IOWA MILITIA
BY-LAWS
PURPOSE:
to explain the mission, organizational structure, procedures and requirements of membership in the Iowa Militia, a volunteer organization. STATEMENT OF ETHICS: Members are encouraged to live exemplary lives. The actions of one member may jeopardize the legitimacy of the entire Militia and all of its members.We must police ourselves. We will not tolerate any racism, sexism or criminal behavior. The Iowa Militia will not support any specific political party or candidate, members are free to support their choice. No particular religious ideology or doctrine will be advocated, nor will anyone be denied the free expression thereof.
MISSION: The Iowa Militia will defend the Constitution of Iowa, the Constitution of the United States of America and all citizens protected by those documents, as originally intended, against all enemies both foreign and domestic. The Iowa Militia shall aid state, county and local authorities as needed. The Iowa Militia shall routinely practice and make preparations for the necessary aid and assistance as required.
DELINEATION OF DUTIES: The duties of the Iowa Militia will be performed within the scope of the overall mission and purpose of the Iowa Militia. These duties will serve to fulfill the purpose and intent of the Militia and will serve to fulfill the three main focuses: Disaster Relief, State Defense, and Community Service. All of the efforts of the Militia will be directed into the fulfillment of these duties.
MEMBERSHIP: Membership is open to any person of good moral character who desires to join the Militia, and who is not any of the following;
A fugitive from justice,
An alien illegally in the United States,
A convicted felon,
A user of any unlawful drug,
Adjudicated mentally defective
Failure to comply with these is grounds for immediate expulsion by your unit leader.
REQUIREMENTS: A new recruit wishing to join may attend up to and participate in three training musters, to help them decide. Provided they are at least 18 years old, at 17½ with a written permission and a waiver of liability signed by the recruits parents or legal guardian.
OATH: All persons wishing to join shall swear the following oath (unless already under an oath to the U.S. Armed Forces or Government position) to be administered by the Company Commander during a Formal Ceremony.
"I (name), do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the State of Iowa, and the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, both foreign and domestic’ and I will bear truth faith and allegiance to the same; that I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me, for conscience sake; so help me God."
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
: The Basic Unit will be built on the 4-member fire team.A Platoon will be organized around a 4 to 6 fire team structure. (This can change with membership)
A Company will be based on the 3 line Platoons and a HQ Platoon concept.
A Battalion will consist of 3 to 5 companies, with a HQ Company.
The Brigade will consist of 3 to 5 Battalions with a HQ Company, and attached support units.
If the Brigade grows beyond this or covers more than ¼ of the state then the Brigade should split into two units. All members will be assigned to a team regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age and place of national origin, political party, or other as needed. Physical condition will be a factor considered.
ELECTED POSITIONS: the active members of that unit elect Battalion and Brigade commanders. The Bn. CO chooses Company commanders, and that company's members vote on them. The Company commander chooses platoon leaders with concurrence of the units NCOs. NCOs as per standard levels achieved, or former rank given in the armed forces.
A Headquarters staff to assist the commanders will be formed as needed.
Rank: Brigade Commander; Colonel,
Battalion Commander; Lieutenant Colonel,
Company Commander; Captain or Lieutenant
Platoon Leader; Lieutenant, or Sergeant.
All elected position personnel, Remember you are elected to serve by your fellow patriots, to be the leader. This is a position of trust and duty, so act the part and serve those who have faith in you. A written petition signed by 2/3 of the unit’s active members shall mandate a recall and a special election for a new commander due to unsatisfactory performance.
Any member who wishes to resign, for whatever reason should let his unit commander know as soon as he can. Any unit financial or material assets will remain with the unit. A member may be voted out of the unit by a 2/3 vote of his unit’s members.
PROCEDURES:
All musters will open with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. (participation in prayer is at the discretion of each individual)
Each Company will train on a monthly basis, classroom or field. Each Company may elect a training NCO or select volunteers to act as instructors, following the Bn. CO’s guidelines.
Companies may train together any time they choose.
Each Company may establish a unit fund. And an assets list will be maintained.
The Company CO shall be the sole spokesperson for the company unless delegated.
Disciplinary actions shall be at the Company level, as CO’s shall decide. As most training will occur on private property, all guest are expected to act in an ethical and lawful manner. Safety is of the highest concern for all members. Under no circumstance will any illegal or unlawful activity be tolerated.
All members will sign and have on file a waiver of liability prior to field training.
A Battalion/Brigade meeting should be held at least every year, all members shall attend, this can be formal or as a picnic. Staff meetings to be held as needed.
The local Commander will consider requests from State, County, or local officials for assistance with emergency situations. Volunteers will be asked for, or the whole unit called depending on the emergency.
Any existing unit with a desire of membership will be subject to a minimum 90-day probationary period. The Battalion CO and at least one Company CO will evaluate the unit’s activities to include one training muster. The unit must accept our by-laws and structure as is, or as amended.
The Bn. CO can amend these By-Laws with concurrence from the members present at the next scheduled meeting.
All members will own and maintain a semi-auto battle rifle with 300 rounds of ammunition, pistol belt and two canteens, a backpack with 4 days rations for quick response, to be maintained per unit SOP. Members shall strive to be self-sufficient at all times, they must be able to sustain themselves and their families in times of crises or national emergency. A 90-day supply of dry or canned food is minimal with other essentials. All members are to maintain a dress uniform (BDU’s) with all unit patches, name tag and rank, and a training uniform of BDU’s to include dog tags.
Updated 4/20/07.
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