S tate G uard A ssociation of the U nited S tates 25 November, 2009

What are state defense forces? State Defense Forces (also known as State Guards, State Military Reserves, or State Militias) are military units that operate under the authority of a state governments. These forces are regulated by the National Guard Bureau (NGB 10-4). State defense forces are authorized by state and federal law and are under the command of the governor of each state. There are currently eighteen active state defense forces with existing statutory authority to establish state defense forces in all 50 states. SGAUS represents these forces and efforts to establish new forces and expand existing forces.

What is SGAUS? Non-profit 501(c)(6) organization representing state defense forces established under United States Code Title 32, Section 109 (maintenance of other troops). Membership is open to all active and retired state defense force personnel. The only existing national level organization advocating for the advancement and support of state defense forces.

History of SGAUS Steering Committee Formed Meeting held with CNGB LTG. Mickey Walker & staff in Washington D.C. Issues Discussed: Plans to form State Defense Forces Association of the United States (SDFAUS) State Defense Force Legislation Uniforms (distinctive name tag surfaced by LTG Walker) Mission & Functions of SDFs & SDFAUS Established NGB point of contact (Mr. Frank Bray)

SGAUS Objectives Sponsor & advocate for legislative action in support of 32 USC 109 state forces Educate public about state defense forces, what they do and who they serve Promote professional and uniformed SDF standards Generate interest state forces and desire to join and serve among current and future members Support recruiting and retention efforts

SGAUS Missions Foster & encourage cooperation between SDFs, DOD, NGB, active and reserves forces. Improve public understanding of the value of maintaining state defense forces and contributions to national defense posture. Facilitate the exchange of best-practices between state defense forces. Promote public interest in viable state defense forces. Educate the public that state defense forces are legitimate and professional military organizations and are separate from the unorganized militia and private militia groups.

SGAUS Organization President with President Elect 3 Vice Presidents Board of Directors Executive Director State Representatives State Chapters 15,000 SDF members & 3,000 SGAUS Members

SGAUS 2010 Vision Increased public awareness of SGAUS and SDFs at local, state and national levels Increased awareness of importance of SDFs to national defense posture/homeland security Increased membership and participation in SDFs, with expected increase in SGAUS membership Posturing SGAUS to target, acquire and develop future leaders at state and national levels

SGAUS Membership Represent 15,000 State Defense Force/State Guard personnel Represent 3,000 SGAUS Members MEMS Academy Chaplain School Twenty State Chapters

SGAUS Benefits Represent State Chapters/members at the National level MEMS Badge to members: Basic Advanced, Expert SGAUS awards for individual members Individual opportunities to acquire new leadership skills, education and information exchange

SGAUS State Chapters 20 State Chapters currently States with State Defense Forces/State Guards Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington

SGAUS 2010 and Beyond Become the preeminent authority on SDFs and the integral role SDFs play role in supporting and defending the homeland Increased membership Leadership development Developing/leveraging additional SDF resources Exploration of Joint SDF activities, training and exercises

Questions? MG(VA) John Taylor, President State Guard Association of the United States