GSDF Soldiers respond to needs and emergency situations as defined by the Adjutant General or the Governor, and assist local authorities where such missions do not conflict. The Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) is authorized under the Official Code of Georgia, Title 38, and serves at the will of the Governor and under the direction of the Adjutant General. Prior-service veterans comprise approximately 33 percent of the GSDF force. GSDF Soldiers act as a force multiplier to the Georgia Department of Defense, capable of immediate response when called upon and assisting with everything from search and rescue missions, to disaster relief efforts, to helping reunite redeploying Guardsmen with their families. When called upon, the GSDF provides a variety of support functions for the Georgia National Guard, including family support, legal assistance, medical and chaplaincy support, and technical assistance in a variety of areas including information technology and communications, emergency support teams and in other specialized areas. The GSDF performs defense support to civil authority missions such as evacuation and control during natural disasters, perimeter safety, and medical assistance at major public events. It also maintains liaison with a variety of local emergency, law enforcement, and homeland security agencies. Additionally, the GSDF can assist in military data recording and can assist GEMA with manning emergency operations centers. The GSDF provides directly, and makes available through other resources, a wide variety of training and educational opportunities, from military operations to community emergency response team training for its personnel. The strong working relationship with both the Georgia Army and Air National Guard allows the GSDF to remain relevant and ready to serve the state and its citizens, now and long into the future. It has been said, “The spirit of patriotism burns brightest in the heart of the volunteer.” Throughout our nation’s history, it is that spirit of volunteerism which has made America and its citizens strong. That spirit drives the professional volunteer Soldiers of the GSDF. That spirit burns no brighter than in the citizens of the state of Georgia and, most particularly, in those who serve in the GSDF. These outstanding Americans serve the Department of Defense and our fellow Georgians without compensation or reward. The men and women of the GSDF epitomize the fullest definition of “civil servant.”
