Posted on 12/19/2004 1:39:34 PM PST by SmithL
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed two new laws extending fringe benefits to members of the California Naval Militia, but here's the catch: No such agency exists.
SB 1322 promises educational incentives and SB 1193 guarantees a $10,000 death benefit tied to service in the naval militia. Don't bother inquiring - you're not eligible.
But that could change soon.
The legislation, effective New Year's Day, is setting the stage for a future branch of the state Military Department that would have dual state and federal status like the California National Guard.
While the National Guard's members are affiliates of the U.S. Army and Air Force, however, the California Naval Militia would be reserves from the Navy, Marine Corps and, to a lesser extent, from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Extensive deployment of National Guard troops to Iraq, coupled with the potential for local terrorism, has increased momentum to create a new federally trained force that could be activated quickly in a state emergency.
Plans for the naval militia do not envision a fighting force, but no decision has been made on whether members ever would bear arms, officials said.
The militia could help patrol the state's hundreds of miles of shoreline or its several dozen ports and harbors, if asked. It also could provide special skills - such as underwater diving - that might not be readily available elsewhere.
"I think it's an outstanding idea," said state Brig. Gen. Thomas Swidler, head of the State Military Reserve, which has extensively researched the concept. "It fills in a gap, gives us resources we don't currently have. And it's tremendously effective from a cost viewpoint."
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
So do members of the naval militia get to 'keep and bear arms' the rest of the subjects of CA can't?
It wasn't always this way though . . . 
Here's the full and official description of the uniform for members of the California Home Guard, and is the same as that adopted by the Home Guard Companies in
the East:
Dark GRAY Montana Peak Wool Hat with white and green cord.
Service Coat of Dark Gray cotton material, same pattern as that for enlisted men in the regular service, with bronze metal State buttons, bronze collar ornaments. Special design of chevrons for Non-Commissioned Officers.
Service Breeches of same material as the coat, cut same as the regular service breeches, with lace fastening at the bottom.
Canvas Puttee Leggings of Dark Gray, same pattern as those of the regular service. On the front of the HAT, the number of the company in bronze metal.
All officers wear the "black and gold" hat cord-no number on the front of the hat.
Collar ornaments are of bronze metal, with the addition of the bronze metal cross rifles.
Shoulder ornaments are as follows: Colonel, three silver metal diamonds on each shoulder. Lieutenant Colonel, two silver metal diamonds on each shoulder. Major gilt metal diamond on each shoulder. Captain, three silver or gilt metal discs; 1st Lieutenant, two discs, and 2d Lieutenant, one metal disc. All officers wear the regulation U. S. Army leather puttee. The regulation U. S. Army saber and Garrison Web belt are also worn. Leather saber knot. The original colored plate of this uniform as adopted is at the Headquarters of the First Regiment.
Not likely. BUT, it could happen. Notice any unusual dock construction in California?
Texas lost its naval militia, such as it was, following World War I. From a Texas National Guard Historical Sketch for WWI:
The Texas National Guard was organized as a reinforced brigade, consisting of three regiments of infantry, one squadron of cavalry, two batteries of field artillery, two engineer companies and field hospital. The Guard's strength was 216 officers and 4,689 enlisted men. The Texas Naval Militia was organized as a battalion, consisting of two deck divisions and a section of engineers and marines, with a strength of 11 officers and 145 enlisted men. [ . . . ] The governor's personal staff, state headquarters, brigade headquarters, Second, Third and Fourth Infantry Regiments, Cavalry Squadron, Medical Department (Medical Corps, Medical Reserve Corps, Field Hospital, Dental Surgeons) were called into Federal service April 1, 1917, the entire Texas Naval Militia, composed of the Houston and Galveston companies, was mustered into Federal service, leaving the State of Texas without a naval militia.
Unfortunately, Texas never got around to reorganizing its Naval Militia, but I think one or two other states have.
I was kinda wondering if this was some Schwarzenegger scam to get some benefits for his yachting buddies. Maybe Uncle Ted put him up to it? Or J Effin' Kerry wanted to come out there and take charge of some California Swift Boat Squadron?
Suddenly I have a gross image of a "San Francisco Class" submarine. Ugly thought, go away!
Brought immediately to mind that old joke, what's long and hard and full of...
ROFLMAO.
The incorporation of the State Miltias into the federally controlled National Guard was just another big step to destroy what was left of state's rights. Direct election of Senators was another.
...seamen?
You got it. And ne'er would it be so true as in the CNR Submarine, San Francisco. "Man the torpedo tubes" and "Up periscope" would take on a whole new meaning. :)
Um, thailors? Did thomeone thay thailors?!
I'm sorry. I'm in a politically incorrect mood and I keep wanting to make San Francisco the butt of gay jokes.
Don't put it all down to mood. The way you were reared has something to do with it. And did your family stand behind you? Of course, there's also the issue of your background, too. That can buttress your feelings on the issue. :)
Can't say I disagree.
But, on the other hand, had the Volunteer Guard not had the good fortune to be reorganized as the National Guard, I doubt any state could afford to equip and train its militia according to the standards set by Congress under the Constitution. Even with lopsided federalism tilting in favor of the federal government, the arrangement seems to work rather well. It is just impossible to consider going back to a system where the States answer federal levies by providing militia as United States Volunteers.
Well, I have been known to engage in a double entendre, sometimes even a triple entendre.
They could if Congress didn't suck up so much tax money. After the money comes from the taxpayers of the several states in the first place.
Hard to argue against that. It is pretty much self-evident.
But, here is an example which eases into a point I might make.
Some years ago I attended a Texas Adjutant General's Department presentation before the House Higher Education Committee. This was when Irma Rangel was still living and chaired the committee.
A number of Texas Army and Air National Guard personnel appeared in support of a sponsored bill which would expand state education benefits under Hazelwood to include the Guard.
After the military completed their presentation and answered questions, a Texas State Teachers' Association representative rose and spoke against the bill. The reason? It would siphon off money needed for public education. Translation? The teachers wanted a pay and benefits increase. They were frightened the Guard would suck off the money.
Consequently, a military education and benefits bill sponsored by a half dozen Texas Representatives was referred to a subcommittee where it promptly died. The teachers union had more political clout. The Guard, their organized State militia, was less important.
State by state, can you imagine what would happen in legislatures where these kinds of interests clash every day they are in session? It would not be a pretty sight. I'm sure our soldiers and airmen would soon look pretty much like the picture you see in post #4.
"Suddenly I have a gross image of a 'San Francisco Class' submarine. Ugly thought, go away!"
You, sir, are one SICK individual! Of course, you obviously noticed that yourself, too. ;)
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