H.R. 826 would amend title 32, United States Code, to improve the readiness of State defense forces and to increase military coordination for homeland security between the States and the Department of Defense.
Detailed Summary
State Defense Force Improvement Act - Recognizes state defense forces as integral military components of the homeland security effort of the United States, while reaffirming that such forces remain entirely state regulated, organized, and equipped, and recognizing that they will be used for homeland security purposes exclusively at the local level under state law.
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to coordinate homeland security efforts with, and provide assistance (including the use of Department of Defense (DOD) property, arms, equipment, and facilities) to, a state defense force, upon request. Leaves participation by a state defense force in a DOD or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) training program to state discretion. Requires a state to reimburse DOD for training assistance costs. Provides that funds available to DOD may not be made available to a state defense force. Makes the state liable for any injuries or damages incurred by a defense force member while engaged in training activities or state active duty.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 2/26/2007: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
XXX
this is a bill to help with homeland security and disaster relief.
Stateman
Lets get this bill passed! If you care about REAL American security, then WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN!
soldier
state defense force are vital to homeland security. support this bill with all your might
supplywarrant
The piece of legislation will further strengthen the homeland security mission through more and better training for state military forces. These are volunteer Soldiers working hard for no pay asking nothing in return except for the chance to be of service to the nation, the state, and the local community. Many are highly educated professionals with much needed skills but are in dire needed of equipment and training facilities. State Defense Force members are dedicated patriots; these are true red, white, and blue volunteers filled with the spirit of our forefathers. Let's pass this bill now!
SGT ALSDF
As a member of the ALSDF, I can tell you that the volunteers currently buy ALL of there own equipment for drills. All are ready to help in any way they can... Better training and equipment would be very helpful.
1st lt.
Just to be clear these are not rogue militia's. These are veterans who volunteer their time, buy their own uniforms and equipment and give up their free time to attend drills and train to be able to serve their states and communities. This bill has been introduced 3 times by patroit joe Wilson in the last three years. why our congress has not addressed this issue is beyond me.
Jay (PRSG)
It is true, lets stop playing as soldiers and lets start taking this matter serious for ower State.
SFC Pugh, TNSG
This is a very important way to protect at the individual state levels. Augmentation of National Guard Troops was good during the Cold War, but not effective in todays world terrorist threat that faces every state in the nation. DHS can't be everywhere! But Legal State Defense Forces can aid Local Emergency Managment Officials. Its time to act now on the important step in protecting our homeland.
X1LT VADF
The members of the SDF regardless of state, need this support. The SDF has proen time and time again that it is a cost effective man power multiplier in time of emergency.
John Blackburn
I cannot believe that 37% of those who voted are against it. I guess they don't realized that we will be there to help them when the balloon goes up
CSM
Robert Gulledge
Contact your congressman and ask him/her why this legislation (H.R. 826) is being ignored and why. Do it online at https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml
Harald Belletete
As a member pf the Alabama State Defense Force, any bill that is in congress for the SDF needs to be addressed and approved. We are volunteers, some of us retired service members that are still serving our state. So get with it and get this bill past.
2LT ASDF
We have to pay our own way. There is not any money for equipment or training and we have to foot the bill. There at least needs to be a tax break or something in there to relieve our burden. We serve because we want to, not because we have to. The better trained and equiped we are the better we can serve the state and communities.
Cpt Wyatt Gordon
It has mostly been said in previous comments.
Our pressing need is for aviation radios (Portable) Bullhorn, port Wind Sock
Other major needs are for at least our Military Police Company be armed. I can't imagine facing a pandemic where anarchy is raging without means to protect ourselves against, looters, druggies, gangs, etc.
All are Military Trained in Firearms and have the medals on DDfor 214 to prove it.
We should all be protected against any libel suit in performance of our duties, including first aid, Triage and wounded movement. This should be provided by the State/or HLS.
More volunteers needed, but we are being held back due to lack of resources, and we are already out of pocket lots of $$$.
Grizzly
SDFs need the support, passing this bill is a small step forward, it is not of matter IF, but WHEN and we ALL need to have the best training and equipment
IslaGuam96930
Its Time to rise up America,Time to get on your feet! Title 32 USC Sec 109 We are America's hometown military ready to serve our states and territories,but we need not only congress help we need your help! So, if your state or territory has a State Defense Force,please stand up and rise with us to help your neighbor,state and country! Call your state Military Dept.and see how you can be part of the Action!
1SG Joe Tiscia
I am a Vietnam Vet and can assure
you that the TNSG is ready and able to handle our share of homeland security. All we need is funding for uniforms, equipment, vehicles. Our warrior
are the true citizen soldiers serving without pay. We are combat
vets ready to serve our country
one more time...ready to give back
to a country that has given so much to us.
1SG Martin
I am a Vet that was looking for a way to keep serveing. I found that way in the ALSDF. I feel that the SDF is a very good thing. The way our troops are stretched to the max and the SDF can help in every way. I have talked the SDF to tons of people and thay all think it is a good thing but a lot can't aford it. I think if we had a little help we could have the things we need and tons of people to help us use it. Now get H.R.826 passed.
surplus
I think that military surplus should be available to the SDF for pennies on the doller or even FREE. Each member should be able to go get the things he or she needs, and the supply of each unit or battalion should be able to get all the equpment that is need.
LTC Jim Savage USA Rtd
Too many state adjutant generals are unaware of the low cost and benefits of having the SDFs supplement their forces. Local defense volunteer forces have been present since 1607 and provided the major military support during the civil war and earlier wars. There is little need for SDFs to carry weapons unless they serve with MP units - so no one should get excited since few do or would. We need to get our Congressmen to support Rep Joe Wilson's HR826. I wrote mine - why don't you- it took me no more than 10 minutes through the washingtonwatch email system.
1SG Arnie W. Chilton III
Get this bill through, as it was said in an earlier comment. Alot of folks that are not with us now would join but for the Money and equipment. There are also fuel issues now the oil is sky rocketing.
CPL Brian Gourley CASMR
State Defeense Forces provide a huge support to our nations National Guard and to the states themselves, Please support this bill.
1LT W.T. Cooper SCSG
This bill would enhance the capabilities to defend the US by assisting personnel that already give their own time, money and resources, without compensatiion for the same things they believed in when they served in the United States Military. Please assist the State Guards and State Defense Forces NOW.
SGT SCSG
Hooah COOP!
Lets get this passed people!
COL AJ WOODWARD, OHMR
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, WE NEED THIS BILL TO PASS.
Lt. Bankston
WE NEED THIS BILL TO PASS.
kenny
Lets get this passed State Defeense Forces provide a huge support to our nations National Guard and to the states
1st Lt. Lloyd Cole, VaDF
We ARE the legacy of a proud tradition. All you have to do is to look back into history and see where SDFs were the the organized armed militias of the states. Unfortunately, we share the legacyas most of those militias were outfitted and trained without the support of the states and the National Government.
I can't see why we who are vets are looked upon by those in Congress as wannabes.We are PROVEN soldiers! All we ask is for the support from our government to do the job we are trained for.
WHY can't this bill be passed????