Maryland Defense Force
As a captain in the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF), I am proud to serve as a member of this highly trained and dedicated agency. The MDDF is a volunteer military organization that serves as a complement to the Maryland National Guard, providing critical support to the state’s emergency response efforts. With a focus on disaster relief and other emergency services, the MDDF is a vital part of Maryland’s emergency response capabilities.
As a member of the MDDF, I have had the opportunity to work alongside other highly skilled and motivated individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. The MDDF is organized into several units, each with its own unique mission and focus. These units include medical and engineering, among others, each playing a critical role in supporting Maryland’s emergency response efforts.
I have had the opportunity to lead and manage teams of volunteers in a variety of settings, from disaster response to training exercises. I have gained invaluable experience in coordinating and collaborating with other emergency response organizations and agencies, including the Maryland National Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Overall, my experience in the MDDF has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. It has provided me with the opportunity to serve my community and my state in a meaningful way, while also developing important skills and knowledge that I can apply in both my personal and professional life.
The following is a brief overview of my experience and accomplishments with the MDDF, as well as the MDDF itself.
The traces its origins to the early 20th century, playing a pivotal role in state defense and emergency response. Initially established on October 23, 1917, as the Maryland State Guard, its creation was a direct response to World War I, aimed at assuming the duties of the National Guard when federalized. The primary mission of this early incarnation was to provide homeland security, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain public order during a tumultuous period.
Following World War I, the Maryland State Guard was disbanded, but the concept of a state defense force persisted. It wasn’t until World War II that the need for a state-level military force became apparent again. Reactivated as the Maryland State Guard Reserve, the MDDF’s focus shifted to defending the state against potential threats and assisting in civil defense efforts. This period saw the MDDF involved in a range of activities, from patrolling vital infrastructure to providing support during blackouts and other wartime emergencies.
Post-World War II, the MDDF underwent several transformations. In 1983, the Maryland Defense Force was officially reestablished in its modern form. This reactivation was part of a broader national trend recognizing the importance of state defense forces in supplementing the National Guard and providing critical support during emergencies. The MDDF was tasked with a broader mandate, including disaster response, search and rescue operations, and support for public health emergencies.
The MDDF’s structure reflects its diverse mission. Organized into specialized units such as medical, engineering, and cyber defense, the MDDF leverages the professional skills of its volunteer members to address specific needs during emergencies. This modular structure allows for rapid deployment and effective coordination with other state and federal agencies. For example, the MDDF’s Medical Unit has been crucial in providing medical support during large-scale public health crises, while the Engineering Unit has assisted in infrastructure assessment and repair following natural disasters.
One significant milestone in the MDDF’s history was its response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The MDDF was mobilized to provide security at critical sites and assist in the overall state response to the heightened security threats. This period underscored the importance of the MDDF’s role in homeland security and emergency preparedness.
In recent years, the MDDF has been at the forefront of responding to natural disasters and public health emergencies. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the MDDF played a crucial role in supporting vaccination efforts and other public health initiatives. The force’s ability to mobilize quickly and work in conjunction with the Maryland National Guard and other agencies has been a testament to its training, dedication, and organizational efficiency.
Today, the Maryland Defense Force remains an integral part of Maryland’s emergency response framework. Its members, driven by a strong sense of duty and community service, continue to uphold the MDDF’s legacy of readiness and resilience. The force’s history is marked by a commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of Maryland, adapting to new challenges, and maintaining a steadfast presence in times of need.
Members of the U.S. uniformed services and state guards increasingly have been mobilized to respond to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies. Military and civilian authorities now see an urgent need to provide additional and improved emergency management training for personnel deployed during disasters. The MEMS Academy continues to fill that need.
Individuals with Basic MEMS certificates will have an operational understanding of the principles of emergency management, including mitigation, preparedness, emergency response and recovery with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively work within a comprehensive emergency management operation. Those with Senior and Master level certificates will be able to lead and plan incident response efforts of increasing complexity. The blue MEMS flash is awarded to those who have been activated or mobilized for a disaster, declared emergency, or major event requiring the activation of the Incident Command System.
The MEMS badges are awarded by the State Guard Association of the United States and are authorized for wear by MDDF members.
Awarded Senior Military Emergency Management Specialist with MEMS flash
Awarded Basic Military Emergency Management Specialist
The Adjutant General’s Special Recognition Ribbon is awarded to recognize an agency, organization, or entity that is not a numbered or lettered unit for exceptional service or achievement to the Maryland Military Department in support of its Service Members and the mission.
For outstanding unit performance in support of the COVID-19 response.
The Maryland Emergency Service Ribbon is awarded for being mobilized by the Governor of Maryland to support a declared state emergency, or mobilized under Title 32 USC to support a domestic emergency or crisis such as a natural disaster or civil unrest.
Operation Steadfast Guardian–March 15, 2020 to June 21, 2020
The State of Maryland State Service Medal is awarded to Maryland Military Department service members who have completed five good continuous years of faithful, honorable, and efficient service to the State of Maryland as a member of the Maryland Army National Guard, Maryland Air National Guard, or Maryland Defense Force.
The addition of two bronze botonees is for fifteen years of service.
