A later realignment of the command's structure has utilized the new designation of 49th Readiness Brigade (Separate), but the unit is still mainly known as the Alaska State Defense Force.

[7] On 15 September, 2017, the Alaska State Defense Force activated a Scout Detachment in the Native Village of Kwethluk.

Members worked at an Anchorage warehouse to help organize personal protective equipment and other supplies from the national stockpile and putting them into loads for shipment.

[11] Previous missions assigned to the ASDF have included manning a security checkpoint on the Dalton Highway, traffic control after a Valdez-area landslide, and safeguarding flooded homes in Houston against looters.

[5] ASDF has conducted joint operations with local city and state agencies as well as federal entities, including the U.S. military as well as government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The unit missions to date have included Operation Winter Talon, avalanche rescue, Kenai Peninsula floods and the Big Lake fire.

"[12] The ASDF is constituted as a cadre of experienced officers and enlisted personnel which is ready to organize the entire population, if need be.

[citation needed] Issues of funding, mission and the bearing of arms are listed among common complaints and stumbling blocks associated with unit effectiveness.

[14] ASDF, when colocated with the Alaska National Guard, was careful to never utilize federal resources to accomplish its mission.

[citation needed] With the recent reliefs of command, starting in 2016, of the high-ranking officers of the Alaska National Guard including the Adjutant General (MG Thomas Katkus) who was against the expansion of the State Defense Force, there is a possibility that the ASDF will be able to re-obtain previous capabilities and more as the new Command is supportive of them.