By Lt. Col. Robert Hastings
Maryland Defense Force Public Affairs
BALTIMORE (May 28, 2009) – A legal officer with the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) has been recognized by the Maryland State Bar Association with the Brigadier General Philip Sherman Award, recognizing superior service by a civilian lawyer to uniformed service members. J. Michael Lawlor, a Lt. Col. in the MDDF is the inaugural recipient of the award which was presented in a ceremony at the Towson Armory Tuesday.
An MDDF volunteer since November, 2003, Lawlor is the deputy director of the MDDF Legal Directorate and head of its family law department. Lawlor was recognized for providing more than 200 pro bono hours of direct support to national guardsmen and their families, saving them thousands of dollars in legal fees. The MDDF Legal Directorate provides a broad range of pro bono legal support to members of the Maryland National Guard in times of pressing need.
“Mike Lawlor knows what to do, knows how to do it, and gets it done quickly, enabling guardsmen to focus on their duties free of concern about their families and their future” said MDDF Col. Michael Osborn, director of the legal directorate. “Mike is a role model and inspiration to us all.”
A native of Baltimore, Lawlor has 36 years experience as a solo practitioner. He is a graduate the Loyola College and the University of Baltimore School of Law, and a Vietnam veteran who has received numerous citations including the Bronze Star Medal, National Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 battle stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Republic of Vietnam Cross Unit Citation.
Headquartered at the Pikesville Military Reservation in Baltimore, the Maryland Defense Force is a volunteer uniformed state military agency organized under the Maryland Military Department. Formally established by the Maryland legislature in 1917, the unit's heritage and traditions trace back to the 17th century.
MDDF is one of a number of State Defense Forces authorized by the U.S. Congress under Title 32 and the respective state legislatures. While specific missions vary from state to state, State Defense Forces exist primarily to augment the capabilities of the National Guard. Employing volunteers who bring military experience and/or civilian professional skills, they supplement the capabilities of the National Guard, assist in National Guard mobilization for federal service, replace National Guard assets deployed out-of-state, and support state homeland security missions. State Defense Forces operate under the command of the Governor, as state Commander-in-Chief, and fall under the operational control of the state Adjutant General. State Defense Forces receive no federal funds and are supported entirely by the state.
For further information about the Maryland Defense Force, visit www.mddefenseforce.org.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Troop A Featured in North County News
Monkton, MD
11FEB 2009
Cavalry Troop A of the Maryland Defense Force was recently featured in the North County News.
To read the full article: Click Here
For more information please contact: recruiter@mdf.us
11FEB 2009
Cavalry Troop A of the Maryland Defense Force was recently featured in the North County News.
To read the full article: Click Here
For more information please contact: recruiter@mdf.us
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
2007 Year of Accomplishment
Maryland Defense Force Announces Record Year of Accomplishments in 2007
Contact:
Lt. Col. (MD) Robert Hastings
Maryland Defense Force
BALTIMORE (January 30, 2008) – The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) closed out 2007 with a record year of accomplishments, providing more than 24,000 man hours of volunteer military service in support of the Maryland National Guard (MDNG) and state agencies.
"The achievements of the Maryland Defense Force this year reflect the dedication and professionalism of its volunteers who are committed to the safety and security of the citizens of Maryland through our support of the Maryland National Guard," said Brig. Gen. Courtney Wilson, MDDF Commanding General. "I’m proud of each member of this command, and extend my appreciation to them and to their families and employers who continue to support them throughout the year."
The MDDF began the year by supporting the inauguration of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley in Annapolis, providing escorts for VIPs, manning first aid stations and providing communications and crowd management.
Throughout March and April, MDDF engineers surveyed 23 MDNG facilities and armories across the state. The engineers contributed approximately 450 man hours of effort and drove hundreds of miles across the state to assess facilities from the Baker Training Area in the mountains of Western Maryland to the Salisbury Armory on the Eastern Shore.
In July, MDDF medical professionals deployed with the Maryland Air National Guard’s (MDANG) 175th Medical Group on a medical humanitarian mission to the Indian Health Service hospital on the Rosebud Lakota Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. The combined MDANG-MDDF team treated more than 4,000 patients while providing personnel in both units the opportunity to practice interoperability and to exercise their professional skills in a challenging remote environment similar to what might be encountered during a civil emergency.
In what represented the first ever participation by the MDDF in a homeland security role, MDDF personnel joined the MDNG for Exercise Vigilant Guard, a major homeland security/terrorist response exercise held in early September. MDDF personnel from the medical, legal, chaplain, operations, communications, and public affairs mission oriented units supported both the Command Post Exercise and the field training events.
Additional Achievements:
Cavalry Troop A, the MDDF mounted ceremonial unit, represented the Maryland Military Department at a number of highly visible public events and parades across the state, while continuing to train to it’s secondary mission of providing mounted urban search & rescue. In June, Troop A qualified 11 riders to the 1926 U.S. Army saber qualification course as an exercise to instill rider confidence and esprit.
MDDF medical personnel continued to support the Post Deployment Health Reassessment Program (PDHRA) by screening more than 900 MDNG airmen and soldiers redeploying from overseas operations this past year. More than 30 MDDF medical and mental health personnel have been trained to perform these in-depth evaluations so that MDNG soldiers can obtain further medical treatment and support as required.
