Ohio Defense Force
 | |
| Abbreviation | ODF |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1989 |
| Type | Paramilitary militia |
| Location | |
Membership | 300[1] |
Key people | William B. Alexander (founder) |
The Ohio Defense Force (ODF) is a privately organized militia in the state of Ohio. The Ohio Defense Force is not a part of the organized militia of Ohio, which consists of the Ohio National Guard, the Ohio Naval Militia, and the Ohio Military Reserve.[2] Rather, it is a militia organized, led, and staffed by private citizens.
History
The Ohio Defense Force, originally named the Southeastern Ohio Defense Force, was founded in 1989 as a non-profit corporation. In 2004, the organization decided to expand statewide and was renamed the Ohio Defense Force.[3]
Mission
The duties of the Ohio Defense Force are:[4]
- to assist local and State governments, their agencies and law enforcement authorities in emergency situations;
- to assist in the protection of local citizens in emergencies;
- to organize and train individuals to provide such assistance;
- to do such other lawful acts as contemplated by the Non Profit Laws of the State of Ohio.
The Ohio Defense Force has provided emergency assistance to the Columbiana County Sheriff's Department by performing duties such as directing traffic, in order to free deputies to attend to other duties.[5]
Organization
The Ohio Defense Force is organized into four battalions,[6] and maintains a signal corps[7] and a security unit attached to its headquarters.[8]
| Battalion | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Battalion | Ohio, southeast | |
| 3rd Battalion | Ohio, northeast | |
| 4th Battalion | Ohio, northwest | |
| 5th Battalion | Ohio, southwest |
Equipment
The Ohio Defense Force uses the Battle Dress Uniform with a woodland-style boonie hat, along with black combat boots as its uniform. Members are required to own a military-patterned rifle, six magazines, and maintain a survival kit with weather-appropriate clothing, water, and first aid supplies.[9]
References
- ↑ Gellman, Barton (30 September 2010). "The Secret World of Extreme Militias". Time. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- ↑ "Chapter 5923: ORGANIZED MILITIA". State of Ohio. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- ↑ "History". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- ↑ "Constitution". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- ↑ Ewinger, James (4 April 2009). "Planned Home Guard militia training in Geauga County prompts concerns from neighbors". cleveland.com. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- 1 2 "Ohio Defense Force". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- ↑ "ODF Signal Corps/Communications". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- ↑ "ODF Security". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- ↑ "Required Equipment List". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved 22 February 2017.