LD...
A great set of words, sir.
Well, folks, some reality is setting in, having read each and every reply... let me try to write properly:
Most of us admit our shortcomings - physical mainly - yet are willing to give credence to what might be "The Last Hurrah". Reality, probably, is that we'd not be called/recalled unless there were a dire need and if that be there would probably be a draft first of younger folks - particularly as the multi-generational aspect rises as a truth.
We here have seen and read that a good percentage of responders say "Yes" with "Possibly" second (all thus far, at least). And we are a microcosm of the national population (who haven't read this thread). I'd say that there are many - more or less in our physical state(s) who would muster.
So - if the manpower (ladies, too) is there, and we won't really expect a call, then what can we do and why should we do it?
After 9/11, in looking for a "place", I learned that there was a congressionally charted program known as the State Defense Force (SDF). This was to provide services within the state such as the National Guard does. When a state's Guard is called to Federal service, the SDF's a purely volunteer effort organized primarily as the Army method - Battalions, Companies, and such take over the security for Guard facilities and equipment. They also participate in natural disaster functions. The state's Governor is the SDF's CinC, and usually headed by an appointed General Officer of some rank. Since I'm in Virginia, I find that older former military are usually welcome, though my 71 precludes my volunteering.
This is one area those interested might serve in some way. A Google search on the string "State Defense Force" (no quotes), will show many state SDF hits - several pages, actually.
Soon after 9/11 - and after learning of the SDF world I wrote an "anti" piece in response to a former Marine officer who in a local Op-Ed recommended "A Sixth Armed Service". My issue was that the Unorganized Militia was already the legal entity to handle such chores as facilities security (airports, marine terminals, power plants, water works, schools, etc.) I guess much of that thinking in late '01 was - more or less - taken over by the Dept of Homeland Defense. (I didn't offer my piece to the paper as time and events were changing as I wrote, so to speak.)
I am very concerned that we - with the many millions going to first responders (and in VA money has been received) - aren't prepared for the general mayhem that chemical/bio/bomb attacks would bring. I see no way to stop - 100% - any and all efforts by these really BG's to cause their mischief. It may very well be that the state/local effort is strong; I just don't see "people" taking the danger seriously, even with the lastest news from Jordan where a group in possession of some nasty chems were planning something there against embassies, etc. that could have meant 20,000 deaths. And gas is one thing, bio is another - a few drops of "X" in a reservoir could create something worse.
Well, I digress. We could support the SDF's in some way... we could ask our first responders where we could serve, but I think most of those levels are at work. Where I see no work is in the neighborhoods. I ventured to my homeowner assocation president eight months ago a "neighborhood security" concept that goes well beyond the so-called Neighborhood Watch program that is the norm in many communities. I guess the assoc "leaders" are more involved with the pool, the park; with recruiting Architectural Committee members to prowl the area for infractions, the fees - and trying to find A neighborhood Watch captain who'd serve more than 30 days. No joy in Mudville... yet!
But I do believe the neighborhood security carried across the city would be a useful first-first responder more eyes, ears and feet. Still working on it.
Enough of me.
-Andy