Chaplains from the MDDF have been fully integrated into the MDNG Chaplain’s Corps and have provided a broad range of support throughout the year including spiritual counseling during unit training, deployment and redeployment activities, counseling for families of deployed Guardsmen, and post deployment stress counseling. MDDF chaplains are assigned and have primary spiritual responsibility for supporting the MDNG’s 70th Training Regiment at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation.
MDDF joined the MDNG and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in an ongoing initiative to increase efficiency in the utilization of Maryland’s aviation assets and the control of airspace in the event of emergencies that involve extraordinary flight activity, such as a total closure of airspace like that which occurred following 9/11 to lesser contingencies and activities involving aviation assets.
MDDF volunteers screened potential candidates and assisted with induction activities for the Freestate ChalleNGe Academy, a MDNG sponsored program which provides at-risk youth an opportunity to reclaim their lives by developing values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults.
MDDF financial and legal assistance teams continued to provide extensive pro-bono financial and legal counseling and assistance to members of the MDNG, providing support in particular to those deploying and their families.
In November, the MDDF celebrated the opening of a new headquarters in the historic Merson Building at the Pikesville Military Reservation. MDDF personnel contributed more than 1,600 volunteer man-hours to the self-service renovation project which restored the building to a high state of serviceability and functionality.
The Maryland Defense Force is one of a number of State Defense Forces authorized by the U.S. Congress under Title 32 and the respective state legislatures. While specific missions vary from state to state, State Defense Forces exist primarily to augment the capabilities of the National Guard. Employing volunteers who bring military experience and/or civilian professional skills, they supplement the capabilities of the National Guard, assist in National Guard mobilization for federal service, replace National Guard assets deployed out-of-state, and support state homeland security missions. State Defense Forces operate under the command of the Governor, as state Commander-in-Chief, and fall under the operational control of the state Adjutant General’s office. State Defense Forces receive no federal funds and are supported entirely by the state.
Headquartered at the Pikesville Military Reservation in Baltimore, the Maryland Defense Force is a volunteer uniformed state military agency organized under the Maryland Military Department. Formally established by the Maryland legislature in 1917, the unit's heritage and traditions trace back to the 17th century. Its mission is to provide competent supplemental professional and technical support to the Maryland Military Department and the Maryland National Guard.
For further information about the Maryland Defense Force, visit www.mddefenseforce.org.
Contact:
Lt. Col. (MD) Robert Hastings
Maryland Defense Force
BALTIMORE (January 30, 2008) – The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) closed out 2007 with a record year of accomplishments, providing more than 24,000 man hours of volunteer military service in support of the Maryland National Guard (MDNG) and state agencies.
"The achievements of the Maryland Defense Force this year reflect the dedication and professionalism of its volunteers who are committed to the safety and security of the citizens of Maryland through our support of the Maryland National Guard," said Brig. Gen. Courtney Wilson, MDDF Commanding General. "I’m proud of each member of this command, and extend my appreciation to them and to their families and employers who continue to support them throughout the year."
The MDDF began the year by supporting the inauguration of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley in Annapolis, providing escorts for VIPs, manning first aid stations and providing communications and crowd management.
Throughout March and April, MDDF engineers surveyed 23 MDNG facilities and armories across the state. The engineers contributed approximately 450 man hours of effort and drove hundreds of miles across the state to assess facilities from the Baker Training Area in the mountains of Western Maryland to the Salisbury Armory on the Eastern Shore.
In July, MDDF medical professionals deployed with the Maryland Air National Guard’s (MDANG) 175th Medical Group on a medical humanitarian mission to the Indian Health Service hospital on the Rosebud Lakota Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. The combined MDANG-MDDF team treated more than 4,000 patients while providing personnel in both units the opportunity to practice interoperability and to exercise their professional skills in a challenging remote environment similar to what might be encountered during a civil emergency.
In what represented the first ever participation by the MDDF in a homeland security role, MDDF personnel joined the MDNG for Exercise Vigilant Guard, a major homeland security/terrorist response exercise held in early September. MDDF personnel from the medical, legal, chaplain, operations, communications, and public affairs mission oriented units supported both the Command Post Exercise and the field training events.
Additional Achievements:
Cavalry Troop A, the MDDF mounted ceremonial unit, represented the Maryland Military Department at a number of highly visible public events and parades across the state, while continuing to train to it’s secondary mission of providing mounted urban search & rescue. In June, Troop A qualified 11 riders to the 1926 U.S. Army saber qualification course as an exercise to instill rider confidence and esprit.
MDDF medical personnel continued to support the Post Deployment Health Reassessment Program (PDHRA) by screening more than 900 MDNG airmen and soldiers redeploying from overseas operations this past year. More than 30 MDDF medical and mental health personnel have been trained to perform these in-depth evaluations so that MDNG soldiers can obtain further medical treatment and support as required.
Chaplains from the MDDF have been fully integrated into the MDNG Chaplain’s Corps and have provided a broad range of support throughout the year including spiritual counseling during unit training, deployment and redeployment activities, counseling for families of deployed Guardsmen, and post deployment stress counseling. MDDF chaplains are assigned and have primary spiritual responsibility for supporting the MDNG’s 70th Training Regiment at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation.
MDDF joined the MDNG and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in an ongoing initiative to increase efficiency in the utilization of Maryland’s aviation assets and the control of airspace in the event of emergencies that involve extraordinary flight activity, such as a total closure of airspace like that which occurred following 9/11 to lesser contingencies and activities involving aviation assets.
