In 1956, the United States Congress formally authorized State Defense Forces (Title 32, Section 109 of the U.S. Code) to be established by the individual states.  As the National Guard saw themselves routinely being federalized for World War I, World War II, and Korea; Governors found themselves without an exclusive militia ready to assist their states with issues that developed within its boundaries.

 

Currently, the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) is the primary advocate for State Defense Forces and also established uniform training. The U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps participates in the Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Academy.  Through this Academy, soldiers develop the knowledge of Incident Command Systems (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) necessary for them to participate in operational command of a civil support operation.  

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SGAUS also provides training for Judge Advocate Generals, Public Affairs, Medical, and Chaplains for those within the VRC that serve in specialized capacities.

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Additionally, VRC Soldiers may participate in various additional trainings offered by SGAUS throughout the year.