The Alabama State Defense
Force is an all-volunteer uniformed State Guard Reserve—or state
militia—created by state law to assume state military missions in the
event of full or partial federal mobilization of the Alabama National
Guard.
It reports to the governor through the
state adjutant general. The commander of the ASDF is a major general
who reports to the adjutant general. Members serve without pay for drill but are
paid if they are called up involuntarily for active duty inside the
state. Members usually drill once a month for two hours on either a
Tuesday or Thursday, from 7-9 p.m.
Volunteers are required to purchase and
maintain their uniforms. The approved uniform for the ASDF is the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU), with distinctive ASDF patches. The name tape over the left breast pocket is lettered ASDF, as opposed to any branch of the federal military. The rank structure is the same as that of
the U.S. Army for both enlisted soldiers and officers.
The ASDF supports the Alabama National
Guard and local Emergency Management Agency in natural disasters.
During local emergencies and community events, the ASDF helps with
traffic and crowd control, search and rescue and shelter management.
The units also provide personnel for military funerals.
The ASDF is in search of new members who
are mature, dedicated and patriotic citizens, male or female, not
currently serving in active or reserve armed forces units. Prospective
members should be of good moral character and be in good health,
although physical disabilities are not necessarily a barrier to serving.
Anyone 17 to 70 who meets these criteria
will be considered. Those above 70 should apply for a waiver and those
under 17 must have parental consent. JROTC and ROTC members are
welcome. No prior military experience is required.
HHC and Co. A, 103rd Battalion, 1st
Brigade, ASDF are located in Athens. Presently, there are opening for
enlisted, NCO and officers, a surgeon, registered nurse and EMTs. There
is no weapons training.
The group meets on second Tuesdays at the
National Guard Armory, 1402 Armory Street. Visitors are welcome. Call
LTC Cal Bonner at (256) 232-4394 or fill out the form below.