Membership Requirements

JOINING REQUIREMENTS

General Eligibility (All Applicants)

To be considered for membership in the Tennessee Volunteer Corps (TVC), applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:

• Dual-Affiliation Restrictions: Effective July 6, 2026, members of the military branches (including the National Guard) shall apply for and gain dual membership in their respective service branch and the Tennessee Volunteer Corps.

• Citizenship Status: Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).

• Character and Background:

  • Must have no felony convictions and not be on active parole or probation.

  • Must have no misdemeanor convictions related to burglary, theft, drugs, assault, or sexual offenses.

  • Must have fewer than five (5) general misdemeanor convictions total.

  • Must have no past or current affiliation with any militia or hate group.

  • Prior Military Service: If applicable, must have received an Honorable Discharge. Any discharge characterization other than Honorable is disqualifying.

Enlisted Requirements

Applicants applying for enlisted tracks must meet all general eligibility criteria plus the following:

• Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.

• Education: Must possess a high school diploma or GED.

Officer Requirements

Applicants seeking an officer commission must meet all general eligibility criteria plus the following:

• Age: Must be 21 years of age or older.

• Education: Must possess a high school diploma or GED. A minimum of two (2) years of college education is preferred but not required.

• Prior Service Pathways:

  • Prior Enlisted: Must have attained a minimum rank of E-5 (Sergeant/Petty Officer Second Class) during their military service.

  • Prior Officers: Former military officers are eligible for a commission and may be considered for rank retention based on organizational needs.

• Civilian Pathways: Direct commissions are available for qualified civilian applicants based on professional experience, leadership capabilities, and technical qualifications.

• Preferred Experience: Preferred (but not required) qualifications that strengthen an officer application include:

  • Alumni or former members of JROTC, ROTC, or the Civil Air Patrol.

  • Supervisory or leadership experience in Security, Fire Services, Law Enforcement, or EMS/EMT fields.