In this episode clip from our latest episode of Scuttlebutt, we delve into whether State Defense Forces should deploy overseas to assist and augment National Guard units facing personnel shortages. Drawing on historical examples, such as the Maryland Defense Force’s deployment alongside the Maryland Air National Guard to Bosnia on a medical and humanitarian mission, we explore the potential for State Defense Forces to expand their roles. Similarly, we discuss how the Coast Guard Auxiliary already augments active-duty Coast Guard cutter crews, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating auxiliary forces into critical missions. Should State Defense Forces take on more operations like Maryland’s humanitarian deployment? Could they provide similar support in other capacities, both domestically and internationally?