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Q: How old do I have to be to volunteer for the Georgia State Defense Force?
 A: 18-64 normally, but waivers can be granted in special cases.

Q: Do I have to have military experience?
 A: No, approximately half of the GSDF personnel have prior military service, approximately half have none.

Q: Do I have to go to boot camp?
 A: No. The GSDF provides Initial Entry Training to new members, but it does not entail the rigorous physical training of the Armed Services. We encourage volunteers to stay healthy and physically fit, and some GSDF units do provide an organized fitness/wellness training and monitoring program.

Q: Do I have to have previous Red Cross training?
 A: No

Q: Do I have to attend every drill/meeting?
 A: When you make your commitment to join the GSDF, you are expected to attend all drills. However, family, work, and other obligations are understood; typically as long as members inform their immediate leadership of a conflict, there is not a problem, unless several drills are missed.
If a member regularly misses drills without prior notification or excuse, they will be dropped from active membership and required to return their identification credentials.

Q: Will I carry a weapon?
 A: No. Currently, the GSDF is not a "tactical" or armed, war fighting, or peacekeeping organization. Members are prohibited from carrying firearms while wearing the uniform.

What will my Duty Requirements be?

Q: How much time will I spend on GSDF activities?
 A: The standard annual drill and training activity includes: one drill day per month (usually a Sunday), with one month per quarter having two drill days (Saturday and Sunday), plus 2-3 days of Annual Training (usually Saturday/Sunday). This totals up to approximately 19 days per year.

In addition, opportunities for missions and optional training, including NCO and Commissioned Officer/OCS schools can add several more days per year. Adding up the above typically means 2 days per month, especially if the member takes on a unit leadership role.

Q: Do I have to commit to serving for any minimum amount of time?
 A: We ask that each member commit to at least one year of service. Many members have served for years and even decades because of their personal satisfaction in serving their fellow Georgians, the camaraderie of service, and the personal growth that comes from knowledge gained and new skills learned.

Q: What is a typical drill day like?
 A: Schedules vary between units. Most drill on Sundays, some on Saturdays. An ordinary drill day begins at 0730 (7:30 AM), concluding around 1700 (5:00 pm). The location is typically the headquarters location for the Brigade or other unit; some individuals serve their drill days at an Air Reserve Base, National Guard Armory, or other location.

Drills often begin by a formation and inspection, with remarks or Q&A led by the commanding officer. METL-focused training and planning sessions make up the bulk of the day, with a lunch break around noon.

Q: Doesn’t the GSDF use a military organizational structure, with rank, uniforms and standing in formation?
 A: Yes - we are very proud of our affiliation with the Georgia Department of Defense and the Georgia National Guard. GSDF uses a military command structure, uniforms and etiquette to ensure that emergency services are deployed in an organized, rapid and effective manner. Following military protocol also provides an excellent framework for delivering training to the volunteers and maximizing the use of volunteers’ skills. Safety of the volunteer members is very important, and a good military organization emphasizes this with training, team- work and accountability. So it is with GSDF.

Q: What uniform do I wear?
 A: The standard uniform is the ACU the new Digital uniform. It is worn during drill and during GSDF service missions. This includes a blouse, trousers, belt, T-shirt, beret or field cap and boots.

Q: Do I have to furnish my own uniform?
 A: Yes, usually. The uniform situation varies from unit to unit. By the time you have assembled one set of all items, you might expect to have paid as much as $125 to $150, but probably no more than $180. Blouses, trousers and belts can be purchased from local Army-Navy supply store, or at the GSDF supply store at headquarters or on the internet. The uniform sets at GSDF are clean, good quality, used uniforms, and they are very inexpensive. One set will be adequate for most volunteers. Boots may be the highest cost item, and it is not a good idea to cut corners on buying boots.
Army Regulation 670-1, GSDFR 670-1

Q: Where would I buy the insignia for the uniforms, collars, hats, etc?
 A: Virtually all insignia can be obtained from the GSDF supply at Head- quarters. Name tapes and some other items are available at Army-Navy supply stores and on the internet.

Q: What training will I receive?
 A: That depends on your eventual assignment within the GSDF. All volunteers will receive fundamental instruction in first aid, CPR, land navigation, military etiquette and communications. You’ll coordinate additional training with your supervisor.

Q: The GSDF volunteers all meet to train together once a year. Is this mandatory? What happens there?
 A: The Georgia State Defense Force provides training in many aspects of community service and emergency preparedness. Some of the training is easily provided in classroom or small-group settings at the monthly drill sites. Perhaps the most valuable part of the annual training is being engaged in meaningful training activities with other dedicated Georgians. The training is mandatory. In 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 they all trained at Fort Stewart about an hour north of Savannah.

Q: What kind of work do GSDF members do?
 A: GSDF members train and serve the State of Georgia in a variety of ways, from providing security and traffic control at public events, to assisting at at military unit deployment ceremonies, to manning Emergency Operations Centers during times of natural disaster.

Q: Where is the GSDF located?
 A: Volunteers meet at several locations around the state, typically at National Guard armories. The GSDF headquarters is located at the Georgia National Guard Headquarters in Atlanta, not far from the Grant Park/Atlanta Zoo. Commonly known as Confederate Avenue, this is also a monthly meeting site for volunteers.

Q: How is my unit assignment determined?
 A: Your unit assignment is based on a combination of geographical location, capabilities, education, prior military service, interests, and the current needs of the GSDF and its subsidiary units.

GSDF's G-1, or Personnel Section, has oversight of this process.

Q: How is my rank determined?
 A: New members provide detailed information on prior military service, educational and occupational background, special skills, and interest. Rank (Non-Commissioned Officer, Warrant Officer, or Commissioned Officer) is determined by an Appointment Board based on these criteria. Final approval is issued by the appropriate GSDF senior officer or the Adjutant General of the State of Georgia.

Q: How are promotions considered and processed?
 A: Just as in the Armed Services, there are educational, performance, time-in-grade, and unit needs standards that determine promotion eligibility. The process is based on a formal reconmendation made by the member's direct leader, which is then evaluated by a promotions board in combination with the above criteria.

Q: I've never served in the military and don’t know much about it. Is it hard to learn what I need to know?
 A: There is much to learn, but the GSDF is experienced in and committed to providing training at a pace that is suitable for almost all members. You will be working with instructors and fellow volunteers that have many years of military service to help you become acclimated to military organization and the "rules of the road".

GSDF members honor the work and commitment of the United States Armed Services by wearing the uniform proudly and Carrying ourselves with professional and military bearing.

In order to assist all members, each GSDF recruit is provided a small reference book to be carried at all times, which provides a wealth of information on uniform wear and appearance, basic movements and marching, military etiquette, and other information essential to daily operations.