Q: Where would I serve?
A: You would most likely serve in one of the numbered Brigades, 1-5, depending on your home location. See the Brigades page for the headquarters location of each Brigade. Also, if you live in the metro Atlanta area, you may be assigned to the Support Group, Medical Detachment, or GSDF Headquarters.

Q: How old do I have to be to volunteer for the Georgia State Defense Force?
A: 18-64 normally, but waivers can be granted in special cases.

Q: Do I have to have military experience?
A: No, approximately half of the GSDF personnel have prior military service, approximately half have none.

Q: Do I have to go to boot camp?
A: No. The GSDF provides Initial Entry Training to new members, but it does not entail the rigorous physical training of the Armed Services. We encourage volunteers to stay healthy and physically fit, and some GSDF units do provide an organized fitness/wellness training and monitoring program.

Q: Do I have to have previous Red Cross training?
A: No

Q: Do I have to attend every drill/meeting?
A: When you make your commitment to join the GSDF, you are expected to attend all drills. However, family, work, and other obligations are understood; typically as long as members inform their immediate leadership of a conflict, there is not a problem, unless several drills are missed.

If a member regularly misses drills without prior notification or excuse, they will be dropped from active membership and required to return their identification credentials.

Q: Can I be called out of state?
A: No, our troops will only serve in Georgia, and cannot be "federalized".

Q: Will I carry a weapon?
A: No. Currently, the GSDF is not a "tactical" or armed, war fighting, or peacekeeping organization. Members are prohibited from carrying firearms while wearing the uniform.