Welcome to the home of the Ohio Defense Force Home Guard.
If you’re interested in joining us, or just stopping by to see what we’re all about, just click on the “Contact Us” button at the top of the page to get started.
The link will take you to a list of recruiters in each battalion area. There’s a handy map to give you an idea of how we’re organized across the state, but it’s really just a guideline. Anyone can serve in any battalion they choose as long as they are willing to travel to the training area of that battalion. For example, if you live in Cleveland in the 3rd Battalion area, but want to train at State Headquarters, you would contact the 1st Battalion recruiter. If you’re not sure, just contact any one of the recruiters on the list, and they will help you figure things out.
We do have some rules about who can join, in no particular order.
First off, you should be a citizen of the United States of America and be at least 17 years old, but we do allow younger members with parents’ permission. Contact a recruiter for the details. There is no upper age limit, and we will be happy to find (or make) a slot for anyone with physical disabilities.
Second, since we train with live weapons, you can not have any legal disability that would prevent you from owning a firearm, such as a felony conviction or domestic violence conviction.
Third, we can not accept anyone that’s a member of any group that has anything to do with the overthrow of the government or a member or supporter of a terrorist organization. That includes the KKK, Black Panthers, ISIS, etc…
ODF Membership Dues are $120 per year, and can be paid monthly, bi annually or yearly depending on your situation after joining the Organization. These dues are used to help pay for our operating costs, building maintenance, and property improvements. We are an ALL VOLUNTEER organization.
In order to go Active Reserves or Reserves, a person is required to have a minimum of TWO full years of active service with the ODF and be approved by COL Goldsmith.
Active Reserve, is for those due paying members that can only attend drill a few times of the year. This can be for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to, work, family issues or injury, but are still able to attend drill . So if you are a member of the ODF and can attend drills when convenient for you, contact COL Goldsmith (CO HQ ODF) or MAJ Lester (XO HQ ODF) to be added to the Active Reserve.
Reserve List, is for members of the ODF that can not attend drill for unforeseen reasons. These include, but not limited to, work, family issues or injury. You will be placed on the Reserve List and still kept on the roster. You will be placed in the 2nd BN as a reserve member.
If you are on the ODF Reserve List, Active Reserve or a former member and would like to visit Camp Alexander, look in on us or to train with us, please contact either of the following:
Contact:
Fill out the form from the link below.
Or email.