State Guards in T2K (Includes User-made Unit)

[Raellus]

I'm sure that it's been mentioned here before but I can't find a dedicated thread. Anyway, State Guard units seem like an interesting patron, ally, or adversary for CONUS-based campaigns. State Guard units answer to the state governor and can't be federalized.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_defense_force

The New Mexico State Guard, for example, was, up until very recently, a small (about 50 personnel), part-time, unpaid, unarmed force, called on, from time to time, to perform several support roles, mainly disaster-relief. Obviously, WWIII would change that, and I envision their size and role expanding, especially after the TDM.

[Raellus]

BACKGROUND

Originally a small, unarmed civil defense force consisting of around 50 part-time, unpaid members, the state defense force of New Mexico served pre-war in a diverse range of capacities, including radio communications, medical, honor guard, chaplaincy, heavy vehicle driving/maintenance, and public affairs. The NMSG also maintained a separate medical unit, the 47th Medical Company, which was trained to respond to assorted man-made and natural disasters.

With the outbreak of WWIII, the NMSG was expanded but continued to serve in the same support roles. Now incorporating large numbers of personnel over the draft ceiling age, the NMSG was derisively nicknamed the 'Depends Brigade'*. The bulk of the reinforced NMSG was deployed to the El Paso area in late 1997 to assist in disaster relief operations following the Soviet .25 megaton nuclear strike on the city's oil refinery.

The United States government, at both federal and state levels, was unprepared and ill-equipped to meet the surprise Mexican invasion of the southwest. By 1998, most Air Force combat wings, and regular army and national guard units, had been deployed overseas, leaving CONUS defenses badly overstretched. The defense of New Mexico fell to the Fort Bliss School Brigade, assorted USAF base security personnel from Holloman and Kirtland AFB's, and the State Guard.

In 1998, armed with obsolete weaponry from dusty New Mexico National Guard (NMNG) stockpiles, elements of the NMSG were rushed to the Las Cruces area to assist the School Brigade in defending the city from Mexican invaders. Badly mauled by well-armed Mexican regulars, most of the survivors fell back on Albuquerque to form the cadre of a rebuilt state guard. Acting on their own, without orders, a few doughty NMSG personnel stayed behind to organize small partisan bands behind Mexican lines.

On new year's day, 1999, citing the civilian government's failure to defend the state, Kirtland AFB commander, Colonel Cliff Reynolds, with the collusion of Santa Fe County Sheriff, Michael Villa, took over as governor of New Mexico, declaring martial law, dissolving the state legislature, and relocating the capitol to Albuquerque. In order to consolidate his control of the state, Governor Reynolds authorized the rebuilding and reorganization of the SDSG, rechristening it the New Mexico State Defense Force and transforming what had been a lightly armed civil defense force into a paramilitary army capable of offensive operations and answering directly to the state governor. The revamped NMSDF was formed around a core of loyal USAF personnel, surviving members of the State Guard, and local law enforcement personnel. Reynolds's authorization order also attempted to subsume every other armed resistance/partisan group still operating in the state, with mixed results. Several groups rallied to the flag, others paid only lip service while using their new official designation to give their marauding activities a thin veneer of legitimacy. Some groups ignored the authorization order altogether, continuing to operate independently.

In an effort to make himself indispensable to MilGov, Governor Reynolds announced his intention to liberate southern New Mexico, with a planned early summer 2001 offensive spearheaded by his refurbished NMSG.

TOE

[I still haven't decided how large or organized the post-Mexican invasion NMSG would be.]

UNIFORM

The pre-war New Mexico State Guard was issued woodland pattern BDUs, then in widespread use by all major branches of the U.S. military. This remained the standard combat uniform of the NMSG/NMSDF throughout the course of the war. Government-issue fatigues were supplemented by army surplus and private stock (some state law enforcement SWAT teams also used woodland pattern BDU). A large stockpile of Desert ("Chocolate Chip" pattern) BDUs was discovered in storage and issued as well. Regardless of attempts to create a standard NMSDF uniform, various non-standard field uniform configurations have been documented. Given the climate of New Mexico in the summer months, army surplus O.D. jungle fatigues were a popular, fairly common alternative. Many items of civilian clothing (especially footwear) were used as well.

