Massachusetts State Defense Force
The Massachusetts State Guard (MASG) is one of the State Military Forces of Massachusetts. The guard reports directly to the State Adjutant General and is under the command of the Governor.[1]
The MASG is composed of volunteers who operate solely within Massachusetts and may not be called into federal service. The force has regular and auxiliary branches, with regular-branch volunteers pledging a 3-year enlistment with attendance requirements. It is headquartered in Milford, with Regional Support Battalions located in Reading, Bourne, Worcester, Westfield and Pittsfield.
The MASG assists the United States National Guard forces, assumes state missions when the National Guard is deployed, provides emergency support during disasters, and assists in color guards and funeral details.[2]
History
The Massachusetts General Court formed the MASG's predecessor in 1863, which served until its disbandment in 1866. It was reformed in 1898 as the Massachusetts Provisional Militia for the Spanish-American War before again being disbanded in 1899.[1]
In April 1917, the General Court again reformed the militia, renaming it the Massachusetts State Guard. It was activated during World War II and served until deactivation in February 1947, and was reactivated on a statewide bases in 1966.[1]
The Guard was renamed the Massachusetts Military Reserve in June 1994; the State Guard name was restored during the group's reorganization after the September 11, 2001 attacks.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d Massachusetts State Guard Web site: "Who We Are". Retrieved Nov. 25, 2007.
- ^ Massachusetts State Guard Web site: "Our Mission". Retrieved Nov. 25, 2007.
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