The MDDF is a totally volunteer organization and, along with the Army and Air National Guard and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, is a component of the Military Department of the State of Maryland. It is comprised of former military personnel, and some civilians with no prior military service. Our members include doctors, lawyers, clerks, laborers, secretaries, nurses, police officers, and students, both male and female. These volunteers train and serve without pay unless ordered to State Active Duty. On Active Duty, members receive the same pay as National Guard personnel of comparable rank and tenure. The MDDF is commanded by a Brigadier General, and has five battalions situated at armories across the State of Maryland.
Although our missions and training change as situations necessitate, the MDDF's general mission is to provide an adequately trained force for deployment within the State as directed by the Governor (our commander-in-chief) and the Adjutant General. Examples of specific missions include: Emergency Operations, Law Enforcement Assistance, Search and Rescue Operations, Youth Programs support, and Community Service.
Membership is open to any Maryland citizen 18 years of age or older. Persons age 17 must have parental consent (High School juniors and seniors can earn community service credits towards graduation as members of the MDDF). Prior military, law enforcement, medical or related experience is beneficial, but not essential. Civilian experience and education are considered in the determination of rank. We provide training opportunities in Search and Rescue operations, Combat Lifesaving, Radio Communications, etc.
For additional information about the MDDF, please send a request to the following address -
MDDF3SAR@aol.com - in c/o First Sergeant J. D. Jackson, 3 Bn Co A, "The Big Dogs".This page was last updated on March 15, 2001 by
M. J. MarlowFollow this link back to the top of the
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