The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1942-03-06
RESERVE MILITIA UNITS
PLANNED
Will Be On Voluntary Basis And
Distinct From Present
State Guard


dent Roosevelt and Secretary of War
Stimson that enemy attacks could
be expected along the Atlantic
Coastline, Governor Herbert r.
O'Conor made known today plans
for reserve militia units for added
State defense.
These reserve units will be en-
tirely separate from the present
State Guard, the Governor an
nounced, but final details of or
ganization were deferred pending
further conferences with United
States Army officials in this area.
at is my belief that the people
of Maryland are determined to have
a strong organization for civilian
defense and our citizens will sup
port every well-considered step
which will make for the safety and
security of the State. Marylanders
in this emergency, as in every pre-
vious crises in the Nations history,
are united in the effort to provide
every protective force that is neces-
sary under prevailing conditions.
''Under our State Constitution and
Laws, ample authority is found for
the organization of a sizeable
State Militia. The responsibility
rests upon the Governor to prepare
and call the militia to a reserve
military status, in order to be ready
for such service as our men can
render in protection of the lives and
properties of our citizens and for the
preservation Of our State and Ma
tional freedoms.
Elm the past several days I have
held differences with military Off
Gals of the Federal and State Gov
ernments. The action which / in
tend to take meets with their ap-
prevail and / have made clear that
am determined it shall be UNDER
taken with the active assistance of
the War Department.
Il plan to enroll and organize in
reserve militia units a large num-
Der of Maryland men who are avail
able for such services. A sufficient
number will volunteer, I believe,
and the plan will be undertaken, at
the outset, on a purely voluntary
basis.
"The War Department" the
Governor continued, will be asked
to give us such arms and equip
ment as can be spared from the pri-
mary requirement of supplying the
regular Army. In this connection I
might state that the Federal Gov
eminent has already been most
liberal in giving such assistance to
the Maryland State Guard, for
which l give thanks to Major Cen
eral Milton A. Rockford and to his
predecessor Commanders of the Third
Corps Area.
"The reserve militia units could
drill in the evenings and get rifle
range training over weekends and on
holidays, and thus not disrupt their
regular work for defense or daily
lives unless a greater emergency de-
veloped in which event their lives
and work will necessarily be disor-
ganized.
''In this plan 1 am entirely mind
full that there are living in Mary
land today thousands of men who
had considerable military training
including actual combat experience
in 1917 and 1918. They are still
able and willing to join in organic
ing these reserve militia units and
to stand in defense of their homes
should that requirement develop.
This is one of the times in Amer
lean history when it seems vitality
important and entirely appropriate
that the coastal states should arm
their citizens to the fullest extent
that caution requires and that the
means at hand allow. Further de-
tails of the organization will be
made public after additional con-
ferences are held with Army officers
who will be consulted about all
phases of the situation. Nothing will
be left undone to afford necessary
protection for our people, as the
Federal officials have informed me of
the dangers which confront the
Maryland people, situated as we are