Armory Locations

Fredericksburg Armory (Bravo Company HQ)

1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Bowling Green Armory (Charlie Company HQ)

18164 A.P. Hill Boulevard,
Bowling Green, VA 22427

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for membership in the Virginia Defense Force?

United States citizenship or Legal Resident Alien status
A valid Social Security number
Age 16 to 65 (Minors require written consent of parent or legal guardian.)
Physical ability to perform in any assigned billet
No felony convictions
Good moral character

Are members of the Virginia Defense Force armed?

The Code of Virginia states that "members of the Virginia State Defense Force shall not be armed with firearms during the performance of training duty or state active duty, except under circumstances and in instances authorized by the Governor." (§ 44.54.12)

Are members of the Virginia Defense Force paid?

Members receive pay only while on active duty authorized by the Governor. Pay rates are based on the U.S. Department of Defense's military pay scale and members' rank. Members are not paid for monthly drills or annual field training exercises.

How long are enlistments in the Virginia Defense Force?

Membership in the Virginia Defense Force is voluntary and members may request discharge at any time.

How are ranks assigned to new members of the Virginia Defense Force?

New members of the Virginia Defense Force with prior federal service may enter the force at the same grade held in federal service, provided a billet of matching grade is vacant at time of appointment or enlistment. New members without prior federal service shall be enlisted. New members with certain professional occupations (doctors, lawyers, nurses and pilots) may join the force as commissioned officers if assigned to a billet matching their civilian occupations.

Are members of the Virginia Defense Force required to wear uniforms?

The Code of Virginia requires the force to be uniformed, conforming to standards of dress and appearance prescribed by the Adjutant General of Virginia. The uniform for the Virginia Defense Force is a modified version of the United States Army's legacy Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) which conforms to state specific requirements contained in National Guard Bureau Regulation 10-4. (§ 44.54.9)

What are the medical requirements for membership in the Virginia Defense Force?

While the Virginia Defense Force does not require formal physical testing or training, members must be physically able to perform assigned duties.

Is my job protected if I am ordered to state active duty with the Virginia Defense Force?

The Code of Virginia provides employment protections for members of the Virginia Defense Force and the Virginia National Guard. (§ 44.93)

Webmaster Contact

Email SGT Thomas Woolman

Unit Library

Unclassified Regulations and Training Files

Virginia Defense Force Publications, from the VDF Advanced Leader Course

VDF Publications

Virginia Defense Force METL Listing, 1 APR 2000

VDF METL Listing

Virginia Defense Force Unit Fund Accountability, REG 230-65

VDF Unit Fund Accountability, 230-65

Virginia Defense Force Training Policy, REG 350-1

VDF Training Policy, 350-1

Virginia Defense Force Personnel and Administration, REG 600-10

VDF Personnel and Administration, 600-10

Virginia Defense Force Uniforms, REG 670-1

VDF Uniforms, 670-1
Change in VDF Uniform Regulations JUL2008, 670-1

Virginia Defense Force Military ID Card Application

VDF ID Card

National Guard Bureau State Defense Force Regulations

U.S. Army National Guard Bureau SDF Regulations

Virginia Defense Force Military Award Ribbons

VDF Awards

U.S. Army Field Manual 6-22 (FM 22-100), Army Leadership - Competent, Confident, and Agile

FM 6-22

U.S. Army Field Manual 7-21.13, The Soldier's Guide, February 2004

FM 7-21.13

U.S. Army Field Manual 3-11.22, Weapons of Mass Destruction - Civil Support Team Operations

FM 3-11.22

U.S. Marine Corps MCRP 3-40.3C, Field Antenna Handbook

MCRP 3-40.3C

U.S. Army Field Manual 22-5, Drill and Ceremonies

FM 22-5

Bravo/Charlie Company, 23Bn, BH Bde Photo Release Liability Waiver

Photo Release

1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 23Bn, BH Bde - Quick Reference Sheet for TCP / RTO Operations

VDF Labels - 1st Platoon, Bravo Company

2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 23Bn, BH Bde - Quick Reference Sheet for TCP / RTO Operations

VDF Labels - 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company

1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 23Bn, BH Bde - Quick Reference Sheet for TCP / RTO Operations

VDF Labels - 1st Platoon, Charlie Company

2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 23Bn, BH Bde - Quick Reference Sheet for TCP / RTO Operations

VDF Labels - 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company

Virginia Defense Force, Bravo/Charlie Companies, 23rd Bn., Blackhorse Bde.