Arizona Takes a Smart Step on State Guard Units

Jessica Zuckerman / April 22, 2011

As states continue to face large deficits and budget cuts, Arizona has hit on a smart solution.

On Tuesday, the Arizona House of Representatives passed S.B. 1495, a bill enhancing the power of the governor to create a state guard unit. These units, better known as State Defense Forces (SDFs), are today’s modern state militia. Unlike the images of rag-tag groups often associated with the term militia, these are professional forces authorized by the Constitution and under the command of their respective state governors. (more…)