Ohio Defense Force

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 military of Ohio, which consists of the Ohio National Guard, the Ohio Naval Militia, and the Ohio Military Reserve.[2] Rather, it is organized, led, and staffed by private citizens.

This article is about the privately-organized militia in Ohio. For the state defense force of Ohio, see Ohio Military Reserve.
Ohio Defense Force
AbbreviationODF
Formation1989
Typeprivate non-governmental paramilitary militia
Location
Membership
300 (claimed by ODF)[1]
Key people
William B. Alexander (founder)

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]

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 let deputies attend to other duties.[4]

Mission

The duties of the Ohio Defense Force are:[5]

  • 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.

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] The ODF claims it has 300 active members statewide.[1]

Battalions of the Ohio Defense Force[6]
Battalion Location
1st Battalion Southeast Ohio
3rd Battalion Northeast Ohio
4th Battalion Northwest Ohio
5th Battalion Southwest Ohio

Equipment

The Ohio Defense Force infantry 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]

The Ohio Defense Force (Recon) D company, ODF's special forces company, uses the Battle Dress Uniform with asian tiger-style boonie hat. Recon specialized training includes reconnaissance, scout/sniper, combat tracking and small arms.

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References
  1. Gellman, Barton (September 30, 2010). "The Secret World of Extreme Militias". Time. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  2. "Chapter 5923: ORGANIZED MILITIA". State of Ohio. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  3. "History". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  4. Ewinger, James (April 4, 2009). "Planned Home Guard militia training in Geauga County prompts concerns from neighbors". cleveland.com. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  5. "Constitution". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  6. "Ohio Defense Force". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  7. "ODF Signal Corps/Communications". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  8. "ODF Security". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  9. "Required Equipment List". Ohio Defense Force Official Website. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
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