Brief History

The Total Force policies of the Department of Defense prompted changes to federal law in the mid-1980s, allowing states to establish military forces designated to assume the missions of their state National Guards in the event they were called to federal service. With planning dating back to 1981, the Commonwealth created the first units of the new Virginia State Guard in 1985 with same mission as its predecessors: support of civil authority. In 1989 the General Assembly renamed the Virginia State Guard the Virginia Defense Force. The Virginia Defense Force currently has 850 men and women serving their communities throughout the Commonwealth.

Armory Locations for B/C Co.

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

Recruiting Contact

For information on joining the Virginia Defense Force, please contact the following unit commanders or senior NCOs:

Bravo Company (Fredericksburg):
Company Commander
email CPT Kevin Standfield
Cell: 540-903-4230
Home: 540-659-5773

Bravo Company First Sergeant:
email SSG Cole
Cell: 540-226-6123

VDF Commanding General:
MG Taylor

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)

Current Training Initiatives

Emergency Operations Center Training

Perimeter and Installation Security

Crowd and Riot Control Techniques

Property and Equipment Security

Safety and Risk Management

Personnel Evacuation

Area Reconnaissance

Traffic Control

Shelter Management

Radio Communications

Basic Disaster Response Skills

Fire Safety

Light Search and Rescue

Team Organization

Disaster Medical Operations

First-Aid Training

Life-Saver Training

Webmaster Contact

Email SGT Thomas Woolman