Many of us aren't aware that, aside from the National Guard, there is another Guard that actually falls under the authority of each individual state - the State Defense Force.
The National Guard is actually a part of the US Army, and can be called up and sent wherever conflict is occurring - currently, for instance, to Iraq. The State Defense Force is under the command of the Governor of each state, and is not subject to the federal government (except each person as individuals, of course). They are volunteers, they equip themselves, and they provide their own uniforms.
This is the "well-regulated Militia" spoken of in the Second Amendment to the US Constitution. Here is the mission statement of the organization for state guard forces:
QUOTE |
The mission of the State Guard Association of the United States is to foster and support the militia concept in the Constitution of the United States of America. To provide assistance and support to the duly authorized militia of the various states and territories. To offer advice and counsel to citizens who wish to petition states and territories without duly constituted militia. To support the idea of volunteer service to local communities, to the states, and to the nation. To provide education to sustain and enhance the concept of well regulated and trained militia forces capable of timely and effective response to request from civil authorities in time of disaster, emergency, or need. ---BG Charles Rex Weaver (TX), SGAUS Past-President |
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This is the right to militia that the constitution is talking about. Thank you for posting this, its a great example of our constitution and the states power in action. These are the people that show they have a right to bear arms to defend our country, regulated at a state level.