He is in Michigan.

Thanks for all of your help. I live near Ann Arbor. Do you know if there are any battallions around this area? Also, how often do you meet? And since this is not the regular army, does my employer still have to give me certain days off to attend the meetings (or drill, not sure what you call it).

Nick B II wrote:

atenniswood wrote:

Thanks for all of your help. I live near Ann Arbor. Do you know if there are any battallions around this area? Also, how often do you meet? And since this is not the regular army, does my employer still have to give me certain days off to attend the meetings (or drill, not sure what you call it).

The Second battalion is supposed to cover all of Southeast Michigan. I believe drill is monthly, and takes place at Selfridge ANGB in Mt. Clemons.

I sent in an application via email, and left a voicemail with the Colonel, but I haven't gotten any info yet.

It can take some time for your application to be processed. I emailed my recruiter contact over in 2d BN who should be getting into contact with you soon.

Please feel free to email me off list in a day or 2 if the 2d BN recruiter has not contacted you.

Nick B II wrote:

Thanks.

What about the OP's questions?

Redbad wrote:

atenniswood wrote:

I am interested in joining and just had a couple of questions.

1. Will an ELS (entry level separation) from the Marine Corps (for asthma) affect my ability to join?

2. Are there any medical standards that you have to meet? Do you have to go through something like MEPS?

3. Do you have to pay for your uniforms? How much does that usually cost to start off with all of the uniforms that you're required to have?

4. Do you have any sort of "boot camp" or "basic training"

5. Do you do PT at your meetings? Is there a certain standard of physical fitness that you are expected to maintain?

Thanks for your help!

As a previous poster indicated that you were from Michigan:

Here are answers for the Michigan Volunteer Defense Force --

1) No, unless you have a life threatening form of asthma. The ELS would affect your grade upon joining (say you would be an E-2 rather than an E-1)

2) The standard is that you don't have a life threatening medical condition and that you are otherwise capable of performing your duties (no MEPS).

3) Yes you have to pay for uniforms. A full set of ACUs plus patches might run $130-150 or slightly more. However, if you shop around online or if your unit has uniform items you will spend less. Don't purchase a uniform until you have been assigned to a unit.

4) In the past there was a boot camp. However, right now each battalion is responsible for training troops without prior experience. Military courtesy, marching, wear of the uniform, basic commo and CERT training are part of the initial training.

5) There is no PT at drill. BUT drills can be physically demanding. If you are doing your own PT you should have no problems. The MIVDF's mission is response to state level disasters so you should be prepared mentally and physically to participate.

There are several MIVDF recruiters on this site from around the state. I am with the 4th BN out of Kalamazoo, but the 4th draws from SW Michigan. Please email me off line for more information.

Currently the 2nd BTN Recruitment Person is SGT Loren Roberts. He should be contactable at , lroberts@bcbsm.com.

There is nothing in federal law about it.  Different states have their own laws regarding time off for SDF duties.

Redbad wrote:

Nick B II wrote:

I meant this question:
And since this is not the regular army, does my employer still have to give me certain days off to attend the meetings (or drill, not sure what you call it).

Yes. There is a Michigan employment protection law that applies to the NG and the MIVDF. Once you have joined the MIVDF you will be given paperwork to give to your employer regarding this.

I would be very interested is seeing the paper work, would be nice to see if it is something we could do in my state,

can you email, me a copy?