In order to aid in recognition and avoid friendly-fire incidents, NMSDF were instructed to wear a yellow arm and/or helmet band while operating in the field (yellow being the predominant color of the New Mexico state flag).

NMSG/NMSDF load bearing equipment is mostly the ALICE pattern. Modern body armor has never been widely available to the force. M1 "Steel Pot" helmets continue to much more common in the ranks than the newer PAGST Kevlar "K-Pot" (aka "Fritz) helmet. Similarly, there are more Vietnam-era M-69 nylon flak vests than modern PAGST Kevlar vests currently in NMSDF service, but body armor in general is scarce.

WEAPONS

Just prior to its combat debut, the New Mexico State Guard was equipped with obsolescent military weaponry and equipment drawn from reserve NMNG storage. M14 battle rifles, M3 submachineguns, M1911A1 pistols, and M1918 BARs are still standard issue, supplemented by civilian and law enforcement M16 and Mini-14 assault rifles, and sundry department issue and personal sidearms. Various pieces of military weaponry captured from Mexican forces have also been put into use.

NMSG heavy weapons consist of a handful of M40 105mm and M67 90mm recoilless rifles, early versions of the M72 LAW, M2HB heavy machineguns, M1919 medium machineguns, and M79 40mm grenade-launchers. NMSG artillery was limited to a few 60mm and 81mm mortars.

VEHICLES

The New Mexico State Guard's motor pool consists primarily of retired New Mexico National Guard trucks, most commonly M151 jeeps, M35 2.5-ton 6x6 trucks (assorted variants), M54 5-ton 6x6 trucks (assorted variants), and M1009 ¾-ton utility rigs. Several of the 2.5 and 5-ton trucks were converted into lightly-armored and heavily-armed gun trucks.

This military vehicle fleet has been supplemented by various makes and models of lightly modified civilian pickup trucks and SUVs, most painted in custom camouflage suited to the geography of the region.

The State Guard motor pool also boasts a handful purpose-built armored vehicles, including a three Cadillac Ranger armored cars (2 USAF 'Peacemaker' versions and one local law-enforcement SWAT vehicle) and one former USAF Cadillac Gage Commando (V100).

Aircraft

Most of the aircraft, both fixed wing and rotary, left at Kirtland are inoperable due to a lack of aviation fuel and spare parts. Those that can still fly are used only sparingly. However, the NMSG employs several ultralight aircraft in the scouting and light attack roles. Two helicopters, originally belonging to state law enforcement agencies, are also on the NMSDF's aviation rolls, but have not flown in some time due to a lack of spare parts.


*'Depends' is a brand of adult undergarments (often uncharitably referred to as adult diapers).

[CDAT]

Just some little info on at least some state guards. Some states use them for odds and ends jobs. I talked with some from WA and all most all of them are retired military who in the state guard retain their old rank (lots of MSG and above, on the enlisted side, and from my understanding LTC and above on the officer side with few of the lower ranks) and their main mission is to take care of national guard armories when the national guard is deployed.

On the other hand the CA state guard did a lot when the CA national guard unit I got attached to deployed, they did all the screening and all the admin stuff needed to make sure that the troop was deployable and again most of them were former military but with the ones I talked with they were not mostly retired and almost entirely officers with captain and major most common that I saw. Neither type would be very usable in a combat role the WA type they are too old and to far removed even when they were still in to know what to do in combat if it hit them in the face, and the CA model were all medical and admin staff. Not saying that there is not a third (or more) types out there but all the different state guards that I have seen fell into one of those types.

[rcaf_777]

Originally Posted by CDAT

Some states use them for odds and ends jobs.

