WHY JOIN?
Serving in your state military is a rewarding experience.
While honing your leadership skills, you’ll gain working knowledge in areas such as Leadership, Land Navigation, Search and Rescue (SAR), Drill and Ceremony, CPR, basic life support and much more. Unlike the National Guard, the Michigan Defense Force cannot be federalized. That means your service will always be within the boundaries of the great State of Michigan.
Acquire military skills you can use in your civilian career.
Requirements
Service in the Michigan Defense Force requires:
- Proficiency in English
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Background check with no felonies
- Medical exam
- Physical fitness test
- Height and weight standards
- Being between the ages of 18 and 55
- Three-year initial enlistment commitment
- No health conditions that prevent you from doing your job or that keep you from passing the physical fitness test
Expectations
The initial enlistment period is three years. During this time you are expected to fulfill your military obligation by attending monthly drills and annual training. Deployments make take place depending on state emergencies, but you will never be asked to leave the State of Michigan as the MIDF is a Title 32 military force, and cannot be federalized. While enlisted you are subject to the Michigan Uniform Code of Military Justice (MUCMJ).
Once enlisted, you are expected to attend drill up to one weekend per month and up to two weeks (though usually not continuous) annually.
Depending on where you live, training would take place at Camp Grayling, Fort Custer or a local armory.
Please contact our recruiting office at 616-510-1707 or fill out the form below.
Height/Weight Standards
All soldiers in the Michigan Defense Force are required to be within height/weight standards. Being outside of these standards does not necessarily preclude you from service. Talk to your recruiter for more information.
enlistment process
1. Reach out to us with your questions by filling in the form below and submitting it. One of our recruiters will reach out to you. The information you provide is for recruiting purposes only.
2. Complete the pre-qualification worksheet here. This form is used to collect basic information and to run a background check. Completing this form does not obligate you to join and your information will not be shared.
3. Interview with a recruiter.
3. Schedule a drill visit; meet the local commander and staff.
4. Complete and submit all required paperwork.
5. Start training.