District of Columbia DEFENSE FORCe

Service and Response

Terms of Membership

The following terms and conditions of service are in addition to the oath and any application you may file in connection with the enlistment or appointment in the District of Columbia Defense Force:

(1) Voluntary enlistment or appointment is for a period of two years, unless sooner discharged by proper authority. You may be involuntarily discharged on an honorable basis, at any time, with or without cause. Upon completion of an initial term of enlistment or appointment, your service is extended automatically for an additional two-year period. Once your service has been extended, you have the right to resign upon not less than 30 days notice prior to the date of discharge. However, if any unit of the District of Columbia Defense Force has been called to active duty, enlistments and appointments are extended, and right to resign is postponed until 30 days after the last unit has been relieved from active duty.

(2) Members are expected to perform training level duties and to serve on active duty. A member may, upon not less than 30 days notice, exercise the right to be reassigned as an inactive, or non-drilling, member.

(3) Inactive members agree to serve when called or ordered to active duty. Inactive members may be ordered to attend an annual muster, but are not otherwise required to attend training or drills unless a call to active duty is imminent. An inactive member is expected to be included in the alert plan of the unit, and his/her current address and other relevant information will be furnished as directed.

(4) An inactive member, with his/her consent, may be reassigned to regular membership status. Upon proper authority, an active member may be reassigned to inactive status.

(5) You may be called to active duty by order of the Commanding General of the District of Columbia Defense Force. Upon notice, you are to report as directed by the order or alert plan of your unit, and you will remain in service until relieved by proper authority.

(6) Members are subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal, for failure to report for active duty and for other offenses. You are in active duty status while on duty, whether paid or unpaid, and while going to or returning from any place of duty.

(7) Even though discharged, you remain liable for offenses committed as a DCDF member, and responsibility for property continues after discharge and until all property is returned and/or property account is settled.

(8) Physical fitness is by self-certification. Any limitation or restriction regarding your fitness must be noted on your application or enlistment/appointment form, and any future restriction should be reported to your commander.

(9) You are not, by appointment or enlistment in the District of Columbia Defense Force, exempt or excused from call or order as an individual to the service of the United States under the Selective Service Act. An individual may not serve as a member of the District of Columbia Defense Force while also serving as a member of the federal reserve components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard. Unless, pursuant to Act of Congress, your unit is called to active duty, or unless some other provision is hereafter enacted, you are not considered in the military service of the United States and have no entitlement to federal benefits on account of District of Columbia Defense Force service.