I would guessing that would still be the case in Twilight, you see them doing maybe physical security at point were sabotage could committed by Soviet Agents, Nuclear Power Plants, Locks, Dockyards, War Material Productions Plants, Airports to name a few.

I could also see them doing POW duties such as escorting POW's within their state or watching them on work details. These duties would not mandatory but duties voluntary done as service to federal government thru the State government. (IE Hey Governor X, can your troops help out POW Camp 123 with work detail escort, we give you that federal money for project Y)

[RN7]

There was some discussion about State Guards midway down on the first page of this thread...

http://forum.juhlin.com/showthread.php?t=4800

[The Dark]

Originally Posted by CDAT

Just some little info on at least some state guards. Some states use them for odds and ends jobs. I talked with some from WA and all most all of them are retired military who in the state guard retain their old rank (lots of MSG and above, on the enlisted side, and from my understanding LTC and above on the officer side with few of the lower ranks) and their main mission is to take care of national guard armories when the national guard is deployed.

On the other hand the CA state guard did a lot when the CA national guard unit I got attached to deployed, they did all the screening and all the admin stuff needed to make sure that the troop was deployable and again most of them were former military but with the ones I talked with they were not mostly retired and almost entirely officers with captain and major most common that I saw. Neither type would be very usable in a combat role the WA type they are too old and to far removed even when they were still in to know what to do in combat if it hit them in the face, and the CA model were all medical and admin staff. Not saying that there is not a third (or more) types out there but all the different state guards that I have seen fell into one of those types.

VA has around 1000 members in the Virginia Defense Force (the goal is to have 1200 members). They follow both systems in a way - the VDF secures NG facilities when those units are deployed, assists in NG mobilization, and is used for disaster relief. They're also technically liable to be called up in case of invasion or insurrection, to support law enforcement, or "[w]hen any combination of persons becomes so powerful as to obstruct the execution of laws in any part of this Commonwealth". I haven't heard of any VDF working with law enforcement, but I've only been here for around a year, so it may have happened in the past. Any unorganized militia ordered into service by the Governor becomes part of the VDF (per Title 44-88) and anyone failing to do so when ordered is subject to court-martial (Title 44-90). The VDF is unarmed unless ordered otherwise by the Governor.

In a T2K scenario, I figure they'd get the leftovers of the VNG equipment and serve pretty much the same role - guarding bases and possibly civilian government facilities as well. Since they're not draft-exempt, I expect the VDF would fairly soon end up with the too-old and the too-young (they can accept volunteers as young as 16 under current law), and they'd probably have ended up with a lot of 16 and 17 year olds who saw it as a way to get some training before being sent to the war.

[chico20854]

I worked up a piece on the State Guards a few years back. I've posted it at https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1i...ew?usp=sharing Please let me know if the link is dead!

I've written up a couple State Guard unit histories. I'll try to get some posted this week!

Enjoy!

[unkated]

Search on "State Guard" there are several threads.

Including this one: http://forum.juhlin.com/showthread.p...=massachusetts

Uncle Ted

[Jason Weiser]

Originally Posted by Raellus

I'm sure that it's been mentioned here before but I can't find a dedicated thread. Anyway, State Guard units seem like an interesting patron, ally, or adversary for CONUS-based campaigns. State Guard units answer to the state governor and can't be federalized.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_defense_force

The New Mexico State Guard, for example, was, up until very recently, a small (about 50 personnel), part-time, unpaid, unarmed force, called on, from time to time, to perform several support roles, mainly disaster-relief. Obviously, WWIII would change that, and I envision their size and role expanding, especially after the TDM.

Rae,

Found the thread you are looking for!

http://forum.juhlin.com/showthread.php?t=356

About halfway down.

[Raellus]

Thanks, Jason!