MDDF volunteers screened potential candidates and assisted with induction activities for the Freestate ChalleNGe Academy, a MDNG sponsored program which provides at-risk youth an opportunity to reclaim their lives by developing values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults.
MDDF financial and legal assistance teams continued to provide extensive pro-bono financial and legal counseling and assistance to members of the MDNG, providing support in particular to those deploying and their families.
In November, the MDDF celebrated the opening of a new headquarters in the historic Merson Building at the Pikesville Military Reservation. MDDF personnel contributed more than 1,600 volunteer man-hours to the self-service renovation project which restored the building to a high state of serviceability and functionality.
The Maryland Defense Force is one of a number of State Defense Forces authorized by the U.S. Congress under Title 32 and the respective state legislatures. While specific missions vary from state to state, State Defense Forces exist primarily to augment the capabilities of the National Guard. Employing volunteers who bring military experience and/or civilian professional skills, they supplement the capabilities of the National Guard, assist in National Guard mobilization for federal service, replace National Guard assets deployed out-of-state, and support state homeland security missions. State Defense Forces operate under the command of the Governor, as state Commander-in-Chief, and fall under the operational control of the state Adjutant General’s office. State Defense Forces receive no federal funds and are supported entirely by the state.
Headquartered at the Pikesville Military Reservation in Baltimore, the Maryland Defense Force is a volunteer uniformed state military agency organized under the Maryland Military Department. Formally established by the Maryland legislature in 1917, the unit's heritage and traditions trace back to the 17th century. Its mission is to provide competent supplemental professional and technical support to the Maryland Military Department and the Maryland National Guard.
For further information about the Maryland Defense Force, visit www.mddefenseforce.org.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Winter Survival Training
Maryland Defense Force Engineers Conduct Land Navigation, Winter Survival Training
Contact:
Lt. Col. Robert Hastings
Maryland Defense Force
HANOVER, Md. (November 18, 2007) -- In the foothills of Maryland’s Allegheny Mountains, Cpl. Hastings used a lensatic compass to shoot an azimuth to the next checkpoint. “We’re going in this direction,” she said as she lead her team 350 meters across challenging wooded terrain to find the next checkpoint plotted on her map.
It was a scene repeated by a number of Maryland Defense Force engineers and public affairs personnel who participated in land navigation training at the Baker Training Facility, a Maryland National Guard training area near Hanover, Md., November 17 and 18.
“Land navigation is a basic soldier skill that each and every member of the Maryland Defense Force must be familiar with,” said Col. Brian Kelm, Commander of the MDDF Engineer Corps and exercise officer-in-charge. “Understanding these skills is even more important for the Engineer in order to be prepared for disaster recovery and assessment which is an Engineer mission area.”
The participants learned that land navigation is much more than just map reading.
The instruction covered the full range of land navigation topics including:
the Military Grid Reference System (MGRF);
map marginal information and conventional map symbols;
identifying positions on a map using grid coordinates;
measuring distance and direction;
topography and terrain relief;
determining magnetic bearing with a compass;
orientating a map using a compass;
identifying a position on a map by terrain interpretation;
determining magnetic azimuths; and
familiarization with Global Positioning System (GPS).
The training culminated in a land navigation exercise where teams successfully negotiated a course across the rough terrain of the Allegheny Mountains.
Col. Kelm also gave instruction on the five-paragraph operations order, often called OPROD or SMEAC, referring to the five standard paragraphs: Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration & Logistics, and Command & Control.
According to Col. Kelm, both subjects are critical to the Engineer Corps’ disaster recovery assessment mission. “When performing a disaster assessment in support of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), many of the local manmade landmarks that we currently depend upon may not be standing. The ability to use map and compass as well as GPS is a vital skill needed to be mastered to overcome this.”
Col. Kelm added. “Any member of the Defense Force can find themselves in a mission where they may need to use a map and compass.”
The Maryland Defense Force is one of a number of State Defense Forces authorized by the U.S. Congress under Title 32 and the respective state legislatures. While specific missions vary from state to state, State Defense Forces exist primarily to augment the capabilities of the National Guard. Employing volunteers who bring military experience and/or civilian professional skills, they supplement the capabilities of the National Guard, assist in National Guard mobilization for federal service, replace National Guard assets deployed out-of-state, and support state homeland security missions. State Defense Forces operate under the command of the Governor, as state Commander-in-Chief, and fall under the operational control of the state Adjutant General’s office. State Defense Forces receive no federal funds and are supported entirely by the state.
Headquartered at the Pikesville Military Reservation in Baltimore, the Maryland Defense Force is a volunteer uniformed state military agency organized under the Maryland Military Department. Formally established by the Maryland legislature in 1917, the unit's heritage and traditions trace back to the 17th century. Its mission is to provide competent supplemental professional and technical support to the Maryland Military Department and the Maryland National Guard.
For further information about the Maryland Defense Force, visit www.mddefenseforce.org.
Contact:
Lt. Col. Robert Hastings
Maryland Defense Force
HANOVER, Md. (November 18, 2007) -- In the foothills of Maryland’s Allegheny Mountains, Cpl. Hastings used a lensatic compass to shoot an azimuth to the next checkpoint. “We’re going in this direction,” she said as she lead her team 350 meters across challenging wooded terrain to find the next checkpoint plotted on her map.
