since the militia act of 1903, many states have created and maintained a reserve military force known as state defense forces (some states refer to them as state military reserve, state guard, or foot guard). they were created to assist, support and augment national guard forces during peacetime conditions. also during the call up of national guard forces for wartime deployments, state defense forces can be used to assume the full military responsibilities of the state. their mission includes the defense of the state and the enforcement of military orders when ordered by their governor.