The Maryland Defense Force Meritorious Service Ribbon is the highest MDDF award and is presented to any active member of the MDDF who distinguished him/herself by extraordinary distinguished service or through sustained and extraordinary service or achievement beyond the normal call of duty to the Maryland Defense Force, Maryland Military Department, or State of Maryland in a duty of great responsibility.
For sustained meritorious service in support of the Maryland National Guard Medical Detachment’s statewide COVID-19 vaccination efforts to include supporting Task Force Equity. The MDDF’s support of the vaccination clinics from January to June 2021 resulted in 8285 shots being given during Operation Steadfast Guardian II.
Recognition of outstanding acts of achievement or service that has clearly placed the individual far above their peer or superior service which results in achievement of a specific project, complex tasks, or period of sustained service which clearly warrants recognition of the individual’s achievement.
The Maryland Defense Force Humanitarian Service Ribbon is presented to any active member of the MDDF who, while under orders and in the opinion of the MDDF Commanding General, greatly distinguishes themselves by meritorious service in direct participation in any significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature as approved by the Maryland Military Department.
For supporting the MDDF’s participation in Operation Steadfast Guardian II.
The Maryland Defense Force Aid to Civil Authority Ribbon is awarded to MDDF members for being mobilized by the Commanding General, MDDF, to support a domestic emergency, crisis, or other missions as deemed appropriate.
For supporting the MDDF’s participation in Operation Steadfast Guardian II.
The Maryland Defense Force Community Emergency Response Team Ribbon will be awarded upon a MDDF member’s successful completion of an accredited local, state, or federal government sponsored CERT training program. The CERT course or program must also be certified by the MDDF-D5/7.
The Maryland Defense Force Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to encourage professional growth within the Maryland Defense Force. Awarding of this ribbon will be based on five completed courses within a member’s MDDF specialty and/or the core mission of the Maryland Defense Force.
I have received this award three times.
The Maryland Defense Force Basic Training Ribbon is awarded to recognize the successful completion of the approved MDDF Basic Training curriculum as set forth by the MDDF-G3.
To call the training curriculum “Basic Training” is not fair, as it only involved some light reading and passing a few written tests. You could do this in an afternoon, and I think I did. In 2010, the entire curriculum was revised into a more involved process called “Initial Entry Training” (IET) and this ribbon was superseded with one for the new IET process.
The State Guard Association of United States Professional Development Award is awarded to active SGAUS members who complete certain training through the organization. The first award is for completing the SGAUS Officer Basic Course and the second is for completing the SGAUS Officer Advanced Course.
This medal is awarded by the State Guard Association of the United States and is authorized for wear by MDDF members.
The Superior Unit Citation may be awarded to SGAUS members in a state guard/defense force unit that performed outstanding service in response to a riot, natural or manmade disasters, and emergencies to a degree beyond that normally expected, either for a sustained period or in a specific set circumstance. The Superior Unit Citation is given to foster unit esprit-de-corps by recognizing those units that demonstrated outstanding performance in support of the mission of SGAUS and the state guard/defense force.
The Superior Unit Citation is awarded by the State Guard Association of the United States and is authorized for wear by MDDF members.
The soldiers of the Maryland Defense Force have distinguished themselves as a force multiplier in support of the Maryland National Guard’s Operation Steadfast Guardian. While on state active duty from March 2020 to June 2020, the soldiers of the Maryland Defense Force provided critical support in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic completing all assigned tasks with efficiency and professionalism. Their selfless service and commitment to their motto “Ready when called” is indeed keeping with the finest traditions of the Maryland Defense Force and the Maryland Military Department.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is a notable honor that celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions through volunteer service within their communities and beyond. Since its establishment in 2003, the PVSA has recognized the exceptional efforts of individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to selflessly serve others. Through the PVSA, recipients are commended for their significant commitment and the number of hours they have devoted to various volunteer activities. The award is divided into different levels - bronze, silver, gold, and the prestigious President’s Lifetime Achievement Award - reflecting the recipients’ outstanding contributions and their impact on improving lives and communities. The PVSA serves as a meaningful recognition of these individuals’ dedication to creating a positive difference in the world.
The award is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in collaboration with Points of Light, an organization devoted to promoting and acknowledging volunteerism. It is not authorized for wear by MDDF members.
For calendar year 2021, bronze
The Schweizerischer Zweitagemarsch, also known as the Swiss Two Day March, is a renowned non-competitive walking event held annually in Switzerland. This event, taking place over two days, invites participants of all ages and fitness levels to embark on an invigorating journey through the picturesque Swiss countryside. The walk is divided into several routes of different distances, allowing walkers to choose a challenge that fits their abilities and endurance levels. In essence, the event is not just about walking but is a celebration of the stunning Swiss landscapes, fostering a spirit of camaraderie, and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. The Schweizerischer Zweitagemarsch embodies the joy of movement and the unity of diverse people under the shared love for nature and walking, making it a much-anticipated event in the Swiss annual calendar.
The Schweizerischer Zweitagemarsch Medal is awarded for particpating, with a silver helmet for the first award. In 2023, Chase, Ducky, and I joined up and walked with the event.
The medal is awarded by Der Verein Schweizerischer Zweitagemarsch and is not authorized for wear by MDDF members.
| Rank | Date |
|---|---|
| Captain | September 16, 2013 |
| First Lieutenant | June 20, 2011 |
| Second Lieutenant | November 21, 2006 |
Or you can download the PDF here.
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