Virgin Islands National Guard
Appearance
U.S. Virgin Islands National Guard | |
---|---|
Active | 19 October 1973 - Present |
Country | ![]() |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch | National Guard |
Role | "When directed by the Governor, service members will serve and protect the interests of the Territory and its citizens." |
Size | 1,000 -/+ |
Garrison/HQ | St Croix, United States Virgin Islands |
Motto(s) | "The Guardians of the Eastern Front" |
Commanders | |
Civilian leadership | President Donald Trump (Commander-in-Chief) Governor Kenneth Mapp |
State military leadership | Adjutant General Deborah Y. Howell |
Colonel of the Regiment | Chief-of-staff Colonel Linda Cills |
Insignia | |
Emblem of the Joint Forces Virgin Islands National Guard | ![]() |
The Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) was federally recognized on October 19, 1973 in a ceremony officiated by Major General La Vern E. Weber, Director of the United States Army National Guard. Major Leayle Galiber was appointed acting Adjutant General and took command of the first two units to be activated, a Headquarters Detachment and the 661st Military Police Company both on St. Croix. [1]
The U.S. Virgin Islands National Guard consists of the:
- Virgin Islands Army National Guard [2]
- 661st Military Police Company
- Virgin Islands Air National Guard [3]
Decorations
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Virgin_Islands_National_Guardsmen_being_deputized_by_the_MPDC%2C_January_2013.jpg/170px-Virgin_Islands_National_Guardsmen_being_deputized_by_the_MPDC%2C_January_2013.jpg)
The Virgin Islands National Guard has authorized several state decorations for wear by its personnel, including [4]:
- Virgin Islands Distinguished Service Medal (VIDSM)
- Virgin Islands Meritorious Service Medal (VIMSM)
- Virgin Islands Commendation Medal (VICOM)
- Virgin Islands Long and Faithful Service Medal (VILFSM)
- Virgin Islands Emergency Service Ribbon (VIESR)