1. THE GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE
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THE GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE

2. Georgia State Defense Force Overview
GSDF MISSION
When ordered by the Adjutant General, provide an organized, trained, disciplined rapid response volunteer force to assist state and local governmental agencies and civilian relief organizations, in impending or actual emergencies to assure the welfare and safety of the citizens of Georgia.
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3. History of Georgia’s Militia
Georgia State Defense Force Overview
History of Georgia’s Militia
Georgia's long and rich military history began in England in the early 1730s. Under the direction of London aristocrat, Sir James Edward Oglethorpe, the future colonists were trained by Sergeants of the Guard. Georgia’s militia joined with General George Washington in the battle for the nation’s independence beginning in 1778, and men of the “Georgia Battalion” aided Texas in its fight for independence from Mexico in During the Civil War, Georgia was second only to Virginia in filling volunteer regiments, who fought in both the Eastern and Western theaters.
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4. History of Georgia’s Militia
Georgia State Defense Force Overview
History of Georgia’s Militia
In 1898, Georgia raised 3,000 troops for the Spanish-American War. By 1903, the modern era of state militias began when they were designated as the National Guard. In 1916 Georgia’s National Guardsmen were deployed to the Mexican border under federal command, led by General John J. Pershing in a hunt for the bandit chief Pancho Villa. When the Georgia National Guard was mobilized to fight “over there” in 1917, it fell upon the Georgia State Guard to defend the home front during the Great War.
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5. History of the Georgia State Defense Corps/Georgia State Guard in WWII
Georgia State Defense Force Overview
History of the Georgia State Defense Corps/Georgia State Guard in WWII
1940 – Gov E.D. Rivers requests the American legion to organize a home guard to be called the GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE CORPS.
June 1940 – Executive Order for GSDC at strength of 6,000 to replace National Guard.
Sept 1940 – 5955 GSDC positions filled; all National Guard federalized by Nov 1941.
10 Dec 1941 – Gov. E. Talmadge activates GSDC’s 297 units; places GSDC under command of BG Omar Bradley, CG of Ft. Benning, Georgia.
1942 – GSDC redesignated GEORGIA STATE GUARD.
1943 – Georgia State Guard Act signed by Gov Ellis Arnold.
Nov 1943 – GSG reorganized into 20 Brigades with a mustered strength of 11,000.
– GSG units placed at 47 vital points, e.g., Waterworks. GSG also had a boat unit doing shore patrol as well as an Air unit.
Jan 1945 – Women’s Division authorized (2 clerks per company).
21 April 1947 – GSG inactivated at authorized strength of 9,700. A total of 34,000 Georgians had served.
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6. The Modern Georgia State Defense Force
Georgia State Defense Force Overview
The Modern Georgia State Defense Force
GSDF MISSION ESSENTIAL TASK LIST (METL)*
1. Support and augment Georgia National Guard forces
2. Provide professional skills to the Georgia Dept. of Defense
3. Assist Georgia Communities.
METL DERIVED COMMON TASKS
Disaster Reconnaissance Search and Rescue Operations
Traffic/Evacuation Control Guard Family Support
Area Isolation/Area Security Base and Field Medical Support
Evacuee Shelter Augmentation Crowd Control/Event Security
EOC/SOC Augmentation Facilities Security
Special Skill Support to GADOD Other Tasks as Authorized
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7. GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE ORGANIZATION
Georgia State Defense Force Overview
GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE ORGANIZATION
HQ,GSDF
Regional
Med Det
Ready
Reserve
SDF Support
Command
1st Brigade
2nd Brigade
3rd Brigade
4th Brigade
5th Brigade
GSDF
Band
Chaplain Corps
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8. Georgia DOD Strategic Plan
Georgia State Defense Force Overview
Georgia DOD Strategic Plan
PEOPLE
MISSION READINESS
CUSTOMERS
RESOURCES
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9. THE GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE & HOMELAND SECURITY
Georgia State Defense Force Overview
THE GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE & HOMELAND SECURITY
All volunteer, unsalaried, uniformed branch of the Georgia Department of Defense
Basic Role – Replace Georgia National Guard if those forces are federalized
Trained in traffic and crowd control, area isolation, site security, search and rescue, etc
Current statewide strength 800 +
Contingency expansion plan to 5,000 on shelf (WWII strength was 11,000)
Unarmed until otherwise directed, equipped and trained by proper authority
Current Role – Augment National Guard; disaster assistance
Community support for special events
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10. THE GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE & HOMELAND SECURITY
Georgia State Defense Force Overview
THE GEORGIA STATE DEFENSE FORCE & HOMELAND SECURITY
Advantages:
~ Low cost, rapid response, state controlled military resource
~ Motivated, disciplined; high educational level
Limitations:
~ Funding
~ Job protection legislation
~ Access to surplus military supplies and equipment
~ Provisions for wage loss compensation
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11. KATRINA/RITA MISSIONS
Georgia State Defense Force Overview
KATRINA/RITA MISSIONS
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12. KATRINA/RITA MISSIONS
Georgia State Defense Force Overview
KATRINA/RITA MISSIONS
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13. Your Questions…
G.S.D.F.
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