I get your meaning, but I think you might have overstated your case a little bit. You are correct insofar as State Guards are generally not on the same level of proficiency or preparedness as National Guard or Fed forces. However, they are still military, if only State military. And in my state, if you were a National Guardsman on a joint exercise with the State Guard, and you failed to render proper respect to State Guardsmen who were senior to you, you would be in trouble. Remember: many if not most State Guard members are retired from Fed service or National Guard, and such State Guard members have a LOT of experience.
*”State Guards are generally not on the same level of proficiency or preparedness as National Guard or Fed forces.”*
Are you kidding? They aren’t anything like combat forces, enlist at 70 years old, and you need a valid driver’s license?
Here is Texas for instance.
ENLISTMENT REQUIREMENTS
-Resident of Texas or enrolled student
-Age 17 to 70
-Reasonable Good Health
-Pass criminal background check
-Valid Texas Drivers License
-Prior Military Service NOT required
-If Prior Service - Honorable discharge required
-Helpful skill sets: JAG/Military experienced Attorneys, Rescue, Medical [Doctors, Nurses, Dentist, Dental Asst., Paramedics, EMT], Civil Affairs, Chaplain, Communications, IT, CPA, Education, Historian
-No educational requirement for enlistment
Again, I can only speak for Texas. State guard has no authority over the national guard or reserves.
A private in the reserves outranks a general in the state guard.
We saw a few former soldiers in the state guard who took it seriously. Most others I wouldn’t have trusted with a radio.