Posted: 3/14/2005 7:08:47 PM EDT
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What do you all know about this organization? www.neodf.org Is this a legit organization or is this one of those "right wing militia groups" that are part of the "vast right wing conspiracy"? Any of you have experience with them? A friend of mine is taking his CCW class from a guy who is involved with them and he gave him a few brouchures. It sounds like an interesting concept but I want to make sure they are on the up and up. I told him I would do some checking around for him. |
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I'm picturing a 300 lb guy waddling through the woods with an SKS demanding to be called Col. The State of Ohio already has a legitimate military reserve that reports to the adjutant general and is a function of the state. That would be your better bet for volunteer service. |
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Thanks for the mention shotar! If you are interested in legitimate volunteer military service, email me at [email protected] and see www.ohio.gov/ohmr SGT Colin S. Kelly Security Squad Leader HHD, 2nd MP BDE Ohio Military Reserve |
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I forgot to add, as far as the NEODF (also known as the SODF and the ODF) if you don't like club Fed rememberance stories, and don't think the SKS is THE battle rifle of choice for "special" units, RUN FAST AND RUN FAR AWAY! (These comments are my own and not reflective of the OHMR) |
But do you need a 40 year old guy with 20 years of Police experience and command rank background with a bachelors degree and alot of common sense? |
My ego however requires gold bars at least. I already traded in the Chief stars on the shoulders. |
Yes yes must not forget the tactical beagle. 
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Thanks guys. That is what I figured. I tried to phrase my question as neutral as possible. I checked here periodically throughout the day and informed my buddy of the consensus. Once again all hail the hive of knowlege here!  The friend's dad grilled the guy hard about the topic and compared the group to the ohmr and wasn't satisfied with the responses. I have seen the ohmr website in the past and have been interested in the organization. I will be shooting an email over to Colin for more info. Thanks again guys. |
Hi! I am the guy teaching the Ohio CCW class from whom your friend received the information. I will not debate the "militia" issue, or the OMR versus Ohio Defense Force issue on this forum. However, anyone who has a question about our legitimacy, the work that we do, or how we are viewed by local law enforcement may contact the Columbiana County Sheriff's department at (330) 424-1104. Ask for Lt. Allen L. Haueter. Deputy Haueter is the patrol commander and leader of the SRT/SWAT team for the Columbiana County Sheriff's department. Thank you for your interest! Richard A. Tolson Summit County liaison and Squad Leader, Northeast Ohio Defense Force (NEODF) |
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I think the word militia has been demonized quite a bit wheather for good reason or not. Id bet 75% of the media people would label members of this website militia nuts. This is the definition dictionary.com gives for militia: mi·li·tia 1. An army composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers. 2. A military force that is not part of a regular army and is subject to call for service in an emergency. 3. The whole body of physically fit civilians eligible by law for military service. |
But does the OHMR need a Voice Network Engineer who designs and implemts IP based call centers? No? What if he can shoot?  Sorry guys, I don't have the SWAT or military credentials!  I can however, but in a tactical phone system (hey, the phones are black) in record time!
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| My simple legitimacy question would be what unit of government does this Ohio defense force report to and in what capacity. The OHMR is a legitimate unit of our State Government. Likewise, the Sheriff is a legitimate office of our County and State Government. If this unit has legitimacy as an organized armed force, then certainly they would have some government sanction as did the militia units of old. Certainly these folks could complete the training and become special deputies to volunteer their time or they could join the OHMR. My studied opinion is that a military force that does not report to the elected representatives of the people is in fact illigitimate and simply a bunch of either security gaurds or mercenaries. When my ancestors, and we do go back that far here, volunteered for militia duty, they served and were comissioned by the Governor. They were then federalized to fight the war of southern submission. Without that sanction, my first comments stand. |
Shotar, Excellent point! And actually you make my point for me. A legitimate organization should work under the umbrella of a recognized government or law enforcement agency. That is how we operate. We are called up in emergencies by the local Sheriff's department or Emergency Management Agency. That is why I gave the Columbiana County Sheriff's department as a reference. Did you call them? We have nothing to hide. Everything we do is above board. I am sure the OHMR is probably a fine choice for some people who want to serve in a military police-type fashion. However, when I checked into the OHMR I found out that I was too old. The Ohio Defense Force (ODF) does not discriminate based on age. They were willing to take a 40+ year old individual who is in fit physical condition such as myself (no 300 lbs. "Jethro" watching old episodes of MASH in his BDUs here). I also found out my occupational skills (medical) could be better used in the ODF. Our membership also includes a pathfinder and cadet program for children. Young people learn respect, patriotism, camping skills, first-aid, firearms safety and many other skills in these programs. Our members come from various walks of life. In the Northeast Ohio Defense Force (NEODF) we have three ordained ministers that can do on-site grief counselling in an emergency situation. We have one police officer, three firefighter/EMTs (one of which is trained in arson investigations), one licensed practical nurse (LPN), one phlebotomist (CPT), two security officers that work in local hospitals, three members trained for radiological emergencies through FEMA courses and a few business owners. And that is only a small portion of our NEODF membership. Frankly, most gung-ho, radical "militiamen" criticize us as working too closely WITH local law enforcement and people only interested in "playing army" are soon bored by our emphasis on family and community service. So, we are not for everyone, but we definitely are for people who want to make a difference in their community during times of personal or community crisis. Richard A. Tolson, Summit County liaison and Squad Leader, Northeast Ohio Defense Force (NEODF) |
I would like to say that I am speaking on my own here, not as a member of the OHMR. I DO Respect the ODF, SODF, and NEODF, for wanting to serve a greater good. However, the "units" I have interacted with were less than stellar to say the least. I will not, however, get into a pissing contest as to which is better, the OHMR, the ODF, the Army, etc. etc. As with any decision, I encourage people to examine all practical options and make good, informed decisions. I will however be posting tomorrow on the aspects of the OHMR, good and bad, so you all can make that informed decsion. I wish everyone serving the greater good for America the best of luck and for them to always stay safe. P.S. I would like to apologize for my former post, it was based on limited exp., but I stand by the fact that the OHMR is the only ORC established "Milita" for OH, other than the OHANG, OHARNG, and the Naval Milita. |
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I have been away for a few days and had hoped that the thread hadn't died. I originally asked the question here because of the wealth of knowlege here and the uncanny ability of geting to the point of the matter. I am glad that both organizations have responded here. I am looking forward to the post on the pro and cons of the OHMR from OHMR95B. Mr. Tolson, thanks for the reply with the info about NEODF. I am glad that we can have an open forum with intelligent, rational discussion regarding this issue. |
Drake, My pleasure! Whichever organization you choose, I wish you the best of luck. Each organization has a purpose and I would gladly work hand in hand with such fine organizations as the OHMR, OHANG, or OHARNG should circumstances ever require it. Richard A. Tolson, Summit County liaison and Squad Leader, NEODF |
i'd respond but i'm too old for military service. i'm 40 years old but have 12 years exp as a emt and paramedic and currently a lpn. only militart i had was 5 years in civil air patrol like that counts. |
Don't forget the laser grips!!!! |
