All defence policy, including the ability to have and maintain armed forces, is the responsibility of the national government.
However, there is such a thing as State defense forces (SDFs), which are military units operating under the authority of a state governor. Most states have laws allowing SDFs, and nearly half of them have such active forces. They are usually army forces, but there are also some air and naval units.
Focus on improving the occupied countries by providing security to the civilians. example/ let's say that Ethiopia wants to drill for water in a neighboring country. the US will provide the drilling equipment necessary to do so. then the civilians can plant foods, water their livestock, etc...
