Michigan Defense Force
[2] The MEV's original intention was for it to be a trained emergency volunteer force in case the National Guard was sent out of the state in a national emergency.Drills are one weekend a month and training events are usually two weeks per year, focusing on disaster response, search and rescue, first aid, military customs and courtesies, and drill and ceremony.[5] The MIDF is tasked with emergency management missions such as handling the reception, storage and stationing of the Strategic National Stockpile in Michigan, and supplying trained and uniformed Community Emergency Response Teams.[3] MIDF missions have included working alongside the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in processing benefit applications for military veterans,[6] and providing disaster response aid including tree and debris removal following tornado activity.[7] As of 2022[update], the force's mission is: to provide ready and able military forces to assist state and local authorities in times of state emergencies and to augment the Michigan Army National Guard and Michigan Air National Guard as required.