It was a scene repeated by a number of Maryland Defense Force engineers and public affairs personnel who participated in land navigation training at the Baker Training Facility, a Maryland National Guard training area near Hanover, Md., November 17 and 18.
“Land navigation is a basic soldier skill that each and every member of the Maryland Defense Force must be familiar with,” said Col. Brian Kelm, Commander of the MDDF Engineer Corps and exercise officer-in-charge. “Understanding these skills is even more important for the Engineer in order to be prepared for disaster recovery and assessment which is an Engineer mission area.”
The participants learned that land navigation is much more than just map reading.
The instruction covered the full range of land navigation topics including:
the Military Grid Reference System (MGRF);
map marginal information and conventional map symbols;
identifying positions on a map using grid coordinates;
measuring distance and direction;
topography and terrain relief;
determining magnetic bearing with a compass;
orientating a map using a compass;
identifying a position on a map by terrain interpretation;
determining magnetic azimuths; and
familiarization with Global Positioning System (GPS).
The training culminated in a land navigation exercise where teams successfully negotiated a course across the rough terrain of the Allegheny Mountains.
Col. Kelm also gave instruction on the five-paragraph operations order, often called OPROD or SMEAC, referring to the five standard paragraphs: Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration & Logistics, and Command & Control.
According to Col. Kelm, both subjects are critical to the Engineer Corps’ disaster recovery assessment mission. “When performing a disaster assessment in support of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), many of the local manmade landmarks that we currently depend upon may not be standing. The ability to use map and compass as well as GPS is a vital skill needed to be mastered to overcome this.”
Col. Kelm added. “Any member of the Defense Force can find themselves in a mission where they may need to use a map and compass.”
The Maryland Defense Force is one of a number of State Defense Forces authorized by the U.S. Congress under Title 32 and the respective state legislatures. While specific missions vary from state to state, State Defense Forces exist primarily to augment the capabilities of the National Guard. Employing volunteers who bring military experience and/or civilian professional skills, they supplement the capabilities of the National Guard, assist in National Guard mobilization for federal service, replace National Guard assets deployed out-of-state, and support state homeland security missions. State Defense Forces operate under the command of the Governor, as state Commander-in-Chief, and fall under the operational control of the state Adjutant General’s office. State Defense Forces receive no federal funds and are supported entirely by the state.
Headquartered at the Pikesville Military Reservation in Baltimore, the Maryland Defense Force is a volunteer uniformed state military agency organized under the Maryland Military Department. Formally established by the Maryland legislature in 1917, the unit's heritage and traditions trace back to the 17th century. Its mission is to provide competent supplemental professional and technical support to the Maryland Military Department and the Maryland National Guard.
For further information about the Maryland Defense Force, visit www.mddefenseforce.org.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Marking 90 Years of Service
The Maryland Defense Force Marks 90 Years of Service with Opening of New HeadquartersContact:
Lt. Col. Robert Hastings
Maryland Defense Force
BALTIMORE (November 8, 2007) -- The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) marked more than 90 years of service with a ribbon-cutting for its new headquarters at the Pikesville Military Reservation in Baltimore, Maryland. The ceremony held November 8 was attended by a number of Maryland National Guard (MDNG) and state officials, and current and retired Maryland Defense Force personnel.
“The Maryland National Guard, both Army and Air, couldn’t do the job it does without the Maryland Defense Force,” said Maj. Gen. Bruce Tuxill, Adjutant General for the State of Maryland. “The MDDF is a real force multiplier and we thank you for the job you do.”
The new headquarters is located in the Merson Building, and the ceremony marked the culmination of a three-month long renovation involving more than 1,600 volunteer man-hours by members of the MDDF.
“The renovation of this building was a huge project, which was executed with efficiency and professionalism that have become the hallmark of the MDDF,” said Brig. Gen. Courtney Wilson, MDDF Commanding General. “I’m tremendously proud of the engineer corps, the volunteers, and in particular the Non-Commissioned Officers who led the project.”
The move to the new headquarters comes as the MDDF marks the 90th anniversary of its formal activation as an element of the Maryland militia separate from the National Guard in August 1917. It was responsible for maintaining public order in the absence of the Maryland National Guard which had been mobilized for service in France during World War I. The Maryland State Guard, as it was known at the time, was called to state duty twice to suppress civil disturbances in Annapolis and Easton during 1919. It was disbanded in March 1920 following the end of the war.
With the outbreak of war in Europe and the Far East, the Maryland State Guard was reactivated in February 1941. By 1942, the force had grown to a brigade of nine infantry battalions and medical, engineer and special military police battalions. Some 2,700 men served in the State Guard at the height of its WWII strength. When the Maryland National Guard returned from Europe, State Guard units were again deactivated.
In the decades following World War II, the United States Army became increasingly dependent upon the National Guard to supply essential combat ready units, creating a heightened interest in state defense forces across the nation. The Maryland State Guard was reactivated under legislation which took effect on July 1, 1983.
The Maryland Code subsequently was amended to open the ranks of the State Guard to women, and in September, 1988, the Maryland State Guard was redesignated the Maryland Defense Force to differentiate the force from the National Guard.
