The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) is an all-volunteer component of the Georgia Department of Defense, operating under the authority of Brian Kemp as Commander in Chief. We serve alongside the Georgia National Guard under Major General Richard D. Wilson as Adjutant General of the Georgia Department of Defense, with Brigadier General Dennis Watts leading the GSDF as its Commanding General.

Unlike federal military forces, the GSDF is a state-controlled organization focused solely on missions within Georgia. This structure allows the state to rapidly respond to emergencies, disasters, and special operations using trained volunteers dedicated to serving Georgia and its communities.

The Georgia State Defense Force is established under O.C.G.A. § 38-2-50 and 32 U.S.C. § 109 and governed by Title 38, Chapter 2, Article 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

Uniforms

The Georgia State Defense Force uniform is intentionally similar to the U.S. Army uniform in appearance, professionalism, and standards, reflecting our military structure, discipline, and commitment to service. GSDF Soldiers wear Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniforms and follow many of the same grooming and wear regulations to maintain a sharp, professional image alongside our military partners.

However, the GSDF uniform also includes distinctive state-specific identifiers such as the Georgia state flag and Georgia State Defense Force name tapes, patches, insignia, and a baseball-style patrol cap that distinguish our members from active-duty Army personnel. These differences reinforce our unique mission: serving the citizens and communities of Georgia in support of state emergency response, disaster relief, and homeland operations.