Virginia Defense Force

The Virginia Defense Force (VDF) is the official state defense force of Virginia, a component of Virginia's state military along with the Virginia National Guard, with a current enrollment of over 700 troops. The VDF is the descendant of the Virginia State Guard and is headquartered at the Dove Street Armory in Richmond, Virginia, which also serves as an armory for several units of the Virginia Army National Guard. State law allows up to 7,800 troops to be activated in the VDF when necessary. The VDF is all-volunteer unless activated to "State Active Duty" status by the Governor of Virginia.

Mission of the VDF is to support the Virginia National Guard at the following times:

1. Assume control of National Guard facilities during their deployment
2. Assist in National Guard mobilization
3. Support the National Guard family assistance program
4. Perform all task currently performed by the National Guard to protect life and property upon their deployment out of county
5. Perform tasks unique to the post mobilization environment

The current VDF Commander is MG Taylor. The senior NCO and Division CSM is CSM Stevens.

Member of the VDF wear a modified Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). The modifications are brass/gold rank, white nameplates with black lettering, full color patches, the Virginia state flag and DUI’s on the chest pocket. The VDF is authorized by Section 44-54.4 of the Virginia Code.