Following the events of 9/11, the cold-war era MDDF was reorganized into a mission-oriented command which supports the Maryland Military Department by providing personnel with competent professional and technical skills that augment the MDNG in its state mission and support its mobilization to and redeployment from federal missions. Additionally, the MDDF prepares for and responds to homeland security and civil emergencies by maintaining trained and ready personnel that can supplement the state’s emergency management and first-responder resources. And it strengthens Maryland’s communities through community service programs such as the Freestate Challenge.
Commenting on the history of the Maryland Defense Force, Maj. Gen. Tuxill said “we’ve evolved and we’ve reorganized many times since 1917 and we will continue to do so because we will meet the needs of the citizens of Maryland.”
The Maryland Defense Force is one of a number of State Defense Forces authorized by the U.S. Congress under Title 32 and the respective state legislatures. While specific missions vary from state to state, State Defense Forces exist primarily to augment the capabilities of the National Guard. Employing volunteers who bring military experience and/or civilian professional skills, they supplement the capabilities of the National Guard, assist in National Guard mobilization for federal service, replace National Guard assets deployed out-of-state, and support state homeland security missions. State Defense Forces operate under the command of the Governor, as state Commander-in-Chief, and fall under the operational control of the state Adjutant General’s office. State Defense Forces receive no federal funds and are supported entirely by the state.
Headquartered at the Pikesville Military Reservation in Baltimore, the Maryland Defense Force is a volunteer uniformed state military agency organized under the Maryland Military Department. Formally established by the Maryland legislature in 1917, the unit's heritage and traditions trace back to the 17th century. Its mission is to provide competent supplemental professional and technical support to the Maryland Military Department and the Maryland National Guard.
For further information about the Maryland Defense Force, visit www.mddefenseforce.org.
Lt. Col. Robert Hastings
Maryland Defense Force
BALTIMORE (November 8, 2007) -- The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) marked more than 90 years of service with a ribbon-cutting for its new headquarters at the Pikesville Military Reservation in Baltimore, Maryland. The ceremony held November 8 was attended by a number of Maryland National Guard (MDNG) and state officials, and current and retired Maryland Defense Force personnel.
“The Maryland National Guard, both Army and Air, couldn’t do the job it does without the Maryland Defense Force,” said Maj. Gen. Bruce Tuxill, Adjutant General for the State of Maryland. “The MDDF is a real force multiplier and we thank you for the job you do.”
The new headquarters is located in the Merson Building, and the ceremony marked the culmination of a three-month long renovation involving more than 1,600 volunteer man-hours by members of the MDDF.
“The renovation of this building was a huge project, which was executed with efficiency and professionalism that have become the hallmark of the MDDF,” said Brig. Gen. Courtney Wilson, MDDF Commanding General. “I’m tremendously proud of the engineer corps, the volunteers, and in particular the Non-Commissioned Officers who led the project.”
The move to the new headquarters comes as the MDDF marks the 90th anniversary of its formal activation as an element of the Maryland militia separate from the National Guard in August 1917. It was responsible for maintaining public order in the absence of the Maryland National Guard which had been mobilized for service in France during World War I. The Maryland State Guard, as it was known at the time, was called to state duty twice to suppress civil disturbances in Annapolis and Easton during 1919. It was disbanded in March 1920 following the end of the war.
With the outbreak of war in Europe and the Far East, the Maryland State Guard was reactivated in February 1941. By 1942, the force had grown to a brigade of nine infantry battalions and medical, engineer and special military police battalions. Some 2,700 men served in the State Guard at the height of its WWII strength. When the Maryland National Guard returned from Europe, State Guard units were again deactivated.
In the decades following World War II, the United States Army became increasingly dependent upon the National Guard to supply essential combat ready units, creating a heightened interest in state defense forces across the nation. The Maryland State Guard was reactivated under legislation which took effect on July 1, 1983.
The Maryland Code subsequently was amended to open the ranks of the State Guard to women, and in September, 1988, the Maryland State Guard was redesignated the Maryland Defense Force to differentiate the force from the National Guard.
Following the events of 9/11, the cold-war era MDDF was reorganized into a mission-oriented command which supports the Maryland Military Department by providing personnel with competent professional and technical skills that augment the MDNG in its state mission and support its mobilization to and redeployment from federal missions. Additionally, the MDDF prepares for and responds to homeland security and civil emergencies by maintaining trained and ready personnel that can supplement the state’s emergency management and first-responder resources. And it strengthens Maryland’s communities through community service programs such as the Freestate Challenge.
Commenting on the history of the Maryland Defense Force, Maj. Gen. Tuxill said “we’ve evolved and we’ve reorganized many times since 1917 and we will continue to do so because we will meet the needs of the citizens of Maryland.”
The Maryland Defense Force is one of a number of State Defense Forces authorized by the U.S. Congress under Title 32 and the respective state legislatures. While specific missions vary from state to state, State Defense Forces exist primarily to augment the capabilities of the National Guard. Employing volunteers who bring military experience and/or civilian professional skills, they supplement the capabilities of the National Guard, assist in National Guard mobilization for federal service, replace National Guard assets deployed out-of-state, and support state homeland security missions. State Defense Forces operate under the command of the Governor, as state Commander-in-Chief, and fall under the operational control of the state Adjutant General’s office. State Defense Forces receive no federal funds and are supported entirely by the state.
