Paul F Kisak

The Virginia Defense Force Paul F Kisak

The Virginia Defense Force (VDF) is the official state defense force of Virginia, one of the three components of Virginia's state military along with the Virginia National Guard and the Virginia Air National Guard; with a current roster of over 1000 soldiers. The VDF is the descendant of the Virginia State Guard, the Virginia Regiment, and even earlier the Colonial Militia of the Virginia Colony. The Virginia Defense Force is the most recognizable force of the Virginia militia, itself considered a combined force of all National Guard, state defense, and unorganized militia in the state of Virginia. The Virginia Defense Force is Virginia's military with the Governor as Commander in Chief. The VDF works along side the Virginia National Guard and shares the same armories. Extensive training in leadership, methods of instruction, gear assembly, recon, convoy, drill and ceremonies, field exercises, communications and map skills are taught at Ft. Pickett where competitions are also held. The VDF is subject to the UCMJ and is recognized by The State Guard association of The United States. The Virginia Defense Force Command is headquartered at the historic Old City Hall, but drills out of Waller Armory in Richmond, Virginia. State law allows the command to grow to as many as 7,800 troops to be activated in the VDF when necessary by a call out by the Governor. The VDF is all-volunteer unless activated to "Active Duty" status and augmented by unorganized militia draftees by the Governor of Virginia.