District of Columbia DEFENSE FORCe Association

Service and Response

The District of Columbia Defense Force Association

The District of Columbia Defense Force Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation formed in 2006 to accomplish three goals:

Support the creation of a state defense force in our nation's capital.

Provide support for a state defense force for the District once it is formally established.

Operate a unit of trained, well-regulated, uniformed and unpaid volunteers serving the District in a variety of community-assistance capacities, filling what the DCDFA sees as an unmet need until an "official" District of Columbia Defense Force is created.

The DC Defense Force Association has testified before the Council of the District of Columbia's Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary regarding language to establish a defense force for the District of the type specified under 32 USC §109, the federal legislation authorizing states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories to maintain troops separate from those of their National Guards. We are hopeful that such an official defense force will be established soon.

In the meantime, the Association also has entered into a formal partnership with the District of Columbia Office of Veterans Affairs -- as permitted under Title 49 of the Code of the District of Columbia -- to serve as unpaid volunteers within the Office. Click here to read a copy of the partnership letter. The partnership is in keeping with advice from the Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard that the DCDFA should "find a home" within District government under which it could operate.

Although the DCDFA has a "home" now, it is not yet an official defense force as specified under federal law. It continues to conduct community service and response missions but also makes it clear that it is not a government entity.

Membership in the DC Defense Force Association is open to all who wish to support its efforts. Service in the DCDFA's operational unit is not required for membership in the Association, although personnel who are active in the operational unit are ex officio members of the Association by virtue of their service. Paid membership in the Association is necessary to vote on DCDFA business. Association dues are $15 and are valid for the current calendar year, regardless of when dues are paid during the year. With paid membership, Association members who serve in the DCDF receive a membership card and ribbon that can be worn on their Class A uniforms. Tax-deductible contributions to the Association, which are used solely to help underwrite the cost of its operations, also are appreciated.

To join the District of Columbia Defense Force Association, download and print out the membership form and return it with your dues payment to:

Treasurer

District of Columbia Defense Force Association

P.O. Box 474

Clinton, MD 20735

An application for membership in the District of Columbia Defense Force Association's operating unit is available by clicking here. You can download the application and print it out.

When completing the application, attach a supplemental page providing additional information if you do not have enough space to complete an answer to any of the items. Be sure to note the item to which you are responding (e.g., civilian schools, military service) on the supplemental page.

When completed and signed, you should submit the application along with any explanatory documentation (such as a photocopy of your GED, high school or college diploma, certificates from training courses or military form DD-214) to:

District of Columbia Defense Force

P.O. Box 474

Clinton, MD 20735

For additional information, contact our Recruiting NCO:

1SG Delonte Whitmire

Phone 202-905-3805

RecruitingNCO@dcdefenseforce.org