Headquartered at the Pikesville Military Reservation in Baltimore, the Maryland Defense Force is a volunteer uniformed state military agency organized under the Maryland Military Department. Formally established by the Maryland legislature in 1917, the unit's heritage and traditions trace back to the 17th century. Its mission is to provide competent supplemental professional and technical support to the Maryland Military Department and the Maryland National Guard.
For further information about the Maryland Defense Force, visit www.mddefenseforce.org.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Homeland Security/Terrorist Response Exercise
Maryland Defense Force Joins National Guard for Major Homeland Security/Terrorist Response Exercise
Contact:
Major Robert Hastings
Maryland Defense Force
BALTIMORE (11 September, 2007) - Elements of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) recently participated in Exercise Vigilant Guard, a major homeland security/terrorist response exercise held in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC, 5-7 September. Vigilant Guard is a National Guard Bureau sponsored series of national and regional exercises designed to enhance the preparedness of National Guard forces in performing their role as the first military responder in all domestic emergencies.
Maryland’s participation in Vigilant Guard involved the Maryland National Guard Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQs), Maryland Joint Task Force (JTF) and operational units from all four agencies of the Maryland Military Department; the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG), the Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG), the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and the MDDF.
MDDF provided personnel from its 10th Medical Regiment as well as legal, chaplain, operations, communications, and public affairs personnel from its mission oriented units.
“MDDF personnel participated in both the command post exercise (CPX) and the deployment of the National Guard Initial Response Team,” said Brig. Gen. Courtney Wilson, MDDF’s commanding general. “This exercise allowed us to practice in a simulated environment many of the operational and coordination skills we would need to use in event of a real-world emergency. The experience of working with the National Guard and other emergency management personnel will no doubt prove very useful in the future regardless of the scenario.”
“Everyone put forth an outstanding effort this week,” Wilson added. “Marylanders have every right to be proud of their state military forces, including both the National Guard and the Defense Force, as well as the family members and employers who support them and provide them time away from work for training like this.”
Most MDDF participants were employed as staff officers in the CPX working side-by-side with their National Guard and MEMA counterparts to provide assistance and expertise to the JTF commander and operations officer.
MDDF medical officers assisted in planning for the employment of medical units and personnel in response to the training scenarios, analyzing medical intelligence and conducting mission analysis to determine how to deploy medical assets and when to call up additional medical capabilities.
“Working with our National Guard counterparts was invaluable,” said Lt. Col. (MD) James Doyle, an internal medicine and emergency medicine physician from Towson, Md. who worked at the Joint Task Force command post during the exercise. “Providing surge medical capability in event of an emergency is our primary mission which we prepare for on a regular basis. The command post aspect is new for us, and we’re more prepared and confident today because of this exercise.”
Communications personnel from MDDF helped manage the National Guard’s Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) system, a rapidly deployable communications package that provides the infrastructure for high-speed communications for the incident commander, with the ability to link local, state and federal communication systems to maximize interoperability and facilitate information sharing. MDDF personnel also augmented the Joint Task Force communications staff; conducting situation briefs, solving communications problems, and responding to requests for information.
Sgt. 1st Class (MD) Evan Creasy, an operations noncommissioned officer from Westover, Md., worked as a military liaison, coordinating military requirements, missions and information with various civil emergency agencies. “We managed requests for military assets from the civil agencies, conducted situation analysis, and tasked missions to our various military assets,” said Creasy.
Another of MDDF’s core missions which was exercised during the CPX is to provide experienced legal personnel to augment the National Guard’s legal resources.
"Participation in the Vigilant Guard Exercise gave me an operational perspective on the value and utility of having on-site legal support during any type of response,” said Maj. (MD) Laurie Kwiedorowicz, a lawyer living in Harford County, Md. “The exercise gave me valuable knowledge on the roles and responsibilities of a legal counsel during response exercises,” she added.
Maj. (MD) Robert Hastings, a public affairs executive from Rockville, Md., escorted embedded news media who flew with the Initial Reaction Team (IRT) aboard UH-60 helicopters to a simulated incident site in downtown Baltimore. “This is why I joined the Defense Force,” said Hastings, “to continue to use the skills I learned in the Army and in business to help keep America safe.”
The Maryland Defense Force is one of a number of state defense forces authorized by Congress under Title 32 and their respective state legislatures. While specific missions vary from state to state, state defense forces exist primarily to augment the capabilities of the National Guard. Employing volunteers who bring military experience and/or civilian professional skills, they supplement the capabilities of the National Guard, assist in National Guard mobilization for federal service, replace National Guard assets deployed out-of-state, and support state homeland security missions. State defense forces operate under the command of the Governor, as state Commander-in-Chief, and fall under the operational control of the state Adjutant General’s office. State defense forces receive no federal funds and are supported entirely by the state.
Headquartered at the Pikesville Military Reservation in Baltimore, the Maryland Defense Force is a volunteer uniformed state military agency organized under the Maryland Military Department. Formally established by the Maryland legislature in 1917, the unit's heritage and traditions trace back to the 17th century. Its mission is to provide competent supplemental professional and technical support to the Maryland Military Department and the Maryland National Guard.
For further information about the Maryland Defense Force, visit www.mddefenseforce.org.
Contact:
Major Robert Hastings
Maryland Defense Force
BALTIMORE (11 September, 2007) - Elements of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) recently participated in Exercise Vigilant Guard, a major homeland security/terrorist response exercise held in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC, 5-7 September. Vigilant Guard is a National Guard Bureau sponsored series of national and regional exercises designed to enhance the preparedness of National Guard forces in performing their role as the first military responder in all domestic emergencies.