[rcaf_777]

Been trying to figure out character generation for a State Guardsman. Given their age at the time of Twilight War they would have already had a lifetime of skills. Anyway here is what I have

Background

Average Age 50-60

Born 1940-1950

2 Terms Max in the Military (Draft) – See Draft Rules
1 Term Mandatory in State Guard (Pre War) Any ideas on skills?
1 War Term Mandatory
Max 8 Terms in Civilian employment

Draft Rules

Max 2 terms in the Military
Any Occupation

Service Details (1D6)

1-2 Vietnam Service (add +1 to all Military Skills)
3-4 Overseas Service (Korea or Germany)
5-6 Stateside Service

Discharge Status (1D10)

1-4 Honourable
5-7 General
8 - Other than Honourable
9 - Bad Conduct Discharge
0 – Dishonourable

Life outside the Military

No Law Enforcement Careers great than two terms
No Government Agent Career
PC can elected to serve one additional term in the ANG or USAR

[unkated]

Originally Posted by rcaf_777

Background

1 Term Mandatory in State Guard (Pre War) Any ideas on skills?

Rather than make this a Term, (since pre-war this is NOT the only thing you do for 4 years), select from the list of State guard skills instead of a secondary activity.

The main career during that term must be a non-government (other than LOE, possibly). Term before war cannot be LOE (or you would be more useful in LOE than in the state guard)

Skills can include non-combat skills:

Law
Medical
Computer
Scrounging
History
Ground Vehicle (Wheeled)
Mechanic


possibly Civil Engineering

Originally Posted by rcaf_777

Draft Rules

Max 2 terms in the Military
Any Occupation

Service Details (1D6)

1-2 Vietnam Service (add +1 to all Military Skills)
3-4 Overseas Service (Korea or Germany)
5-6 Stateside Service

Discharge Status (1D10)

1-4 Honourable
5-7 General
8 - Other than Honourable
9 - Bad Conduct Discharge
0 – Dishonourable

Life outside the Military

No Law Enforcement Careers great than two terms
No Government Agent Career
PC can elected to serve one additional term in the ANG or USAR

To reach the ages you describe, must make at least 5 terms before War Term.

(Aging mandatory)

Contact can be (in addition to Civilian career options) Govt or Military (NOT foreign)

Uncle Ted

[CDAT]

Originally Posted by rcaf_777

Been trying to figure out character generation for a State Guardsman. Given their age at the time of Twilight War they would have already had a lifetime of skills. Anyway here is what I have

Background

Average Age 50-60

Born 1940-1950

2 Terms Max in the Military (Draft) – See Draft Rules
1 Term Mandatory in State Guard (Pre War) Any ideas on skills?
1 War Term Mandatory
Max 8 Terms in Civilian employment

I am not thinking that the State Guard should be a term, more like unkated said have it be secondary.

Originally Posted by rcaf_777

Draft Rules

Max 2 terms in the Military
Any Occupation

Why max 2 terms in the military? Everyone that I know personally in the State Guard are all retired military.

Originally Posted by rcaf_777

Discharge Status (1D10)

1-4 Honourable
5-7 General
8 - Other than Honourable
9 - Bad Conduct Discharge
0 – Dishonourable

I may be wrong, but I do not think you can get into the State Guard with a BCD, or Dishonourable.

Originally Posted by rcaf_777

Life outside the Military

No Law Enforcement Careers great than two terms
No Government Agent Career
PC can elected to serve one additional term in the ANG or USAR

Also why no Law Enforcement careers?

[rcaf_777]

Originally Posted by CDAT

I am not thinking that the State Guard should be a term, more like unkated said have it be secondary.

Already stated above, but thanks

Originally Posted by CDAT

Why max 2 terms in the military? Everyone that I know personally in the State Guard are all retired military.

The State Guard in the Twilight setting are soldiers too aged or medical unfit for federal service, if you have 3 or more terms in the Military (remembering terms are fours years) Then why would they be in state guard, and not recalled to federal service? It also add to development of the PC's. Limiting the terms will give a strong military background and serves a motivation of why they serve in state guard. These are PC that served in military back during the Vietnam draft era.

