Vermont State Guard
 

Historical Perspective
The Dick Act of 1903 formally established the National Guard as the militia of the United States, thereby creating the dual mission (federal and state) that we see today. Unfortunately, no provision was made for a state to organize a force to accomplish those state missions should the National Guard be federalized or otherwise unavailable to the Governor.

The National Defense Act of 1916, initially provided statutory authority for the various states to organize a force, in addition to its National Guard, but only when the National Guard is federalized.  Twenty-nine states would form such a force, with a combined strength of 79,000 men and women, before the provision of law was repealed following World War I.

In 1940, Congress again passed enabling legislation allowing the states to organize 'State Guard' units.  To implement this law and assist the states in organizing and maintaining this type of force, the National Guard Bureau coordinated the publication of AR 850-250 (Regulations for State Guard).  By the end of World War II, all states except Arizona, Montana, Nevada, and Oklahoma had established a defense force, with a combined strength reaching 170,000 personnel.  This provision was repealed in July, 1947.

Public Law 849 was enacted in September 1950 to again permit formulation of State Defense Forces for a period of two years.  No significant use of this force occurred during this time and the law was allowed to expire.

Permanent Federal statutory authority was enacted in 1954, and codified in 1956, to provide for a State Defense force.  This law contains several significant provisions, to include (a) allowing states or territories to organize and maintain defense forces in addition to its National Guard, if any, and (b) that in time of peace, a state may maintain no troops other than its National Guard and Defense Forces.

A legislative proposal to provide limited federal support was submitted to Congress in February of 1987.  The bill went before the House Armed Services Committee (Readiness Sub-Committee) in September 1987, and was not supported.

Currently, twenty-six states, plus the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, have an active State Defense Force.  More than twenty additional states are in some stage of formulating a State Defense Force with legislation enacted for this provision.

World War II
In 1941, just prior to World War II and the induction of the 43rd Infantry Division into Federal Service, then Vermont Governor William H. Wills authorized the formation of the Vermont State Guard.  The first Vermont units were mustered into active duty on 28 April 1941.  A maximum war strength of 1,715 officers and enlisted men and women was authorized on 31 March 1943.

At that time, the State Guard was financed entirely by the State of Vermont.  During World War II, Federal aid in the form of uniforms, arms, ammunition, transportation and other equipment was received.  Training then, as today, was directed toward repelling a possible attack.  During peacetime, internal security was the primary goal.  Two weekend summer encampments were held, and many of the State Guard members were called to Active Duty in 1941, guarding bridges, power facilities and other defense projects for several weeks.

On 29 September 1945, a total of 15 State Guard Companies went on inactive status, leaving 15 other units in communities that had National Guard units before 1941.  Upon reconstitution of the Vermont National Guard's portion of the 43rd Infantry Division within the state, the Vermont State Guard was de-activated.

Today
In the event that the Vermont National Guard should be ordered to Federal Active Duty, in light of the Middle East or other crisis in the world, they would be replaced by the Vermont State Guard to insure Military protection of Vermont and Vermonters.  With the insight that a National Crisis could occur at any time or place, Vermont Governor Richard Snelling organized the Vermont State Guard by Executive Order # 67 on 26 April 1982.  This order directs the Vermont Adjutant General to organize a Cadre of the Vermont State Guard to be prepared for any emergency situation and to serve as an 'effective back-up for the public safety and security of the state'.  During peacetime, as was the case during World War II, internal security is the goal.

Upon activation by the Governor, the Vermont State Guard Cadre would effect the mobilization of members of the Vermont State Guard Units throughout the State.  Training plans and required logistics including supply plans, billeting and movement, POL, ration, and medical, have been established and would be in place for these assembled units.

The present strength is steadily increasing with dedicated, knowledgeable and experienced men and women. Authorized wartime strength for the Vermont State Guard still stands at 1,735 including officers and enlisted.  However each Company is designed to readily expand beyond this figure to more than 4 platoons to meet unforeseen contingencies.  The plan is further designed to easily increase the number of companies within each battalion, if the need should arise.  The above plans have been thoroughly tested through numerous STARC (State Area Command), Vermont Emergency Management, and other exercises.  Details for an activation have been developed and tested ... the Vermont State Guard is fully ready and able to serve the State of Vermont upon call from the Governor or Adjutant General.

Tomorrow
Immediately following the tragedy of 11 September 2001, elements of the Vermont State Guard were mobilized in the national effort to prevent further terrorist attacks and provide assistance to stricken New York City.  The State Guard mobilized individuals to assist in providing security to Camp Johnson, the Guard HQ, and other critical military facilities.

Our world will never be the same as it was prior to 9-11.  The threat to our American freedom and National Security are taking on greater proportions and changing faces.  The need to be ever vigilant in our resolve to maintain our rights and freedoms in these United States becomes more important, not only to the citizens of the United States, but as a model for all the world.  The role of the Vermont State Guard, together with other military organizations, is increasingly important in this endeavor.