Maryland’s participation in Vigilant Guard involved the Maryland National Guard Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQs), Maryland Joint Task Force (JTF) and operational units from all four agencies of the Maryland Military Department; the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG), the Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG), the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and the MDDF.
MDDF provided personnel from its 10th Medical Regiment as well as legal, chaplain, operations, communications, and public affairs personnel from its mission oriented units.
“MDDF personnel participated in both the command post exercise (CPX) and the deployment of the National Guard Initial Response Team,” said Brig. Gen. Courtney Wilson, MDDF’s commanding general. “This exercise allowed us to practice in a simulated environment many of the operational and coordination skills we would need to use in event of a real-world emergency. The experience of working with the National Guard and other emergency management personnel will no doubt prove very useful in the future regardless of the scenario.”
“Everyone put forth an outstanding effort this week,” Wilson added. “Marylanders have every right to be proud of their state military forces, including both the National Guard and the Defense Force, as well as the family members and employers who support them and provide them time away from work for training like this.”
Most MDDF participants were employed as staff officers in the CPX working side-by-side with their National Guard and MEMA counterparts to provide assistance and expertise to the JTF commander and operations officer.
MDDF medical officers assisted in planning for the employment of medical units and personnel in response to the training scenarios, analyzing medical intelligence and conducting mission analysis to determine how to deploy medical assets and when to call up additional medical capabilities.
“Working with our National Guard counterparts was invaluable,” said Lt. Col. (MD) James Doyle, an internal medicine and emergency medicine physician from Towson, Md. who worked at the Joint Task Force command post during the exercise. “Providing surge medical capability in event of an emergency is our primary mission which we prepare for on a regular basis. The command post aspect is new for us, and we’re more prepared and confident today because of this exercise.”
Communications personnel from MDDF helped manage the National Guard’s Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) system, a rapidly deployable communications package that provides the infrastructure for high-speed communications for the incident commander, with the ability to link local, state and federal communication systems to maximize interoperability and facilitate information sharing. MDDF personnel also augmented the Joint Task Force communications staff; conducting situation briefs, solving communications problems, and responding to requests for information.
Sgt. 1st Class (MD) Evan Creasy, an operations noncommissioned officer from Westover, Md., worked as a military liaison, coordinating military requirements, missions and information with various civil emergency agencies. “We managed requests for military assets from the civil agencies, conducted situation analysis, and tasked missions to our various military assets,” said Creasy.
Another of MDDF’s core missions which was exercised during the CPX is to provide experienced legal personnel to augment the National Guard’s legal resources.
"Participation in the Vigilant Guard Exercise gave me an operational perspective on the value and utility of having on-site legal support during any type of response,” said Maj. (MD) Laurie Kwiedorowicz, a lawyer living in Harford County, Md. “The exercise gave me valuable knowledge on the roles and responsibilities of a legal counsel during response exercises,” she added.
Maj. (MD) Robert Hastings, a public affairs executive from Rockville, Md., escorted embedded news media who flew with the Initial Reaction Team (IRT) aboard UH-60 helicopters to a simulated incident site in downtown Baltimore. “This is why I joined the Defense Force,” said Hastings, “to continue to use the skills I learned in the Army and in business to help keep America safe.”
The Maryland Defense Force is one of a number of state defense forces authorized by Congress under Title 32 and their respective state legislatures. While specific missions vary from state to state, state defense forces exist primarily to augment the capabilities of the National Guard. Employing volunteers who bring military experience and/or civilian professional skills, they supplement the capabilities of the National Guard, assist in National Guard mobilization for federal service, replace National Guard assets deployed out-of-state, and support state homeland security missions. State defense forces operate under the command of the Governor, as state Commander-in-Chief, and fall under the operational control of the state Adjutant General’s office. State defense forces receive no federal funds and are supported entirely by the state.
Headquartered at the Pikesville Military Reservation in Baltimore, the Maryland Defense Force is a volunteer uniformed state military agency organized under the Maryland Military Department. Formally established by the Maryland legislature in 1917, the unit's heritage and traditions trace back to the 17th century. Its mission is to provide competent supplemental professional and technical support to the Maryland Military Department and the Maryland National Guard.
For further information about the Maryland Defense Force, visit www.mddefenseforce.org.
Sunday, January 1, 2006
The MDDF Mission
To provide competent supplemental professional and technical support to the Maryland Military Department (MMD) and the Maryland National Guard (MDNG) as required.
Vision
An organization of excellence dedicated to defend and serve the Nation, State, and Communities within Maryland.
Values
Integrity First
Service Before Self
Excellence In All We Do
MDDF Missions
In general, the members of the MDDF are individuals who have recently been released or retired from active duty, and who have current skills and expertise involving military doctrine, hardware, or training. These individuals figure more prominently in the non-emergency role of the MDDF, and are available, as requested, to the various units of the MDNG during the normal Unit Training Assemblies. These persons are the trainers, mechanics, or unit commanders who were retired yesterday, either because of age or length of service, but who still have a great deal to offer. In an emergency, these members may supplement Technical Assistance activities.
Cavalry Unit
Troop A, Maryland Defense Force provides the Maryland Military Department with a ceremonial unit that is a visible link to the horse cavalry units of the past, while supporting recruiting and public relations efforts of both the National Guard and Defense Force.
