New Jersey State Guard
These additional forces were given official legislative recognition in 1918, and by 30 June 1918, consisted of 84 units of Home Guard, with a total strength of 6,420 men.[3] During World War II, the State Guard was charged primarily with the protection of vital installations, such as bridges, reservoirs, and power plants.[4] The turnover rate was extremely high; between 1 January 1942 and 30 April 1943, the State Guard, which had an authorized strength of 2,100, lost 946 members to the draft.[6] Ultimately, Governor Alfred E. Driscoll eventually ordered racial integration within the New Jersey State Guard.[9] Under New Jersey law, the New Jersey State Guard as a part of the organized militia may be organized, maintained and disbanded at the discretion of the Governor at any time when additional defense forces are required and such action is not prohibited by Federal and State laws and regulations.