Composition of state militia; age limits; physical and mental qualifications

(a) Except as provided by subsection (b) of this section the militia of the state includes all qualified residents of the state between the ages of seventeen (17) and seventy (70) years, and any nonresident applicants as may be enrolled or commissioned therein, and in the case of the organized militia, who are within the age limits and possess the physical and mental qualifications prescribed by law or regulations for the reserve components of the armed forces of the United States.

(b) The following persons are exempt from militia service:

(i) Persons exempt from military service by the laws of the United States;

(ii) Regular or duly ordained ministers of religion, or duly elected church officials regularly conducting church services or recognized by their church as devoting the major portion of their time to the practice of religion;

(iii) Students preparing for the ministry in recognized theological or divinity schools; and

(iv) Persons who, by reason of religious belief, have scruples of conscience adverse to bearing arms.