9 November 2001

In response to the October 15^th 2001 Virginian Pilot opinion article, "A sixth armed service: U. S. Homeland Defense Force", by Neil McNulty, a former Marine officer. The article was not available during a recent search of the Pilot and its archives.

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A Sixth Armed Service?
I think not!

Author lays a reasonable scenario of responsibilities to the homeland defense effort, but I must disagree with forming a "sixth armed service". First, and foremost, is the constitutional argument (founding father warnings) against large standing armies, but second, this contingency is met by the constitutional provision for a militia.

Considering our current population, a two to three million armed forces organization cannot be really considered as "large standing armies" as it represents but one percent of the population. But the inclusion of another federal force, particularly one dedicated to homeland defense, alerts my citizen senses to Condition Charlie. And while it may start at author's complement level of twenty thousand with half again in reserve, we know that things grow quickly at the federal level. And that this federal force "would be a military service assigned to domestic security and incident response" putting it on our streets and perhaps in our homes, for domestic security indicates law and order, and incident response means - well, we know what that means. I do realize author is seeking to cover the bases for homeland defense, and I agree with him as to the systemic need, not only of coordination and logistics, but the massive geography requiring comparably massive personnel commitments, ergo - growth. But the system is already in place; it is the militia.

The constitution empowers congress "to provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States" . USC10 311 creates two classes of militia as "the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia." It goes on to define age limits and other parameters. So, with National Guard units called to federal service, the militia is already in the game at hand. But what of the unorganized militia? Well, isn't this the draft? When, as, and if the draft is again implemented, won't it be the able-bodied of the male citizen population in a certain age group? Constitutionally we "can't" put federal troops on the streets, so with the Guard mobilized, how do the states maintain security and defend themselves? Well, there is the State Defense Force (SDF) initiative and - the unorganized militia not yet in active service.

Let's look at Virginia.

The Code of Virginia, in ß 44-1 provides "The militia of the Commonwealth of Virginia shall consist of all able-bodied citizens of this Commonwealth and all other able-bodied persons resident in this Commonwealth who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States, who are at least sixteen years of age and, except as hereinafter provided, not more than fifty-five years of age. The militia shall be divided into four classes, the National Guard, which includes the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, the Virginia State Defense Force, the naval militia, and the unorganized militia." Of these classes only the Virginia State Defense Force (VSDF, now VaDF) cannot, by current law, be called to federal service - by congressional edict it is its name: "State Defense Force". In Virginia code 44-1 and 44-54 through at least 44-115 the VaDF mission is defined, it's manning level set, and it's structure and administration established. Essentially, the VaDF is tasked to control Virginia National Guard facilities and property left by the Guard after it's mobilization, and to provide other services as called by the Governor. It's complement is "at least 1200", trained as a military force, and serves as the home of the unorganized militia when it, or any part thereof, is called to service - "it shall be incorporated into the Virginia State Defense Force until relieved from service."

And of course, the VaDF members are volunteers. Patriots. They are also the Work Force. If and when called, they are obligated to leave their families, homes, and jobs.

It is fairly obvious that it is the militia, both organized and unorganized, which already has the core responsibility of local homeland defense/security. The various State Defense Forces should be brought up to at least base complement, trained in various aspects and techniques of security, assistance to First Responders, and other subjects in which many municipalities are already engaged. These SDF's then, as "well regulated" - trained - can readily and properly respond to events, and be the designed nucleus of a larger manpower effort with the introduction of the unorganized militia.

Which brings us to my favorite place. Many older Americans are able to perform services, and many are veterans and military retirees with years of experience valuable to building a credible SDF. Current militia age requirements should allow for capability.

The size of the SDF's and the unorganized militia called to service by their governor ebbs and flows with the needs at hand - they are not a permanent standing force as would be a federal homeland defense force. They will go home and to work after their service.

The militia has a constitutionally mandated mission; for over two hundred years the state militias have provided community and state security and defense. It is only in need of mobilization, training and support to provide both direct and assistance services in support of homeland defense. Rather than a sixth permanent armed force of the United States, it is correct and proper that the militia - the National Guard, naval militia, State Defense Force, and unorganized militia - of the various states be mission-designated to homeland defense.

Andrew H. Barr
Copyright 2001 All Rights Reserved

NOTE: This http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/newsletter/opeds/2003Nov.pdf article discusses the SDF program. Also a Google on: State Defense Force provides pages of information.