Fort George G. Meade: The First 100 Years

Soldiers with Red Nameplates
THE EIGHTIES AND NINETIES
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Today, it’s just an unimpressive tree- and shrub-covered lot
at the intersection of Chamberlin Avenue and 6th Street.
But some two decades ago, T-384–a typical “temporary”
two-story WWII-vintage wooden barracks–stood on this
spot. Post residents and visitors may have noticed some
distinctly “old” soldiers hovering around T-384, wearing
old-style green fatigues, or “Class As” sporting red, rather
than black, plastic nameplates. The curious observers
probably didn’t recognize Maryland State Guardsmen on
break from a training session.
A bit of background is in order. Like most other states,
Maryland created a State Defense Force to serve in the
absence of its National Guard in both World Wars. During
1917–1920 and 1941–1947, this force was designated
Maryland State Guard. In WWII, the MDSG held its
annual summer training encampments at Fort Meade.
With the advent of the “Total Force” doctrine and short-
By Merle T. Cole
notice activation of National Guard units, many states
reestablished their SDFs. Maryland did so on July 1, 1983.
The State Guard designation was retained initially, then
changed to Maryland Defense Force in September 1988.
This all-volunteer force attracted a wide range of
men and women–from retired “lifers” to those having
zero military experience. Lt. Cols. Bob Cook and Bill
Gillette of the 2 nd (Chesapeake) Brigade headquarters
in Annapolis strongly believed a minimal degree of
commonality was essential for a competent force. They
developed a 40-hour Basic Orientation Course aimed
primarily at non-prior service personnel, but which
veterans could attend as a “refresher.” The two colonels
arranged for instructors from First Army, Army National
Guard, Army Reserve and the State Guard itself. Topics
included school of the soldier, MDSG missions and
organization, American military history, military law,