The Michigan Defense Force (MIDF) is a component of the organized Michigan Military Establishment along with the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. It is under control of the Governor of Michigan, with the governor as commander in chief. Its primary role is to provide a ready and able force to provide rapid response to state emergencies. It cannot be federalized.
We receive orders through Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) in Lansing, MI from The Adjutant General (TAG). As the State of Michigan’s Commanding General, he commands the Michigan National Guard (MING), Michigan Air National Guard (MIARNG), and the Michigan Defense Force (MIDF).
Title 10 (Federal) and Title 32 (State)
Title 10 (Federal) and Title 32 (State)
Title 32 (State) only
The defining characteristic of the Michigan Defense Force is that it cannot be federalized. Whereas the Army National Guard and Air National Guard have a dual role: Title 10 (federal) and Title 32 (state) – the Defense Force is Title 32 (state only).
This means the MIDF is exclusively under control of the Governor and command of the The Adjutant General only. It also means training and missions are within state boundaries. All required training takes place in Michigan and you cannot be sent overseas.
The Michigan State Defense Force is divided into two battalions: 1BN and 2BN, with I-96 as the dividing line between north and south districts.
1st Battalion
1BN serves the lower third of Michigan and is headquartered at Fort Custer, Battlecreek, MI.
2nd Battalion
2BN serves the northern two-thirds of the state and is based at Camp Grayling, Grayling, MI. 2BN is headquartered at Camp Grayling, and has satellite locations in Grand Rapids and Saginaw.
Michigan law provides that the state military establishment “…consists of the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and the Defense Force.” (MCL 32.509) The Michigan Defense Force (MIDF) is established pursuant to the Michigan Military Act (MCL 32.509 et. seq.) as authorized by 32 USC 109. The Governor of the State of Michigan is the Commander in Chief of the Defense Force, and the MIDF operates under the direction of The Adjutant General of the State of Michigan.