Originally Posted by CDAT

I may be wrong, but I do not think you can get into the State Guard with a BCD, or Dishonourable.

I wouldn't know however adding to a characters background make a good PC so someone with a BCD would try and bluff his way in (Still working on this)

Originally Posted by CDAT

Also why no Law Enforcement careers?

For the same reason as their is a limit on the Military terms. Law enforcement personnel would still me serving as law enforcement right to start of any game.

Remember you are creating a State Guard character, not a police officer or serving military character.

[CDAT]

Originally Posted by rcaf_777

The State Guard in the Twilight setting are soldiers too aged or medical unfit for federal service, if you have 3 or more terms in the Military (remembering terms are fours years) Then why would they be in state guard, and not recalled to federal service? It also add to development of the PC's. Limiting the terms will give a strong military background and serves a motivation of why they serve in state guard. These are PC that served in military back during the Vietnam draft era.

I understand that you do not want a serving military/LEO but my understanding was you were making older characters, so making a career (retired) military who got out after Vietnam, by TW2000 they will have been out for about 20 years, not likely to be getting recalled, or even let back in, and even if they were everything about the military is different by then.

Originally Posted by rcaf_777

For the same reason as their is a limit on the Military terms. Law enforcement personnel would still me serving as law enforcement right to start of any game.

Remember you are creating a State Guard character, not a police officer or serving military character.

I guess I am not understanding what you think the state guard character should be. I see the State Guard more as a club that they belong to that has some duties, same as Red Cross, Volunteer Fireman and so on. I am not sure how being a police officer would not let you use them. Yes they may not have been called up, but after the fecal matter hits the oscillating blade and they decide to call up the State Guard for home defense/law enforcement having a fully trained LEO (maybe even retired) on the team I could see being good.

[unkated]

Originally Posted by CDAT

I guess I am not understanding what you think the state guard character should be. I see the State Guard more as a club that they belong to that has some duties, same as Red Cross, Volunteer Fireman and so on. I am not sure how being a police officer would not let you use them. Yes they may not have been called up, but after the fecal matter hits the oscillating blade and they decide to call up the State Guard for home defense/law enforcement having a fully trained LEO (maybe even retired) on the team I could see being good.

I believe the point is that the state would rather have a senior LOE remain in place as a senior LOE rather than be called up to be State Guard, supporting LOEs.

Sherriff Wappinger, head of Burton County Sherrif Dept these past 10 years, (or his senior deputy) is probably of more value to the state of Oklahoma as Sherriff Wappinger, rather than Sgt (Lt, Capt or whatever) Wappinger of the Oklahoma State Guard, serving with a squad in a part of the state supporting another Sherriff.

Uncle Ted

[rcaf_777]

Originally Posted by CDAT

I guess I am not understanding what you think the state guard character should be. I see the State Guard more as a club that they belong to that has some duties, same as Red Cross, Volunteer Fireman and so on. I am not sure how being a police officer would not let you use them. Yes they may not have been called up, but after the fecal matter hits the oscillating blade and they decide to call up the State Guard for home defense/law enforcement having a fully trained LEO (maybe even retired) on the team I could see being good.

Your not thinking of the game terms, in the game the State Guard are used for home defense of a state, they are a military unit. While today we see the State Guard that has some duties, same as Red Cross, or Volunteer Fireman, that not how they were original organized. They are an organized military force at the service of the state in which they live. It should also me noted that many states would not even form state guard units until after their ANG Units are federalized.

While after the he fecal matter hits the oscillating blade, you find police, fireman and paramedics in the state guard. Before that they would doing their regular jobs. You can certainly generate these PC's or LEO's but they would doing their regular job up till the start of any adventure. So no state guard training until the last term of generation (the war term). I don't think it too much of stretch to for LEO or other special personnel to assigned to the state guard at the start of any adventure.