Minnesota State Guard
| Minnesota State Guard | |
|---|---|
The shoulder patch worn on the Minnesota State Guard uniform during World War II. | |
| Active | 1941-1948 |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | Minnesota |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | State defense force |
| Role | Military reserve force |
| Size | 6,100 (1942) |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Governor of Minnesota |
The Minnesota State Guard, previously known as the Minnesota Defense Force, is the currently inactive state defense force of the state of Minnesota. The State Guard was organized with the purpose of replacing the Minnesota National Guard in protecting the state of Minnesota, while the National Guard was federalized and deployed during World War II. The State Guard is authorized under Minnesota law and is recognized as a component of the organized militia of Minnesota, along with the Minnesota National Guard.