Maryland Defense Force (MDDF)

Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) The MDDF is the State Defense Force of Maryland and a component of the Maryland Military Department.

The Maryland Defense Force is a volunteer uniformed state military agency and one of the four components of the Maryland Military Department. Formally established by the Maryland legislature in 1917, the unit's heritage and traditions trace back to the 17th century. MDDF is one of a number of State Defense Forces authorized by the U.S. Congress under Title 32 and the respective state legislatures.

While specific missions vary from state to state, the Maryland Defense Force has the primary mission of providing competent and supplemental professional, technical, and military support to the Maryland Army National Guard, the Maryland Air National Guard, and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. State Defense Forces operate under the command of the Governor, as state Commander-in-Chief, and fall under the operational control of the state Adjutant General. State Defense Forces receive no federal funds and are supported entirely by the state.

MDDF Soldier, NCO and Officer of the Year for 2025 RecognizedThe Maryland Defense Force’s (MDDF) Soldier, non-commission...
04/07/2026

MDDF Soldier, NCO and Officer of the Year for 2025 Recognized

The Maryland Defense Force’s (MDDF) Soldier, non-commissioned officer (NCO) and officer of the year honorees along with their counterparts in the Maryland National Guard (MDNG) were recognized at the Maryland General Assembly on March 30, 2026. Each MDDF honoree was also presented with resolutions from the Maryland House of Delegates and the Maryland Senate that were signed by Delegate Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk, speaker of the House of Delegates and Senator Bill Ferguson, president of the Senate respectively. Sgt. (MD) Robert M. Hunsicker is the MDDF Soldier of the year, Staff Sgt. (MD) Anthony S. Russo is the MDDF non-commissioned officer (NCO) of the year and Chief Warrant Officer 3 (MD) Shawn P. Peno is the MDDF officer of the year.

Sgt. (MD) Robert M. Hunsicker is a member of the MDDF Band. He has been an active member of the MDDF for three years and completed Initial Entry Training in 2023. During his tenure he has earned the Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Badge and been awarded the Adjutant General’s Special Recognition Ribbon. Sgt. (MD) Hunsicker has also received two Community Service Ribbons. In addition to playing both the trombone and the tuba in the band, Hunsicker serves as the band’s instrument repair technician. Recently, he took the initiative to construct storage within the band supply cage which aided inventory management and equipment security. “Sgt. (MD) Hunsicker is always one of the first unit members to show for duty at drills and missions. He is a person that sets the standards of performance, dress and appearance, attention to detail and willingness to assist members of the MDDF. He has earned the respect of his fellow musicians in the band. He is always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needs assistance,” shared Chief Warrant Officer 5 (MD) Arnold L. Bundy who serves as the MDDF band director.

Staff Sgt. (MD) Anthony S. Russo is a U.S. Navy veteran who has been a member of the MDDF for two years. He is currently assigned to the Operations Directorate and serves as unit NCO. During his brief tenure, Russo has served as Lead NCO evaluator during an Anne Arundel County Active Shooter full scale field training exercise where he assessed emergency medical services, law enforcement, communications, and transportation coordination. He also co-authored and implemented the MDDF Safety & Occupational Health Operational Plan which strengthened compliance, risk management, and force protection across all MDDF units. In addition, Russo represented the MDDF on the Maryland National Guard Safety and Occupational Health Council, led facility inspections, leadership engagement and briefed the adjutant general on MDDF safety integration. “Staff Sgt. (MD) Russo revitalized and restructured the Operations Directorate, improved mission ex*****on, communication and interagency coordination, directly enhancing MDDF operational effectiveness,” said Lt. Col. (MD) Michael Behringer who serves as the assistant chief of staff for operations.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 (MD) Shawn P. Peno served in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 2021. He joined the MDDF and has been assigned to the Operations Directorate since 2022 where he serves as the staff weather officer and situational awareness chief. He leads the production of the Command Staff Briefing, the Service Readiness Briefing, the Scheduled Activities Report and the Weekly Activities Report. Peno has displayed a sustained superior performance in the Operations Directorate and across the Force. “He is an individual whom superiors routinely rely on to supervise or solve difficult problems. He consistently seeks ways to improve the quality of the products and information produced by the entire MDDF to present the absolute best appearance of the MDDF to partner agencies within the State and to the Federal military establishment,” added Lt. Col. (MD) Michael Behringer.

