Alaska State Defense Force The Alaska State Defense Force ( ASDF ) is the state defense force of Alaska . It is one of 23 such forces in the U . S . states . The Alaska State Defense Force is the successor of the Alaska Territorial Guard founded during World War II . After the war ended and Alaska became a state in 1959 , the Territorial Guard was disbanded but was replaced by a state militia established by state statute . In 1984 , the Alaska State Guard was formed ; it was renamed in 1987 as the Alaska State Defense Force . In 2004 , the name 49th Military Police Brigade ( 49th MP BDE ) was also adopted for it . A later realignment of the command ' s structure has utilized the new designation of 49th Readiness Brigade ( Separate ) , but the unit is still mainly known as the Alaska State Defense Force . The Alaska State Defense Force is administered under the state Department of Veterans Affairs , but is headed by a commander who reports directly to the governor of Alaska , who acts as commander - in - chief of the state defense force . Mission . The mission of the Alaska State Defense Force ( ASDF ) is to maintain an organized , trained military force capable of timely and effective response to state emergencies , or , on other occasions deemed appropriate by the Governor , to provide military assistance to civil and military authorities in the preservation of life , property , and public safety . Alaska state statute AS 26 . 05 . 010 established the Alaska Militia . It declares : " The militia of the state [ of Alaska ] consists of all able - bodied citizens of the United States and all other able - bodied persons who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States , who reside in the state [ of Alaska ] , who are at least 17 years of age , and who are eligible for military service under the laws of the United States or this state [ of Alaska ] . " The ASDF is constituted as a cadre of experienced officers and enlisted personnel which is ready to organize the entire population , if need be . This is a historical entry . " The ASDF structure was primarily composed of military police units . The units operated with mostly state certified constables under the Alaska Police Standards Council . By statute , the Alaska State Defense Force must be made up of no less than 75 percent former military personnel . " The current structure of the ASDF is as a Readiness Brigade with readines battalions . The MP function is in abeyance until needed by the Adjutant General for Alaska . The ASDF benefits from the experience of its personnel . Many of them have technical skills in such areas as medicine , communications and logistics . It is a volunteer force which contains the skills necessary for operations in time of disaster . ASDF has conducted joint operations with local city and state agencies as well as federal entities , including the U . S . military as well as government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation , United States Department of Homeland Security , and the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives , depending who you ask . Some reluctance to activate ASDF units originates from liabilities associated with use of firearms by persons who may not have passed psych exams , or other standard to law enforcement minimum requirements . The use of Constable status as a vehicle to avoid current law enforcement standards may be viewed as a legal loophole , more than a legitimate status . The unit wears United States Army uniforms in accordance with the AR 670 - 1 . In the past . . . " The battalion s below the Headquarters Element include a medical detachment , waterborne operators , and an aviation detachment . " The ASDF has its own academy in which individuals are brought up to State training standards to be Constables . The headgear worn varies on mission requirements . " " Currently . . . The 49th Readiness Brigade Alaska State Defense Force consists of a Brigade Headquarters , three regional Commands ( North , Central and Southern ) and various Battalions within each Area Command . For example the Northern Area Command consists of the 3rd Battalion ( Fairbanks ) and the 5th Battalion ( Delta Junction ) and so on . Unlike most of the state defense forces in the United States , the soldiers train and certify with firearms showing proficiency to carry firearms when activated . The unit missions to date have included Operation Winter Talon , avalanche rescue , Kenai Peninsula floods and the Big Lake fire . ASDF members have worked at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race restarts . Some members have been detailed to work with the Alaska Railroad police as well as local police departments . Government support . Issues of funding , mission and the bearing of arms are listed among common complaints and stumbling blocks associated with unit effectiveness . ASDF , when colocated with the Alaska National Guard , was careful to never utilize federal resources to accomplish its mission . Now , with their own buildings and equipment , they are the most autonomous of SDFs .