State Defense Force

A State Defense Force (SDF) is a military organization formed by individual U.S. states, operating under state authority. These forces are separate from the National Guard and are designed to support state missions, especially during emergencies, natural disasters, or civil unrest. SDFs can assist with search and rescue operations, provide logistical support, and help maintain public safety. Members typically volunteer and can be composed of civilians with various skills. While they do not have federal deployment authority, they play a vital role in local defense and disaster response efforts.