Georgia State Defense Force

Official page of Georgia's State Guard (the Georgia State Defense Force), a GaDoD component

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 approxi

mately 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.”

05/28/2026

🔥 Step up. Stand out. Serve with purpose.
Join the mission today: GSDF.Georgia.gov

Photos from Georgia State Defense Force's post

05/26/2026

MARIETTA, Ga. – Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers from GFAB North supported the 80th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Marietta National Cemetery on May 25, 2026.

Alongside veterans, community members, and fellow service members, GSDF Soldiers gathered to honor the memory and sacrifice of the more than 18,000 heroes laid to rest there. Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of the courage and selfless service of those who gave their lives in defense of our nation.

The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, alongside the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.

Join us: GSDF.Georgia.gov

(Georgia State Defense Force photo by Col. James Lemay)

05/25/2026

Today we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. 🕊️🇺🇸

Their sacrifice is the foundation of the freedom we enjoy every day.
We will never forget. 🎖️

05/24/2026

CANTON, Ga. – Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers from GFAB North support the annual Silent Tribute Memorial Day observance at the Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, Ga., May 23, 2026.

GSDF personnel provided entry control, traffic management, crowd control, and a safety and security presence during the observance honoring the fallen.

The annual Memorial Day program and Silent Tribute at the Georgia National Cemetery features volunteers placing flags on every gravesite, followed by a formal, intimate mourning ceremony and the playing of “Taps.”

The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, alongside the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.

Georgia State Defense Force photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Raymond Clunie.

05/22/2026

Members of the Georgia General Assembly and senior leaders of the Georgia Department of Defense stand in the Capitol during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the State Capitol, Atlanta, Ga., May 21, 2026.

Shown are Senator Chuck Payne, Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Maj. Kay Kirkpatrick, also a Georgia State Senator, Georgia National Guard Command Sergeant Major Clint Cowser, GSDF Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Ramos, and Representative (Col., U.S. Army Reserve) Josh Bonner.

The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.

(Photo courtesy of Georgia State Defense Force Maj. Kay Kirkpatrick)

05/20/2026

Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers assigned to Georgia Force Assistance Brigade (GFAB) North, Able Company, construct and evaluate a field-expedient A-frame rope system during a recent weekend training in the North Georgia mountains.

When completed the elevated support structure can be used to haul personnel, equipment and supplies across steep terrain or bodies of water. The weekend training focused on rope systems and recovery techniques used in missions such as search and rescue operations.

The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense alongside the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.

(Georgia State Defense Force photos by Capt. David Levine)

05/18/2026

Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Col. Ismael Rodriguez is awarded the Oglethorpe Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally outstanding service by GSDF Deputy Commanding General Col. Tony Dill during a change of command and retirement ceremony at the Ellenwood Readiness Center in Ellenwood, Ga., May 2, 2026.

During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Timchenko assumed command of the GSDF Reserve Component from Rodriguez. Rodriguez retired following 15 years of service in the GSDF.

The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, alongside the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.

(Georgia State Defense Force photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Alexander Davidson)

05/16/2026

ARMED FORCES DAY - May 16, 2026

Today we proudly recognize the men and women of the United States Armed Forces—past and present—who stand ready to defend our nation. 🇺🇸

We are grateful for your commitment, your sacrifice, and your service. 🎖️🕊️
From all of us at GSDF: thank you for protecting our freedom.

05/14/2026

Join those who serve. 🤝🇺🇸
👉 GSDF.Georgia.gov

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Location

Ellenwood

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Telephone

+18337154733

Website

http://gsdf.georgia.gov/

Address

Ellenwood, GA