserve and National Guard), dated 5 April 1996
  6. ^ "North Carolina State Defense Force". North Carolina State Defense Force. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  7. ^ "Laws of the State of North Carolina, passed by the General Assembly (1836-1837)". NCDigital Collection. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  8. ^ NCSDF Media, Dept. (10 June 2021). "About NCSDF". North Carolina State Defense Force. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
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