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)

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 2LT Thomas Woolman

Recruiting

VDF Recruiting Brocure (.pdf format, 2.3MB)

Recruits Needed at Bravo and Charlie Companies

If you are looking for a way to enhance your current job skills, learn a new skill or give back to your local community, the Virginia Defense Force (VDF) is currently recruiting volunteers to fill a variety of service needs. Virginia residents with experience or education in the following areas are invited to apply: legal, medical, law enforcement, communications, chaplaincy, logistical/supply, administrative, and other areas.

Membership in the VDF is open to Virginia residents with or without prior military service, ages 16 to 64. Members must have a valid social security number and no felony convictions.

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

Bravo Company (Fredericksburg, VA region) 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

The Mission of the Virginia Defense Force is to support the Virginia National Guard at the following times:

Assume control of National Guard facilities during their deployment

Assist in National Guard Mobilization

Support the National Guard Family Assistance Program

Perform all tasks currently performed by the National Guard to protect life and property upon their deployment out of country

Perform tasks unique to the Post Mobilization Environment

The Virginia State Defense Force, with a targeted membership of at least 1,200, is organized within and subject to the control of the Virginia Department of Military Affairs.

When called to state active duty, the mission of the Virginia State Defense Force is to
(i) provide for an adequately trained organized reserve militia to assume control of Virginia National Guard facilities and to secure any federal and state property left in place in the event of the mobilization of the Virginia National Guard;
(ii) assist in the mobilization of the Virginia National Guard;
(iii) support the Virginia National Guard in providing family assistance to military dependents within the Commonwealth in the event of the mobilization of the Virginia National Guard;
(iv) provide a military force to respond to the call of the Governor in those circumstances described in §44-75.1.

Nothing in this article shall be construed as authorizing the Virginia State Defense Force or any part thereof to be called, ordered or in any manner drafted by federal authorities into the military service of the United States. However, no person by reason of his enlistment or appointment in the Virginia State Defense Force shall be exempted from military service under any law of the United States.

Members of the Virginia State Defense Force may serve in either of the following duty statuses:

"Training duty," which is the normal service and training performed by the Virginia State Defense Force in order to be prepared for state active duty, and which includes but is not limited to organization, administration, recruiting, maintenance of equipment and training.

"State active duty," which is the performance of actual military service for the Commonwealth when called by the Governor or his designee to active duty in service of the Commonwealth in accordance with Article 7 (§ 44-75.1 et seq.) t

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