Virginia State 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 800 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

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, 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. The VDF can now wear OD green nametags with black lettering.

Virginia Awards

*Virginia Army National Guard Emergency Service Ribbon

* Life Saving Medal

* Distinguished Service Ribbon

* Meritorious Service Medal

* Commendation Medal

* Military Commendation Certificate Ribbon

* Active Service Medal

* VADF Service Medal

* Community Service Ribbon

* Service Medal

* Response Management Staff College Completion Ribbon

* Basic Officer Qualification Course Completion Ribbon (Replaced by ALC Ribbon)

* Operational Staff-Command, Control & Communications Course Ribbon

* Advance Leaders Course Completion Ribbon

* Company Leaders Course Completion Ribbon

* Recruiting Ribbon

ee also

*State Defense Forces
*Virginia National Guard
*Virginia Army National Guard

External links

* [http://www.vdf.virginia.gov/ Virginia Defense Force - Official Government Website]
* [http://vadf-avn.org/ Aviation Battalion]
* [http://www.blackhorsebrigade.org/ Black Horse Brigade VDF]
* [http://www.highlandbrigade.org/ Highland Brigade VDF]
* [http://www.lafayettebrigade.org/ Lafayette Brigade VDF] Subordinate Units
* [http://www.vadfechocompany.org/ Blackhorse - Echo Company, Manassas]
* [http://www.vadf23bnaco.org/ Blackhorse Brigade//23rd BN/Company A]
* [http://www.vadefenseforce.com/ Blackhorse Brigade//23rd BN/Company B, Company C, Fredericksburg and Bowling Green]
* [http://www.13thbnblackhorse.homestead.com/ Blackhorse Brigade//13th BN]
* [http://www.gocharlie.org/ Blackhorse Charlie Company, 33rd Battalion, Harrisonburg]