Ohio Defense Force

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This article is about the privately-organized militia in Ohio. For the state defense force of Ohio, see Ohio Military Reserve.
Ohio Defense Force
Ohio Defense Force insignia.png
AbbreviationODF
Formation1989
Typeprivate non-governmental paramilitary militia
Location
Membership
300 (claimed by ODF)[1]
Key people
William B. Alexander (founder)

The Ohio Defense Force (ODF) is a privately organized militia in the state of Ohio. The Ohio Defense Force is not a part of the organized military of Ohio, which consists of the Ohio National Guard, the Ohio Naval Militia, and the Ohio Military Reserve.[2] Rather, it is organized, led, and staffed by private citizens.

History[]

The Ohio Defense Force, originally named the Southeastern Ohio Defense Force, was founded in 1989 as a non-profit corporation. In 2004, the organization decided to expand statewide and was renamed the Ohio Defense Force.[3]

The Ohio Defense Force has provided emergency assistance to the Columbiana County Sheriff's Department by performing duties such as directing traffic, in order to let deputies attend to other duties.[4]

Mission[]

The duties of the Ohio Defense Force are:[5]

  • to assist local and State governments, their agencies and law enforcement authorities in emergency situations;
  • to assist in the protection of local citizens in emergencies;
  • to organize and train individuals to provide such assistance;
  • to do such other lawful acts as contemplated by the Non Profit Laws of the State of Ohio.

Organization[]

The Ohio Defense Force is organized into four battalions,[6] and maintains a signal corps[7] and a security unit attached to its headquarters.[8] The ODF claims it has 300 active members statewide.[1]

Battalions of the Ohio Defense Force[6]
Battalion Location
1st Battalion Southeast Ohio
3rd Battalion Northeast Ohio
4th Battalion Northwest Ohio
5th Battalion Southwest Ohio

Equipment[]

The Ohio Defense Force infantry uses the Battle Dress Uniform with a woodland-style boonie hat, along with black combat boots as its uniform. Members are required to own a military-patterned rifle, six magazines, and maintain a survival kit with weather-appropriate clothing, water, and first aid supplies.[9]

The Ohio Defense Force (Recon) D company, ODF's special forces company, uses the Battle Dress Uniform with asian tiger-style boonie hat. Recon specialized training includes reconnaissance, scout/sniper, combat tracking and small arms.[citation needed]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Gellman, Barton (September 30, 2010). "The Secret World of Extreme Militias". Time. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  2. ^ "Chapter 5923: ORGANIZED MILITIA". State of Ohio. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  3. ^ "History". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  4. ^ Ewinger, James (April 4, 2009). "Planned Home Guard militia training in Geauga County prompts concerns from neighbors". cleveland.com. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  5. ^ "Constitution". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b "Ohio Defense Force". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  7. ^ "ODF Signal Corps/Communications". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  8. ^ "ODF Security". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  9. ^ "Required Equipment List". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2017.

External links[]

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