Washington State Guard

Washington State Guard

The Washington State Guard is a state military all volunteer organization that operates under the sole authority of the Governor and is authorized by Title 38 of the Revised Code of Washington and by Federal law, Title 32 of the United States Code.  The Washington State Guard is a subordinate element of the Washington Military Department, along with the Washington Army National Guard and the Washington Air National Guard, under the direction of The Adjutant General.  Currently, State Guard units as authorized by state law operate in 22 states and Puerto Rico.

Any United States citizen between the ages of 18 and 64, whether or not a prior service veteran, may join the Washington State Guard.  Current members of the Active or Reserve Components of the United States Armed Forces and individuals who have been convicted of a felony or who have received a less than honorable discharge from the Armed Forces are excluded.

The many retired or former service personnel in the Washington State Guard represent an experienced force knowledgeable in local and state emergency operations policies and procedures.  Being an integral part of the Military Department, the Washington State Guard has participated in recent state emergency responses to wind storms and floods.  During a Governor’s Proclamation of a declaration of a state emergency, the Washington State Guard is able to provide advice and assistance to the local county and state emergency operations centers concerning the capabilities and availability of National Guard resources.  The Washington State Guard also provides training assistance to National Guard units in civil disturbance preparedness, small arms readiness training, and operations center exercises.

Washington State Guard members are required to attend monthly meetings for training and coordination activities.  Since the Washington State Guard is a volunteer unit, members receive no pay for participating.  However, in the event of a Governor’s Emergency Proclamation, and the Military Department members are called to state active duty, Washington State Guard members are considered State employees and are paid at the same rate of pay for their rank or grade as their National Guard counterparts.  Members are authorized to wear military uniforms while on duty similar to the standard Army uniforms, but with distinctive insignia designating them as a member of the Washington State Guard.

Washington State Guard members participate for the same reason that people join civic organizations, pay dues, and contribute their time and talent - for the benefit of their community.  While the Washington State Guard is not a civic club, it is a uniformed public service organization for the benefit of the people of the state of Washington and requires an obligation on the part of its members.  Furthermore, members carry on the unique American tradition of volunteer militia service, which dates back to 1636, before the creation of the United States.  Members serve with other patriotic people who have a knowing respect for military and state emergency preparedness to accomplish missions important to the safety and security of the people of the state of Washington.  Members have the opportunity to utilize the training acquired in the military and in civilian life to develop, maintain, and build the cadre of the Washington State Guard necessary to assist the National Guard and the state in providing training support and emergency response assistance.

Additional information is available at:  http://stateguard.washingtonguard.org/.

Colonel Jerry Wilkins, Commander, Washington State Guard