The Virginia Defense Force (VDF) is the Commonwealth's military reserve.
The force is governed by the military laws of Virginia and managed by the Virginia Department of Military Affairs. The chain of command for the force consists of the Governor of Virginia (Commander-in-Chief), Adjutant General of Virginia, and Commanding General of the Virginia Defense Force.
The Virginia Defense Force, with a targeted membership of at least 1,200, shall be organized within and subject to the control of the Department of Military Affairs.
When called to state active duty, the mission of the Virginia Defense Force shall be to
- 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
- assist in the mobilization of the Virginia National Guard
- support the Virginia National Guard in providing family assistance to military dependents within the Commonwealth in the event of the mobilization of the National Guard
- provide a military force to respond to the call of the Governor in those circumstances described in § 44-75.1
The Virginia Defense Force (VDF) is an all volunteer formal military organization working specifically to assist the people and government of the Commonwealth whenever and wherever the help is needed. The mission of the VDF is to assist the Department of Military Affairs, as a partner with the Virginia Army and Air National Guard, in the performance of in-state missions when activated by the Governor of the Commonwealth. Additionally, should the Virginia National Guard (VNG) be called upon for federal deployment, the VDF may be tasked to assume the state mission of the VNG. Together with the Virginia National Guard, the Virginia Defense Force provides an important part of the Commonwealth's emergency response assets. The VDF is the state's only military force that is independent of federal control. With units located through out Virginia the force can move quickly into areas affected by natural or man made emergencies. The VDF is a volunteer force, drawing upon people with a wide range of talents that wish to serve. 1st MP is one of three Companys forming the 1st Military Police Battalion, Division Troop Command. MP Battalion HHD is co-located at the Petersburg National Guard Armory. Members of the Company train in Traffic Control, Perimeter and Installation Security, Crowd/Riot Control, and other skills that are necessary to ensure the safety of the personnel of the VDF and citizens of the Commonwealth. 1st MP also assists in the training of other units of the VDF in regards to security related skills.
