New Jersey Naval Militia

The New Jersey Naval Militia
New Jersey Naval Militia Insignia
Active	1895–1963, 1999–2002
Country	United States
Allegiance	State of New Jersey
Type	Naval militia
Role	Military reserve force
Part of	New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Commanders
Civilian Leadership	Governor of New Jersey

The New Jersey Naval Militia (NJNM) is the inactive naval militia of the state of New Jersey. As a portion of the New Jersey organized militia, it existed as an active entity from 1895 to 1963 and again from 1999 to 2002.^[1] The Naval Militia was deactivated by the state in 2002 due to a concerns about training, accession processes, security clearances, background checks, rank criteria, medical standards, physical fitness criteria, vessel fitness, and command qualifications.^[2]

Since 2002, the duties performed by the Naval Militia were absorbed by multiple organizations, including civilian volunteer groups, such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary and CERT, private security firms, military organizations including the New Jersey National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard, and law enforcement agencies on the local, state, and federal level which operate along the New Jersey waterfront, including the New Jersey State Police.^[3]

In 2005, the New Jersey Adjutant General reported to the state legislature that the Naval Militia no longer had a defined mission to justify support or funding from the state.^[3] In March 2005, the New Jersey State Police issued a memorandum which cited issues that would preclude their support for the NJNM.^[4]

Since deactivation in 2002, a group of dedicated volunteers and members have been meeting regularly as well as lobbying to have the New Jersey Naval Militia funded and returned to active duty.^[5] Supporters of the reinstatement of the NJ Naval Militia's formed non-profit New Jersey Naval Militia Foundation.^[6]