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What is Michigan Home Guard and what does it do?

Michigan Home Guard is a volunteer organization that trains citizens to assist their communities and local agencies with emergency preparedness, disaster response, search and rescue support, and community safety projects. Members focus on practical skills such as basic first aid, communications, land navigation, and incident support so they can be useful when professional responders are stretched thin.

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Are you anti‑government or extremist?

No. Michigan Home Guard supports the Constitution and works to complement—not replace or oppose—local, state, and federal authorities. Members pledge to follow the law, respect elected officials and first responders, and maintain a code of conduct that prohibits illegal, hateful, or extremist activity

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How is this different from the National Guard or military?

The National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces are official components of the military, with paid service members, federal and state missions, and formal chains of command. Michigan Home Guard is an unpaid, all‑volunteer civic organization that trains civilians to be more prepared and to assist their communities in a supporting role when requested.

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 Is joining legal, and do I have to take an oath?

Michigan law, like many states, recognizes that citizens may organize for lawful defensive and emergency preparedness purposes, as long as they obey all applicable laws. Many established volunteer defense or militia‑type organizations use a simple oath affirming support for the U.S. and state constitutions and agreeing to follow the group’s rules, which you will see before you decide to join.

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What are the basic membership requirements?

Like most groups of this type, we require that members be law‑abiding U.S. citizens or legal residents, pass a basic background check, and be old enough to participate safely in training and deployments. We also ask for a minimum level of physical ability and a commitment to attend regular meetings or training events to remain active.

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Do I need prior military or law‑enforcement experience?

No. Many of our volunteers have no prior military or law‑enforcement background and contribute skills from civilian careers such as medical, communications, logistics, or administration. Prior service is welcome but not required, and training is provided to introduce new members to basic safety, terminology, and procedures.

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What kind of training and time commitment should I expect?

We typically hold monthly classroom and field training on topics like emergency management basics, disaster response, radio communications, preparedness, and safe firearms handling for those who choose that track. Active members are often asked to attend at least two meeting or drill per year and occasional misc exercises.

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Will I be required to carry a firearm or buy a lot of gear?

Participation does not require owning a firearm, unarmed roles in communications, logistics, medical support, and administration are available. Where firearms handling and training is offered, it is tightly safety‑focused and subject to all applicable laws. Basic tactical gear is recommended but not required.