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Do I have to go away to basic training like in the Army?
Do I have to go away to basic training like in the Army?
No. However, all new volunteers are required to complete the MDDF's Initial Entry Training (IET) in-person. The training equips new volunteers with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully interact in a military environment. Topics include, but not limited to: an overview of MDDF history, military communication and correspondence standards, drill and ceremony instruction, military ranks, customs and courtesies, emergency management tabletop exercise, uniform information, and more. IET includes one overnight training, as well as online independent study courses. Recruits that successfully complete IET will participate in a graduation ceremony, where they will receive the IET Diploma, their rank/grade and unit assignment in front of other MDDF members and family. IET is available twice a year. New personnel that cannot attend the most immediate IET available will be placed on the Delayed IET Program (DIP) until the next available IET class. While in the Delayed IET Program, applicants will be allowed to participate in the monthly drills with their future unit of assignment and complete some of the related online IET training. Failure to complete or attend IET will result in dismissal from the MDDF.
Talk to your recruiter for more details. Talk to your recruiter for more details.
Will the MDDF conduct a background check on me?
Will the MDDF conduct a background check on me?
Yes. The MDDF will conduct a comprehensive background check which includes but is not limited to: criminal history, financial background, employment history, education, residential history.
Does the MDDF require or grant national security clearance?
Does the MDDF require or grant national security clearance?
No. We do not require or grant national security clearance for our service members. However, all applicants must go through a comprehensive background check.
Where do I complete the in-person portion of the Initial Entry Training (IET)?
Where do I complete the in-person portion of the Initial Entry Training (IET)?
IET is completed partly at MDDF Headquarters, Camp Frettered in Reisterstown, MD, and online. Contact the recruiter for more details.
What is the Delayed IET Program?
What is the Delayed IET Program?
New personnel that cannot attend the most immediate IET available will be placed in the Delayed IET Program (DIP) until the next available IET class. While in the Delayed IET Program, applicants will be allowed to participate in the monthly drills with their future unit of assignment and complete some of the related online IET training.
What is the monthly drill?
What is the monthly drill?
Drill is the gathering of volunteer soldiers at their unit location and alternate location for the purpose of training and accomplishing unit related tasks and missions. Drill days in the MDDF are typically one time a month on a Saturday for approximately 8 hours not including travel time from your home to the drill location.
What is the yearly Muster?
What is the yearly Muster?
Muster is an annual event where the attendance of all volunteers from all units regardless of their location is mandatory and are ordered to gather at the MDDF Headquarters in Camp Frettered for the purpose of accountability, training, and review of troops as well as other administrative tasks. The governor and The Adjutant General (TAG) are usually invited to attend, review, and address the troops. This is an important event that provides all troops the opportunity to interact with each other especially for troops that are assigned to satellite locations in Maryland. Some of the event's highlights are promotions of volunteers who have demonstrated the potential for increased responsibilities as well as presentation of awards for those individuals or groups who through their actions have earned MDDF or State recognition.
Do have to deploy to another country?
Do have to deploy to another country?
The MDDF focus is on the State of Maryland and almost all operations are conducted in-state. However, in some instances, you may have the opportunity to volunteer for an out of state mission in support of disaster response. Deployment out of state is completely voluntary.
Do I get paid for my volunteer hours?
Do I get paid for my volunteer hours?
No. However, you may be eligible for compensation if your are called to active duty by the state.
Do I get health benefits?
Do I get health benefits?
No. The MDDF is not an employer and does not possess funding to provide health benefits.
How long is the commitment for?
How long is the commitment for?
The are no contracts and you are not obligated to complete any determined amount of time. You can resign anytime*. All we ask is that you provide at least a month notification to your supervisor. *(In the case that a state of war exists between the United States and any other nation, or that there is a federal or State declaration of emergency presently in force in the State, all enlistments shall continue until 3 months after said state of war or emergency ends, unless the enlisted individual is discharged sooner by proper authority.).
Do I have to have prior military service or experience to volunteer?
Do I have to have prior military service or experience to volunteer?
No. Many of our volunteers have never been in the military but they bring to the organization skills and experience from a spectrum of fields that are extremely valuable to capabilities of the MDDF.
Do I have to have a college degree to volunteer?
Do I have to have a college degree to volunteer?
No.
Can I be part of, or a member of another military organization or group?
Can I be part of, or a member of another military organization or group?
No. You cannot apply to be an MDDF volunteer if you are a member of the armed forces of the U.S. or any other country; or another militia organization to include another state defense force.
Does the MDDF offer self-defense, weapon or firearms training?
Does the MDDF offer self-defense, weapon or firearms training?
No. Service members do not receive training in self-defense, weapon, or firearms training.
Are Permanent Resident Card or Green Card holders eligible?
Are Permanent Resident Card or Green Card holders eligible?
No. Permanent Resident or Green Card holders are not eligible for MDDF service.
Does volunteering with the MDDF affect my service-connected disability rating with the VA?
Does volunteering with the MDDF affect my service-connected disability rating with the VA?
The MDDF is not part of the United State Armed Forces and has no connection to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). Your service-connected disability is based on criteria set and managed by the VA.
Does serving in the MDDF replace registering for the U.S. Selective Service System?
Does serving in the MDDF replace registering for the U.S. Selective Service System?
No. Federal Law requires nearly all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants, ages 18 through 25, register with Selective Service. To learn more please visit https://www.sss.gov
Is the MDDF covered in Maryland's regulations?
Is the MDDF covered in Maryland's regulations?
Yes. The Maryland Defense Force is stipulated in the Code of Maryland, Article Public Safety, Title 13 Militia, Subtitle 5 Maryland Defense Force.
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