“These individuals bring special honor and pride to all who serve in the MDDF. Their service, sacrifice and commitment to the State of Maryland are truly exceptional,” said Brig. Gen. (MD) Gregory J. Juday, commanding general of the MDDF.

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer militia unit providing competent, supplementary, professional and technical support and soldiers to the Maryland Military Department and the State of Maryland as needed. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 200 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland.

MAJ Stephen Rice
MDDF Public Affairs

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) October drill was held at historic Fort Frederick located in Big Pool, Maryland. This...
10/25/2025

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) October drill was held at historic Fort Frederick located in Big Pool, Maryland. This historic stone fort was constructed by British Colonists in 1756 as a protective frontier outpost and was initially occupied by State Militia volunteers similar to today's MDDF.
https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/fortfrederick.aspx

Public Health Leader Continues Service with MDDFRhondalyn Cox-Burt joined the U.S. Navy out of college because, “I neede...
10/21/2025

Public Health Leader Continues Service with MDDF

Rhondalyn Cox-Burt joined the U.S. Navy out of college because, “I needed a job and joining the Navy afforded me the opportunity to gain leadership experience right away and move to the Washington, D.C. region where I wanted to live.” Given her major in public health at Indiana University, Cox-Burt was assigned to the National Naval Dental Center in Bethesda, Maryland and became the Materiel Management department head. She supervised 11 enlisted personnel and was charged with managing the procurement, distribution, and maintenance of dental supplies and equipment for five remote clinics. She had to ensure their timely delivery while minimizing disruptions to patient care. “I enjoyed the opportunity to make a difference, serve the military community and improve health outcomes,” she shared.

After a four year stint in the U.S. Navy, Cox-Burt continued her Federal service career through an interservice transfer to the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. Her first duty station was the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Services where she served as a program manager. In this role she directed procurement and logistics for 13 field sites. “I really enjoyed the public health component and I was happy to continue my service in uniform," she said. “This was the perfect fit because I was able to help improve health outcomes while also serving as a commissioned officer,” Cox-Burt said.

Within the health and human services department, Cox-Burt managed programs in the Office of the Secretary, facilitated compliance within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and administered the institutional review board for the FDA Commissioner. Her final posting was as the deputy ombudsman for the FDA Commissioner where she held the Federally recognized rank of Captain (O-6) within the public health service. “I really enjoyed the USPHS because it allowed me to work in multiple aspects of public health and use my education and training,” she shared. After a distinguished 27 year Federal career she retired in 2025.

Shortly after retiring she joined the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) with the rank of colonel and is the first female in history to join the force at that rank. “I joined the MDDF to continue service, specifically to my state. It is also a way to be a role model since there may be many who are unaware of what we do and the opportunities within the MDDF to serve our state. I enjoy engaging with others to make a difference or impact,” she continued. “In my current role with the MDDF I serve as the J9 Liaison. The J9 Directorate’s focus is support for the service members and, in particular, family members when a service member is activated. My philosophy when it comes to service is - be a servant leader and listen first, then ask questions second. Watch and pay attention before trying to make changes. Service is something you are called to do. When we use our talents to help achieve a common goal much can be accomplished,” she concluded.

“Col. (MD) Cox-Burt has already shown to be an asset to the MDDF. Her experience and expertise is valuable to the MDDF and to the State of Maryland. We’re excited to leverage her skillset for the benefit of our community,” said Brig. Gen. (MD) Gregory J. Juday, commanding general of the MDDF.

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer militia unit providing competent, supplementary, professional and technical support and soldiers to the Maryland Military Department and the State of Maryland as needed. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 200 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland.

