Joining the South Carolina State Guard

Height & Weight Standards

Google Map to Laurens Armory

                                                                                                   SOUTH CAROLINA NEEDS YOU!

CAN YOU “FILL THESE BOOTS”?

Volunteers serving South Carolina ’s need for civilian defense forces have filled these boots during the last three hundred years.  The State Guard has its foundation in the First Provincial Militia formed at the founding of Charles Towne on Albemarle Point in 1670.

 The State Guard is charged with preserving and maintaining the honor and traditions of the First South Carolina Regiment that was organized by volunteers from the militia in 1775.

Individual members of the Militia volunteered for service during the French Threat (1797), The war of 1812, and The Seminole and Mexican Wars.

 With the advent of the War Between the States, new units were formed from existing Militia leaving what remained of the structure with the duty of executing the draft, including medical examinations, and for maintaining the peace.  In 1862, South Carolina formed six Regiments of troops for internal security.

 After 1865, all militia systems were disbanded, but reactivated again in 1916 for World War I, and prior to World War II.   Permanent authorization for a new State Defense Force was passed in 1954 by Congress and laws enacted in South Carolina in 1980 and 1981 resulted in the establishment and maintenance of the State Guard Force of today.  From all walks of life, men and women are serving their fellow citizens in the uniform of South Carolina ’s all Volunteer State Guard's.

                      THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE GUARD

1.     WHAT IS THE STATE GUARD MISSION ?

To organize, develop, train, and maintain a resourced volunteer force within the South Carolina Military Department, to provide an administrative logistical and environmental force multiplier for the Military Department, in order to provide assistance to citizens of South Carolina, especially during time of emergencies.  Perform other missions as assigned by The Adjutant General and the Governor of South Carolina.

2.     WHO BELONGS TO THE STATE GUARD?

A cadre of dedicated, trained, experienced civilian & ex-military personnel with a variety of skills.  This cadre is the basis for each State Guard unit in the event of a natural or man-made disaster affecting South Carolina..

 3.     WHERE WILL I SERVE?

State Guard units are located in National Guard Armories throughout the state. Soldiers may be asked to serve at headquarters units in larger cities but, in most cases, you will be needed in your own community.  Drills are monthly as scheduled by the commander of the unit.

 4.     DOES CIVILIAN EXPERIENCE COUNT?

The State Guard needs a wide variety of professional and occupational skills in order to accomplish its mission, especially during times of disaster. 

 5.  DO MEMBERS RECEIVE ANY TRAINING?

 6.  WILL I BE DEPLOYED LIKE THE NATIONAL GUARD?

 NO!  The Governor of South Carolina is your Commander in Chief.  Under the chain of command for the Military Department of South Carolina is The Adjutant General (TAG) of South Carolina.  Under his command it the South Carolina National & Air National Guard, the SC Emergency Preparedness Division (SCEPD), and the South Carolina State Guard.  While the current laws allow the President through the Department of Defense to federalize the National Guard and deploy them any where in the United States and abroad, the State Guard is under the exclusive control of the Governor of South Carolina.

In addition:

    1.  All new applicants (except prior military) must meet the height and weight standards as shown in the link to the left.

     If you have any questions or concerns, please either come to our meeting on the 3rd Saturday of the month or contact the following individuals (you can also send an E-mail to the Webmaster):