How to Join
Interested in becoming part of the North Idaho Militia? Here’s what the process actually looks like, and what to expect along the way.
Who Can Join
You must be a resident of the state of Idaho and be 18 years or older to join. Younger family members are welcome to attend and participate with parent or guardian approval. Membership will be denied to anyone who is a felon, has ever been adjudicated as a mental defective, or is a member of any hate group, racist, moral reprobate, socialist, communist, anarchist, or a provocateur.
You’ll also need to show proof of a recent background check. Any of the following will work: a current CCW, a firearm purchase receipt from within the last year, or you can get a CCW through the County Sheriff.
Getting to Know Each Other
Joining isn’t just filling out a form. Before anyone officially joins, we like to get to know you, and give you a chance to get to know us. That starts with coming out to our rucks and hikes — it’s a low-key way to spend time together and see if this is a good fit for everyone.
We’ll also get you out to the range so we can see your familiarity and comfort level with firearms. This isn’t a pass-or-fail test. It’s how we make sure everyone in the field is safe, and it helps us know where to focus your training.
Many recruits are paired with an active member who will get to know you personally, help you find your footing, answer questions, and connect you with the right people.
Once we’ve had a chance to train and spend time together, we’ll sit down and talk about whether joining makes sense for everyone. Participation matters a lot here — how involved you’ve been says a lot about what kind of member you’ll be.
Time Commitment
Not every role asks the same of you. Some positions, especially leadership and specialized roles, take more time and consistent participation than others. We’ll help you find a role that fits what you’re able to give.
Equipment
You don’t need any special gear to join. Come as you are, and we’ll help you figure out the rest. Some specific training areas — night vision, drone operation, and others — do require specific equipment, but that only applies to those specialty areas, not to joining the group itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to join?
Nothing. There’s no membership fee.
How much time will this take?
That depends on you. Time commitment varies quite a bit depending on which areas you’re interested in and how involved you want to be.
Can my family come too?
Yes. Meetings and many trainings are family friendly, and we welcome spouses and kids.
Is there an age requirement?
You need to be 18 to join. Younger family members can attend and participate with parent or guardian approval. Whatever your age, you’ll need to be mentally competent and safe to be around others.
What do I need to bring?
More than gear, you need a willingness to participate, a mindset to learn, and a mindset to teach. That attitude matters more than what’s in your kit.
