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Joining a Naval Militia

Federal law allows for states to form Naval Militias. These arereserve organizations under the authority of a state government, usually composed of Navy and Marine Corps reservists and volunteers.

Thirteen state Naval Militias formed the original Naval Reserve in the late 19th century. When Congress formally created the Naval Reserve in 1915, it decided not to disband the Naval Militias. Now, in light of new homeland security initiatives, there is renewed interest in state militias.

To be federally recognized as a Naval Militia, 95 percent of the members also must be in the Navy or Marine Corps Reserve. If militia members are not federally mobilized, a state governor can call them up. This makes them eligible for state benefits, such as tuition assistance.

Alaska, California, New Jersey, Ohio and New York currently have active Naval Militias.