What does the process look like?
Your unit's membership in the TSM Network does not jeopardize your command. Your unit is sovereign and is simply a new link in the TSM network. However, the TSM name carries with it the confidence that we are not radicals, rebels, or sectarians. To ensure this, new units are scrutinized and must be vetted heavily before being allowed in the TSM Network.
- Upon completing this form, you will be emailed a copy of the Texas State Militia Bylaws. Review them to make sure you intend your unit to adhere to them. They allow lots of flexibility and sovereignty, but their few restrictions must be adhered to in order to remain in the TSM Network.
- You will be contacted via text or emailed by a member of the state to ensure you intend to continue and to set up an interview.
- As your unit's commander, you will have your background checked and your unit will enter a period of probation and evaluation.
- Throughout what typically is a 4-6 month perod, your unit's trainings will be occasionally observed in person by a sponsoring commander to ensure your unit is adhering to the basic bylaw requirements.
- The sponsor will help you into compliance by consulting you on different aspects of the bylaws and how you can meet them in order to join TSM.
- After the probationary period is concluded, your sponsoring CO will issue his/her report to the State CO Board and make his/her recommendation on approval or decline.
- The CO Board will vote, and if accepted, you (the commander) will be brought on to be welcomed in as an equal member of the board, and your unit will be officially recognised as a member of The Texas State Militia.
- You may then begin using the TSM logo on your website and marketing materials, and you will begin seeing new member applications coming to your unit from the state website.
If you or members of your unit are prone to the following behavior, you should not apply.
What will get your unit declined:
- Extremist rhetoric
- Separatist rhetoric
- Political Radicalism
- Illegal Activities
- Activities which skirt the spirit of the Constitution
- Felons or members with violent misdemeanors
- Racist or supremacist views
- Communist or Authoritarian views
Other aspects which affect your application approval:
- Your adherence to the TSM bylaws
- Size of your organization (minimum 5, we do not accept individuals wanting to start a unit, you should join an existing unit or wait to apply once you have a few members)
- Location of your unit AO (if there is a major unit in your immediate area, we will likely require you and your members to simply join that unit)
Upon application, your unit will be assigned a sponsor who is another commander on the CO Board from a nearby unit. The sponsoring commander will be evaluating you as commander and your unit for a short time before your unit's petition is voted on by the CO Board.
If your unit is approved, you will join an amazing organization in which you have an equal chair at the table, a vast reservoir of resources, knowledge, and experience to draw from. We want to help you grow your unit and improve your ability to support and protect your community.