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America Needs a Homeland Defense Force for the Twenty First Century.

We need a new, and sometimes a revitalized military force, a million strong. It would be under the control of state governors, made up largely of volunteers, but with paid cadre, and would have an exclusive role of homeland defense. It would have no federal mission, a job for our National Guard.

Why has everyone heard of state sponsored terrorism and no one has heard of the state sponsored militia? Half of the states have a volunteer defense force, authorized under the U.S. Constitution and various state laws and constitutions. These units report to the Adjutant General -- a state uniformed and paid, two star general. Most people think of this official as in charge of the Army National Guard, Air Guard and in a single instance, a state Naval Guard, when not federalized. Typically, however, home defense force members are volunteers, buy most of their uniforms and equipment, and are quite often, I find, mostly ignored by those officials responsible for them. Public Affairs Officers of the Adjutant General often profess total ignorance of the group, except for passing out phone numbers which no one answers, and web site addresses which are largely out of date.

America is a nation of volunteers. Of course, there was the Minutemen. Later, it was almost a civic responsibility to join the Lions, the Rotary, or Civitan. An added benefit of public service was an individual could network with other businesses and professions. However, these civic organizations have largely been on a long slow decline (except overseas), as the Internet and television have become substitute sources of information and networking.

As a result of the "War on Terrorism," there is suddenly a new civic necessity within our country, with a need for something a little bit stronger than neighborhood watch program. We are no longer threatened just by criminals, but by an organized, dedicated enemy, who is sadly, already in our midst. Indeed, neighborhood watch organizations could become units within the Homeland Defense Force.

However, before we deal with the benefits of a strengthened Homeland Defense Force, and the creation of one where none exist, we must deal with obvious questions. Why can't the National Guard and other reserve components do the job? The real problem with these forces is that a person, to participate, must join the Army, or the Air Force. This not only involves weeks of training, but physical, mental, and educational hurdles must be passed, placing the inductee -- who must also be below the age of 35 -- in the top ten percent of the Nation. Beyond these limitations, there is the problem of too much experience. Those with a bent for history remember the stories of the British Home Defense Force, which faced invasion by the professional hordes of Hitler's Reich. Silver haired lords and ladies flocked to the colors, along with children. Yet I, as a retired military person, cannot serve in the National Guard.

Beyond these problems are force limitations, posse comitatus when federalized, and the notorious issue of federalized Guardsmen being deployed overseas when the attack on one's home town occurs. Additionally, if a Guardsman serves for twenty years and follows the rules, he or she is entitled to eventual lifetime retirement pay, medical care and other services from a grateful nation. While such emoluments are fair, the costs would bring us an economy busting bill for the force size we are going to need in the future. Next, we could never get area familiarity from a professional or even part time force. Finally, there is something I call "mission explosion and priorities." There are now more missions out there than can possibly be filled by all the professional and part time forces at our disposal. On the other hand, priorities are illustrated by the age old question of whether a glass is half empty or half full. The obvious answer is it depends on whether you are drinking or pouring. The President will be excused if he places a higher priority on protecting the West Wing of the White House than protecting Hagerstown, Maryland. Indeed, he may mobilize your local guard unit to supplement security, thereby reducing the capability of the community to protect itself.

As the Chinese say, there is opportunity in adversity. I mentioned volunteer organizations. I happen to believe the Kiwanis and others can restore a lot of their community relevance by organizing, within themselves, a unit of the Homeland Defense Force. After organization, the group could be outfitted and trained by the same or a different civic organization. Individuals would contribute approximately 100 hours a year of "duty," but in many ways would be on duty 24/7. State recognition and other housekeeping chores would be a snap. Most of all, the unit would retain its community roots. Issues such as whether the group should be armed, ages for admission, and missions would be sorted out much easier as many community activists, familiar with the levers of local power, focus on the problem.

Finally, the Homeland Defense Force would have clout, rather than chasing along, begging things from the National Guard. Indeed, better support from the National Guard would probably be a result, as community leaders deal with military leaders.

I was recently embarrassed to read in a local paper where a local "leader" said it was difficult to tell citizens "what to do," other than to "be alert." Oddly enough, the same paper, less than a week earlier, reported a federal official describing many of the security problems facing our nation as a "local responsibility." What are we waiting for? Join, organize, or suggest the formation of a local Homeland Defense Force today. Once the group is operational and willing to contribute, state recognition will follow, as sure as the sun comes up every morning.