S.C. State Guard

S.C. State Guard The official page of the S.C. State Guard (SCSG), a paid professional component of the S.C. Gen. Nathanael Greene.

Military Department under the command of the Governor of South Carolina. The State Guard enjoys a rich history that stretches back to the volunteer citizen-militia which was formed at Charles Towne with the first settlers in 1670. Starting in 1775 during the war with Great Britain Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion acted with Continental Army and South Carolina militia commissions, Due to his irregular me

thods of warfare, he is considered one of the fathers of modern guerrilla warfare, and is credited in the lineage of the United States Army Rangers. Commanded by the naval component of the State Guard, the frigate South Carolina captured tons of gunpowder from the British to supply the state and Continental Armies in the early stages of the war. Under the command of Revolutionary War Commanders such as Francis Marion, Andrew Pickens, Thomas Sumter and William Washington South Carolina State Guard forces recaptured the South from British occupation in concert with the Continental Army led by Maj. In the early 1800s, State Guard troops were instrumental in defeating the Spanish and securing Florida and they served with distinction in the War with Mexico and the Spanish–American War. In 1940, the war in Europe raised the possibility of a mobilized National Guard deploying, leaving no military force at home, so Congress again passed legislation allowing the establishment of state defense forces. The South Carolina Defense Force (SCDF) was quickly organized and by July 2, 1941 numbered 191 officers and 3,060 enlisted men. Among the officers was Strom Thurmond, then a second lieutenant in Company L (Edgefield), 3d Battalion, 1st Regiment. The mission of the SCDF—renamed the South Carolina State Guard (SCSG) in January 1944—was to defend against invasion along the South Carolina coast and assist local officials in providing internal security, including search and rescue. While invasion by sea was unlikely, there was a fear that German submarines might land saboteurs. The SCDF was tasked with holding off enemy forces until troops could be brought in from Fort Jackson. Occasionally they were called out to provide security for crashed aircraft or after a natural disaster. The last known wartime unit, Company E (Greenville), 2d Battalion, 2d Regiment, was mustered out on 8 August 1947.

Hurricane season is coming, and preparation starts NOW. South Carolina’s coast and inland areas can all be impacted. Mak...
06/01/2026

Hurricane season is coming, and preparation starts NOW. South Carolina’s coast and inland areas can all be impacted. Make this the year you get ahead of the storm.

Closing Message As Military Appreciation Month concludes, we salute every SCSG soldier who stands trained, ready, and co...
05/30/2026

Closing Message

As Military Appreciation Month concludes, we salute every SCSG soldier who stands trained, ready, and committed to South Carolina.

Why Military Appreciation Month Matters We honor all who serve—past and present—and reaffirm our commitment to readiness...
05/29/2026

Why Military Appreciation Month Matters

We honor all who serve—past and present—and reaffirm our commitment to readiness.

Hurricane season is coming and preparation starts NOW. South Carolina’s coast and inland areas can all be impacted. Mak...
05/29/2026

Hurricane season is coming and preparation starts NOW. South Carolina’s coast and inland areas can all be impacted. Make this the year you get ahead of the storm.

Modern Missions From hurricanes to pandemics, SCSG continues to support statewide emergency operations.
05/28/2026

Modern Missions

From hurricanes to pandemics, SCSG continues to support statewide emergency operations.

The South Carolina State Guard mourns the passing of SSG Andrew “Andy” Paul Jensen, Date of Rank 1 May 2026, who passed ...
05/27/2026

The South Carolina State Guard mourns the passing of SSG Andrew “Andy” Paul Jensen, Date of Rank 1 May 2026, who passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, surrounded by his family.

A proud U.S. Air Force veteran and recipient of the Airman’s Medal, Andy joined the South Carolina State Guard in December 2024, serving with the Provost Marshal Command and Division G1.

SSG Jensen was an avid fisherman, a competitive pistol shooter, a pool player, a google master, an animal whisperer, and a collector of dragons. He was an active participant as the guard in the Elgin VFW Auxiliary.

Known for his gift of gab and dedication to others, he will be deeply missed by all who served alongside him. Rest easy SSG. The South Carolina State Guard will always remember you.

Community Commitment SCSG soldiers share a passion for service and a commitment to fellow South Carolinians.
05/27/2026

Community Commitment

SCSG soldiers share a passion for service and a commitment to fellow South Carolinians.

History Spotlight: Francis Marion Leaders like Francis Marion shaped the early militia tradition that evolved into today...
05/26/2026

History Spotlight: Francis Marion

Leaders like Francis Marion shaped the early militia tradition that evolved into today’s SCSG.

Logistics & Sustainment Support Behind every mission is a logistics team ensuring supplies, equipment, and personnel get...
05/25/2026

Logistics & Sustainment Support

Behind every mission is a logistics team ensuring supplies, equipment, and personnel get where they’re needed. From staging areas to distribution hubs, SCSG logistics keeps operations moving statewide.

Address

551 Granby Lane
Columbia, SC
29201

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when S.C. State Guard posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to S.C. State Guard:

Shortcuts

Share

Category