Chaplain Services
An organized and dedicated Chaplain Corps assists MDNG members, their families, and the community at large. When not activated for emergency state service, the individuals in this command provide chaplain support, as requested, to the several MDNG units throughout the state. Such support may include individual counseling, and the provision of regular Unit Training Assembly religious services all the way down to the company level.
Engineering Services
The Maryland Defense Force Engineer Corps provides a professional organized, trained, disciplined, uniformed rapid response volunteer force of engineers of all disciplines to assist the Maryland Military Department, state and local government agencies, and civil relief organizations in response to any impending or actual emergency.
Legal Services
Judge advocates in the Directorate of Legal Services are called upon to serve each of the 23 counties in Maryland in order to ensure "local" coverage for every MDNG member and his or her family.When not activated for emergency state service, the individuals in this directorate of the MDDF provide legal assistance, as requested, to the several MDNG units throughout the state. Such activities may include the preparation of wills and powers-of-attorney, the delivery of required legal training and lectures, and support to the state military justice system.
Medical Services
When not activated for emergency state service, the individuals in the 10th Medical Regiment provide assistance, as requested, to the several units of the Maryland National Guard throughout the state. Such activities may include assistance with periodic physical examinations, conducting first aid and related training, and/or presenting required medical lectures.
Technical Assistance
Just as the National Guard provides added value to the regular forces, the individuals in the MDDF offer experience and expertise in fields that are either undermanned or under funded in the MDNG. These individuals are recruited from the private sector in areas such as information technology, communications, transportation maintenance, construction, and finance. MDDF personnel may have years of experience in their particular field and be ready, at a moment's notice, to lend their expertise to the MMD and the MDNG. When not activated for emergency state service, the individuals in this command are available to provide advice and training to the MDNG as requested.
Additional Missions
The maturity and experience of the members of the MDDF make them more than eligible for participation in almost any function related to support for the families of deployed MDNG soldiers and airmen. In addition, the MDDF could develop expertise in storm identification, and storm or disaster-related damage assessment. Both of these skills are taught by outside agencies (NOAA and the Red Cross, respectively) at little or no cost to the state. Given today's environment and the emphasis on "Homeland Defense," the scope of missions for this new organization is limited only by the imagination.
Vision
An organization of excellence dedicated to defend and serve the Nation, State, and Communities within Maryland.
Values
Integrity First
Service Before Self
Excellence In All We Do
MDDF Missions
In general, the members of the MDDF are individuals who have recently been released or retired from active duty, and who have current skills and expertise involving military doctrine, hardware, or training. These individuals figure more prominently in the non-emergency role of the MDDF, and are available, as requested, to the various units of the MDNG during the normal Unit Training Assemblies. These persons are the trainers, mechanics, or unit commanders who were retired yesterday, either because of age or length of service, but who still have a great deal to offer. In an emergency, these members may supplement Technical Assistance activities.
Cavalry Unit
Troop A, Maryland Defense Force provides the Maryland Military Department with a ceremonial unit that is a visible link to the horse cavalry units of the past, while supporting recruiting and public relations efforts of both the National Guard and Defense Force.
Chaplain Services
An organized and dedicated Chaplain Corps assists MDNG members, their families, and the community at large. When not activated for emergency state service, the individuals in this command provide chaplain support, as requested, to the several MDNG units throughout the state. Such support may include individual counseling, and the provision of regular Unit Training Assembly religious services all the way down to the company level.
Engineering Services
The Maryland Defense Force Engineer Corps provides a professional organized, trained, disciplined, uniformed rapid response volunteer force of engineers of all disciplines to assist the Maryland Military Department, state and local government agencies, and civil relief organizations in response to any impending or actual emergency.
Legal Services
Judge advocates in the Directorate of Legal Services are called upon to serve each of the 23 counties in Maryland in order to ensure "local" coverage for every MDNG member and his or her family.When not activated for emergency state service, the individuals in this directorate of the MDDF provide legal assistance, as requested, to the several MDNG units throughout the state. Such activities may include the preparation of wills and powers-of-attorney, the delivery of required legal training and lectures, and support to the state military justice system.
Medical Services
When not activated for emergency state service, the individuals in the 10th Medical Regiment provide assistance, as requested, to the several units of the Maryland National Guard throughout the state. Such activities may include assistance with periodic physical examinations, conducting first aid and related training, and/or presenting required medical lectures.
Technical Assistance
Just as the National Guard provides added value to the regular forces, the individuals in the MDDF offer experience and expertise in fields that are either undermanned or under funded in the MDNG. These individuals are recruited from the private sector in areas such as information technology, communications, transportation maintenance, construction, and finance. MDDF personnel may have years of experience in their particular field and be ready, at a moment's notice, to lend their expertise to the MMD and the MDNG. When not activated for emergency state service, the individuals in this command are available to provide advice and training to the MDNG as requested.
Additional Missions
The maturity and experience of the members of the MDDF make them more than eligible for participation in almost any function related to support for the families of deployed MDNG soldiers and airmen. In addition, the MDDF could develop expertise in storm identification, and storm or disaster-related damage assessment. Both of these skills are taught by outside agencies (NOAA and the Red Cross, respectively) at little or no cost to the state. Given today's environment and the emphasis on "Homeland Defense," the scope of missions for this new organization is limited only by the imagination.
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