The Virginia militia traces its origins to the establishment of the Colony of Virginia in 1607 under the English militia system. Historically, service was compulsory for able-bodied free males capable
A 1772 portrait of George Washington wearing the uniform of the Virginia Regiment, a provincial unit that operated alongside the Virginia militia during the French and Indian War.
The Virginia Defense Force is the official state defense force of Virginia, one of the three components of Virginia's state military along with the Virginia National Guard which includes the Virginia
Virginia militia
…of insurrections, and the enforcement of governmental authority. Under modern Virginia law, the militia consists of the Virginia National Guard, the Virginia Defense Force, and the unorganized militia. In 1623, the year following the outbreak of the first major Anglo-Powhatan War in Virginia, the Virginia General Assembly…
The VDF conducts a Change of Unit Designation Ceremony Sept. 28, 2013, at Fort Pickett.
A member of the Virginia Defense Force Incident Management Assistance Team in Onancock prepares for possible duty in response to Hurricane Irene.
Members of the Virginia Defense Force, Shelter Augmentation Liaison Team provide assistance to the Virginia State Police during the 2011 State Managed Shelter Exercise.
Brig. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, speaks to a member of the Virginia Defense Force during the 2015 Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, Virginia.