State Defense Force Act

The act authorizes a state to raise and maintain its own military force to serve alongside or in place of the National Guard, particularly when Guard units are called into federal service. It defines who is liable for military duty and sets the conditions of membership — citizenship requirements, an oath for officers, and fixed enlistment terms — while providing for the force's organization, pay, and equipment. It also governs the limits of deployment, including service beyond state borders, cooperation with the forces of other states, entry into federal service, the treatment of civil groups not enlisted as units, and the articles of war under which members serve.

Editorial summary generated from the text of this act. It is not part of the statute — read the sections below for the operative language.