The Ohio Naval Militia (ONM) is the "grandfather" of the Navy Reserve, founded in Toledo in 1896. Its members fought valiantly in the Spanish American War, World War I and II. The ONM is part of the State Defense Forces and is one of the oldest military units in the State. The ONM is a wholly State unit taking its authority and direction from the Governor as delegated through the Ohio Adjutant General's Office. Members in the ONM are assured their service will remain within the State for the ONM cannot be federalized and sent overseas.
The mission of the ONM is to provide adequately trained and organized State reserve forces which are under the exclusive control of the Governor. These forces will be capable of accomplishing those state emergency responsibilities assigned to the National Guard when that force is federalized or otherwise not available. Currently the ONM's mission response capabilities are:
1. Provide the OH Army National Guard with a waterside training capability during natural or man-made emergencies.
2. Operate a range patrol off the waters of Camp Perry during firing exercises. Camp Perry is the largest firing range in the world, and it is their task to maintain a 32 square mile, total exclusion zone where the live ammunition falls into Lake Erie.
3. Provide First Aid, Fire, Rescue, and CPR.
4. Maintain its fleet of vessels to keep them in a state of readiness for operations. They currently have three vessels: the "Hawk" a 21 foot aluminum trailerable vessel, "Essex" 27 foot steel-hulled Inland Seas, and a 44 foot Coast Guard Motor Life Boat.
5. Conduct continuous boat and classroom training for all interested crew and document boat hours useful in obtaining a Captains License.
6. Perform in any situation as directed by the Adjutant General or the Governor of the State of Ohio.
The Ohio Naval Militia (ONM) follows naval customs, traditions and regulations. To differentiate them from the United States Navy (USN), they wear a metal badge on the left breast pocket of their uniform. It is brass colored with a full color state flag. Additionally, they wear a red name tag. The ONM uses regular USN insignia with the Seal of the State of Ohio placed over either the eagle or the letters USN. On the work uniforms of E1-E6, collar rank devices are worn rather than a shoulder patch. The shoulder patch is only worn on dress whites (summer uniform).
The ONM cooperates with the National Guard, but is separate and distinct from them, and the Commandant of the ONM reports to the TAG. The ONM is not part of or associated with the Navy or Coast Guard or their Reserve components but maintains a liaison with them in matters of mutual interest.
Currently the ONM has about 30 personnel at cadre strength, although authorized cadre strength is 300. As a cadre, the ONM represents an elite corps of dedicated and capable officers and enlisted persons who would form the nucleus of a fully mobilized ONM unit if a crisis develops.
Information provided by and for futher information on the Ohio Naval Militia (or if you are interested in joining them) contact BMCM Douglas A. McClure, 540 N. Harmony Street, Medina, Ohio 44256-170540. E-mail: dmclure@apk.net.