As a long time former member of the Ohio Military Reserve, I would like to give everyone a true picture of the of the state of the militas in Ohio.
I joined the OMR when it was known as the Ohio Denfence Force. I served the orginization for two years before leaving for active duty with the U.S. Army. On my return, I rejoined the infantry company that I had left four years prior. I greatly enjoyed serving with these men mainly because they all were volunteers unlike the army or NG at that time.
Our company was organized on a cadre strength level consisting of 48 men. We had only 16 in the company and were encouraged to do recruiting by the battalion commander. Fortunately, my civilian job allow for many days to be spent doing just that. Over a period of about four months the company commander and I had reached our recruiting numbers. We were at full strength!
Our next big task was to train the new men where as many were not prior military. Some basic things could be done in the armory on drill nights but we needed to have field training as well. A training schedule was devised and the process was started.
On the drill floor, the senior NCO's directed squad battle drills and small unit tactics. Slowly we were becoming infantry.
It was made very clear to everyone that the OMR had no NG or army support...no supplies...no weapons... no ammo. Nothing! But traditionly, the militia has supported itself. Luckily, there is a material disposal center nearby so the company commander and I took an afternoon and went to purchase some basic equipment. We bought in large lots to be assured of having enough repairable gear for the company.
These are the good memories of my service in the milita. There are ugly memories as well but this is not the forum for that. Mission changes, poor leadership especially at the top, media bias and public attitude has made the OMR a shadow of a once good orgaization.