Kansas State Guard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kansas State Guard |
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Kansas State Guard insignia.
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| Active | 1941–1948 |
| Country |  United States |
| Allegiance |  Kansas |
| Branch | Army |
| Type |  State defense force |
| Role | Military reserve force |
| Size | 1,300 (approximately) |
| Garrison/HQ | Topeka, KS |
| Commanders | |
| State Military Leadership | Brigadier General Milton R. McLean Adjutant General of Kansas during World War II Colonel Charles H. Browne Sr. Commander of the Kansas State Guard during World War II |
The Kansas State Guard was a special military group in Kansas. It was created to protect the state when the regular Kansas National Guard was away fighting in big wars. This happened during both World War I and World War II.
When the National Guard was called into federal service (meaning the U.S. government took control of them for national defense), Kansas needed its own force. The State Guard's job was to keep order, protect important places, and help out in emergencies. Unlike the National Guard, the State Guard could not be sent to fight outside of Kansas. The state of Kansas paid for and equipped this force. Kansas law still allows for a State Guard, and there have been talks about bringing it back.
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Early Kansas Military Groups
Before 1903, each state had its own local military groups called militias. These militias helped the main U.S. military during wartime. In 1903, these state militias became part of the United States National Guard.
Kansas Territorial Militia
When Kansas first opened for settlement in 1854, there was a lot of fighting. People disagreed strongly about whether Kansas should allow slavery. The first official Kansas militia was formed because of these conflicts.
This militia was mostly made up of people from Missouri who supported slavery. They were called to deal with anti-slavery activists in Lawrence, Kansas. Anti-slavery groups formed their own militias to protect the town. This tense situation, known as the Wakarusa War, ended peacefully with a treaty.
Later, the Kansas Territorial Militia was called again based on false rumors. Once more, many members were pro-slavery Missourians. A new governor arrived and ordered all militias to disband. Before the American Civil War, official Kansas militias tried to include both sides.
Kansas Volunteers in the Spanish–American War
During the Spanish–American War, Kansas organized four groups of volunteers. The 23rd Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment went to Cuba. The 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment went to the Philippines. They helped put down local rebellions there. The other two regiments, the 21st and 22nd, stayed in the United States.
Local Home Guard Units
During World War I, it became clear that the National Guard would be sent overseas. This meant Kansas would not have its usual protectors. So, cities and counties started their own local "home guard" units.
These groups were not officially part of the state military. They could only operate within their own city or county. This limited how useful they could be. On February 15, 1918, these local home guards were replaced. The official Kansas State Guard was created instead.
Kansas State Guard in World War I
The Kansas State Guard was officially formed on February 15, 1918. It took over from the local home guard units. The Guard trained every week. They protected important businesses and buildings throughout the war.
Who Could Join?
At first, the State Guard was supposed to have strict fitness rules, like the National Guard. But the final rules were simpler. Anyone who was a U.S. citizen and over eighteen years old could join. There was no limit on how many units could be created.
Weapons Used
The U.S. government had extra Mosin–Nagant rifles. These rifles were originally ordered by Russia but never delivered. The government offered these extra rifles to states for their state guards. Kansas asked for and received 1,273 of these rifles. They also got a lot of ammunition. After the war, on April 30, 1919, these weapons were returned to the federal government.
When It Ended
After the war ended, National Guard units started coming back home. The Kansas State Guard was officially stopped on October 15, 1919.
Kansas State Guard in World War II
The Kansas National Guard was called into federal service on December 23, 1940. Because of this, the Kansas Legislature passed a law on April 15, 1941. This law allowed the Kansas State Guard to start up again. They were allowed to recruit one infantry regiment with up to thirty-three companies.
Who Could Join?
Members had to be between twenty-one and fifty years old. Older people could be officers. Men who might be drafted into the federal military were not actively recruited. Most members were veterans from World War I or former National Guard members. People with military training from college programs also joined.
Even though many members had military experience, enlisted members trained often with weapons. Officers had to complete a special training course in Topeka.
Uniforms and Equipment
The State Military Board was in charge of providing uniforms. To avoid using the same uniforms as the federal military, state defense forces chose different colors. The Kansas State Guard had a khaki uniform for summer. They wore a green uniform in winter.
Just like in World War I, the federal government provided extra rifles. But this time, there was a shortage of rifles for U.S. allies. So, these rifles were taken back. The Kansas State Guard was given shotguns instead. Some veteran groups lent the Guard a few rifles. But most companies had thirty-eight shotguns and two Thompson submachine guns.
When They Were Called to Action
Besides their regular patrols and drills, some companies helped with flood recovery. Companies from Dodge City, Garden City, and Great Bend were activated. They helped after floods along the Arkansas River forced hundreds of people from their homes.
When It Ended
The Kansas State Guard did not stop immediately after World War II. However, the regiment held its last drill on June 30, 1948.
Efforts to Bring It Back
Under U.S. federal law, any state can have its own state defense force. About half of the states do. In 2007, a bill was proposed in the Kansas Legislature to bring back an active Kansas State Defense Force. The bill did not pass. In 2018, Kansas state senator Dennis Pyle, who proposed the 2007 bill, asked the Governor of Kansas to reactivate the Kansas State Guard. He suggested it could help provide extra security for schools.