MAJ Stephen Rice
MDDF Public Affairs

Star Spangled Spectacular at Fort McHenry
09/15/2025

Star Spangled Spectacular at Fort McHenry

MDDF Troop Command Establishes Advance Base Camp for Field Training ExerciseOn July 11, 2025 the Maryland Defense Force ...
09/09/2025

MDDF Troop Command Establishes Advance Base Camp for Field Training Exercise

On July 11, 2025 the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) 231st Troop Command’s Charlie Company established and operated an advance base camp and tactical operations center on the remote islet of Long Point on the Chesapeake Bay for three days. Long Point is connected to Janes Island via a sandbar and is located within the Janes Island State Park. Troop Command’s Charlie Company established the base camp to both test unit capabilities and to support Operation Island Hop II which was a simulated evacuation of Smith Island located within the Chesapeake Bay.

In order to establish the base camp a backcountry camping permit had to first be secured from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. At the Long Point site, Charlie Company pitched tents for operations, sleeping quarters and a mess kitchen, started a generator, deployed a sixty-foot portable radio antennae and connected to Starlink for internet access. In addition to the commander, the base camp team included an operations officer, a communications officer and a forward observer. Once the base camp was established, the team was able to provide command, control, communications, threat assessments and situational awareness to the 231st Troop Command’s Delta Company and other state and local agencies participating in Operation Island Hop II.

“We wanted to test our unit’s capabilities and purposely looked for an opportunity to work in a challenging and austere environment. This was a great training opportunity for our volunteers and they performed magnificently,” shared Chief Warrant Officer 3 (MD) David Smith who is the commander of the 231st Troop Command’s Charlie Company. “If and when needed during an emergency our volunteers have to be ready to deploy and become operational in every corner of the State. This was a great environment in which to learn and grow,’ said Lt. Col. (MD) Mark Schroeder, commander of the 231st Troop Command.

“This was an important training element for the 231st Troop Command. We’re going to continue training and stretching our capabilities so that we will remain ready when called,” said Brig. Gen. (MD) Gregory J. Juday, commanding general of the MDDF.

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer militia unit providing competent, supplementary, professional and technical support and soldiers to the Maryland Military Department and the State of Maryland as needed. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 200 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland.

MAJ Stephen Rice
MDDF Public Affairs

Congratulations to LTC Sierra Deleon-Braiterman and WO1 Travis Keys who were recognized for their significant contributi...
09/07/2025

Congratulations to LTC Sierra Deleon-Braiterman and WO1 Travis Keys who were recognized for their significant contributions to the Maryland Center for Military History. Both were awarded the Maryland Commendation Medal and presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Maryland Military Department at the MDDF September Drill.

Congratulations to LTC Jacob Gerstein who was recognized at the September drill for having recently completed the Norweg...
09/07/2025

Congratulations to LTC Jacob Gerstein who was recognized at the September drill for having recently completed the Norwegian Foot March embedded in a solidarity Bataan Memorial Death March. Job well done!

09/07/2025

Kudos to the MDDF Volunteers who pitched in to help complete this very important project!

Congratulations to Christopher Burt on his recent promotion to Major!
08/15/2025

Congratulations to Christopher Burt on his recent promotion to Major!

MDDF volunteers LTC John Green & CPT David McCarthy were recognized for their service to the Joint Staff by BG Craig M. ...
06/22/2025

MDDF volunteers LTC John Green & CPT David McCarthy were recognized for their service to the Joint Staff by BG Craig M. Hunter, director of the Joint Staff on 7 June.

At the MDDF Drill on 7 June TAG Coins were presented to several members. LTC Harold Bailey & CPT Chris Burt were recogn...
06/22/2025

At the MDDF Drill on 7 June TAG Coins were presented to several members. LTC Harold Bailey & CPT Chris Burt were recognized for achieving the Professional Certification in Emergency Management. SSG Joshua Dunn was recognized for being selected as Soldier of the Year. CPT Thomas Morgan and SGT Emily Green were recognized for completing the Norwegian Ruck March. In addition, the MDDF Band was recognized for notable recent performances.

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Camp Fretterd Military Reservation, 5600 Rue Saint Lo Drive
Reisterstown, MD
21136

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