North Carolina State Defense Militia
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1988–1996
2017-Present
United States
North Carolina
State defense force| North Carolina State Defense Force | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1941–1947 1988–1996 2017-Present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | North Carolina |
| Type | State defense force |
| Role | Military reserve force |
| Website | https://sdfnc.org/ |
| Commanders | |
| Civilian leadership | Major General William "Bill" Harrison |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |  |
The North Carolina State Defense Force is a currently active self-funded organization with members throughout North Carolina.
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 Force (NCSDF) was reactivated by North Carolina Governor James G. Martin in February 1988.[1]
The NC State Defense Force operated under Chapter 127A of the North Carolina General Statutes,[2] and as such, is a distinct unit from the NC National Guard.
The NCSDF 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.[3]
Due to the temporary suspension in 1996, the 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 NCSDF and expressed appreciation for the service that the members rendered to their respective communities, counties, and to the State of North Carolina.[3]
Temporary Suspension
Activities of the NCSDF 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.[4] This temporary suspension at the state governor's level is still in effect.
Current Activity
The NCSDF is currently active as a self-funded NGO predominantly in the mountainous regions of North Carolina, with members ranging from the Tennessee border to the Outer Banks Coast.[5]
The NCSDF currently participates in both Search and Rescue Field Exercises with NCEM and FEMA, and Organization of Locals. Trainings often include Local First Responders such as Fire Departments and the State Guard Association of the United States, SGAUS. [5]
The NCSDF was also involved in Hurricane Helene relief including resource allocation, distribution, and search and rescue.