Willaford named as VDF Command Chief Warrant Officer

RICHMOND, Va. — Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Va.) H. Monty Willaford was named the new Virginia Defense Force Command Chief Warrant Officer and promoted to chief warrant officer 5 effective Jan. 18, 2021. As the VDF CCWO, Willaford reports to the VDF commanding general for a variety of matters pertaining to policies, programs and actions impacting VDF warrant officers. These duties are necessary for efficient operations, achievement and maintenance of readiness of the VDF, including warrant officer professional development, assignments, morale, welfare, discipline, performance, training awards and recognition.

The CCWO is responsible for formulating and executing human resource policies and procedures, which direct how VDF warrant officers are appointed, developed, assigned, evaluated, trained, promoted and separated. Additionally, the CCWO maintains liaison and close coordination with VDF field commands and Force Headquarters, Joint Forces Headquarters and counterparts in other elements.  In the capacity of CCWO, Willaford is the principle coach, advisor, counselor and mentor for all warrant officers.

Willaford joined the VDF in 2018 initially assigned as the G3 training officer in charge and later as the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Division 5 Liaison Officer.  Prior to the VDF, he served nearly 31 years in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, rising through the enlisted ranks to CWO4.  As a CWO, Willaford served in multiple assignments, including: Special Agent, CGIS Commandant’s Protection Detail; Assistant Shoreside Security Officer, Port Security Unit 305; Command Inspection Team, Deployable Operations Group; Internal Security Officer for Military Commission Trials, JTF Guantanamo Bay; and law enforcement boarding team member, Sector San Juan.

Willaford is currently employed as the division chief with Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services and was formerly the Spotsylvania County Fire Chief and Captain with the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia Port Police. He was employed from 2019 to 2020 by Virginia Military Institute as an officer in charge of the Corps of Cadets. Willaford is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, and holds a master’s degree from American Military University and a bachelor degree from University of Maryland, University College.

He can be reached by email at CCWO@vdf.virginia.gov.