Michigan Defense Force Brigade - MIVDF

08/25/2025

Members of the Michigan Defense Force recently met with state leaders and legislators in Lansing to share information about the organization, highlight the ways it serves Michigan, and discuss budget needs to support its mission.

The operations center, tracked the days activities.

08/25/2025

The Michigan Defense Force (MIDF) partnered with St. Francis & Clare Catholic Parish to host a Pop-Up Pantry on Saturday, August 23, 2025, distributing food to more than 100 families in need and seeking extra support during the late summer season.

Members of the Michigan Defense Force were present to help organize the effort, assist with logistics, and ensure smooth food distribution throughout the day. The MIDF’s presence reinforced the pantry’s mission to provide reliable access to food resources for families facing challenges.

08/22/2025

While visiting with several members of the Michigan legislature this week, a few of our members were spotted in the capital and called out on the floor by our former CSM, state representative David Martin. Watch the first few minutes!

Live from the House of Representatives inside the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan. https://house.mi.gov/

08/20/2025

Nerve center for today’s mission!

06/28/2025

Chain of Command: Who Leads the Michigan Defense Force?
The Michigan Defense Force (MIDF) is an official, state-authorized military force operating as part of the Michigan Military Establishment, along with the Army and Air National Guard.

Here’s how our chain of command is structured — just like other military organizations:

1. Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer.
Commander in Chief of all state military forces.

2. The Adjutant General (TAG), Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers.
Appointed by the Governor, commands the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), which includes the National Guard and the Michigan Defense Force.

3. Commanding General, Michigan Defense Force (MIDF), LTC Jeff Steinport.
Leads the operational and training mission of the MIDF under TAG guidance.

4. Brigade and Battalion Commanders.
Oversee mission ex*****on, training, and readiness of subordinate units.

5. Company- and Team-Level Leaders.
Ensure local coordination, discipline, and preparedness at the ground level

Every member of the MIDF serves under lawful orders, wears a sanctioned uniform, and answers to a professional chain of command — from the Governor down to the newest recruit.

We’re here to serve Michigan - always ready and able.
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06/14/2025

Interesting article from California distinguishing between the National Guard and State Guard.

Over the last week, StateDefenseForce.com has reached out to various media outlets regarding their coverage of recent protests, the unprecedented activation of the California National Guard under T…

06/04/2025

The United States Code affirms each state’s right to establish its own defense force/state guard —independent of federal activation or deployment.
“In addition to its National Guard, if any, a State… may, as provided by its laws, organize and maintain defense forces.”
— Title 32 U.S. Code § 109(c)
This statute empowers states to create a State Defense Force (often called a State Guard) —a state military organization that supports civil authorities, responds to emergencies, and enhances readiness within the state.
Michigan, like many other states, exercises this right through the Michigan Defense Force (MIDF)—trained, mission-focused, and ready to serve our communities when called.
Have you served in the State Guard or do you know of others who have?
📖 Learn more: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/32/109
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05/23/2025

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The Michigan Defense Force remembers and thanks every fallen hero. Your courage is not forgotten. 🇺🇸

04/24/2025

Did you know?

The same law that establishes the Michigan National Guard also establishes the Michigan State Defense Force. In Michigan’s Public Act 150 of 1967 (the “Michigan Military Act”), the legislature authorizes Michigan’s Military Establishment to maintain a trained and ready defense force to support emergency response, homeland security, and other critical missions.

As conversations about state-level readiness and resilience continue, it is important to recognize the legal framework that enables the national guard and the state defense force to exist and to operate on behalf of Michigan’s citizens.

Have you worked with or served in a State Defense Force? Share your experiences in the comments!
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Read the Michigan Military Act below to learn more.

https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(5rlkmidvmiunatvz1cty1ans))/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-Act-150-of-1967.pdf

04/18/2025

Did you know? 🇺🇸

The same law that establishes the Michigan National Guard also establishes the Michigan State Defense Force. In Michigan’s Public Act 150 of 1967 (the “Michigan Military Act”), the legislature authorizes Michigan’s Military Establishment to maintain a trained and ready defense force to support emergency response, homeland security, and other critical missions.

As conversations about state-level readiness and resilience continue, it is important to recognize the legal framework that enables the national guard and the state defense force to exist and to operate on behalf of Michigan’s citizens.

Read Michigan’s Military Act at the link below to learn more.

Have you worked with or served in a State Defense Force? Share your experiences in the comments!



https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(5rlkmidvmiunatvz1cty1ans))/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-Act-150-of-1967.pdf

04/09/2025

On April 19, 1917, the Michigan State Troops Permanent Force (the parent organization of the Michigan State Police and the Michigan State Defense Force) was officially established. Michigan's leaders recognized the need for a trained & ready force to protect the state while the Michigan National Guard and federal forces were deployed globally in response to World War I.

In times of peace and war, the Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Michigan State Defense Force (MIDF) have served in various roles throughout the last 108 years. While MSP has evolved into Michigan's premier law enforcement agency, the MIDF has been established as the third branch of Michigan's military establishment.

The MIDF currently trains for disaster response, search & rescue, and other in-state missions.

For over a century, our state defense force has stood READY & ABLE to serve Michigan's citizens in their time of need. Throughout Michigan this legacy continues as dedicated men and women commit to serving their communities and their fellow citizens.

Happy birthday, MSP & MIDF!

Have you, or someone that you know, served in Michigan's state defense force?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

https://www.michigan.gov/msp/about-msp/history