Virginia Defense Force authorized new uniforms
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Defense Force will transition from their current Woodland camouflage uniform to a modified version of the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform after receiving approval from the Adjutant General of Virginia. The new VDF OCP uniform was authorized as of Sept. 1, 2025, and the wear out date for the woodland uniform is Dec. 31, 2026.
“The transition to the OCPs is in keeping with National Guard Bureau guidelines and represents more than just clothing,” said Brig. Gen. (Va.) Rich Diddams, commander of the VDF. “They are a powerful symbol of discipline, unity and identity.”
The new uniform policy aligns with Chief of the National Guard Bureau Instruction 5500.01 that allows for specific modifications to the OCP uniform for state defense forces to clearly distinguish them from National Guard and federal military forces.
The transition will adhere to Virginia Defense Force Regulation 600-10, Appendix Q and Army Regulation 670-1 for uniform wear and appearance. In order to wear the new OCP uniform, VDF personnel must meet height and weight standards.
Procurement for the uniforms to be issued to VDF personnel is scheduled for 2026, but individuals are authorized to purchase the uniform and accessories only at approved vendors if they choose.
The VDF OCP uniform features specific modifications:
The left shoulder will feature a full-color VDF patch and a full-color “SDF” patch with white letters on maroon background above the VDF patch. The SDF patch covers the area previously reserved for skill tabs so state tabs like Cyber or Technician and federal tabs like Ranger and Sapper are no longer authorized.
On the right shoulder, VDF personnel will wear a full-color Virginia state flag patch.
Last name and “VIRGINIA” tapes will be a maroon cloth tape with white lettering, and current rank will be maroon cloth with white rank insignia.
VDF personnel will wear an olive drab ball cap with non-subdued rank centered on the front of the cap.
VDF personnel will be permitted to wear no more than two skill badges above the “VIRGINIA” tape.
Shoulder sleeve insignia – military operations in hostile conditions, or combat patches, earned while on federal active duty are authorized for wear on the right shoulder of the VDF OCP uniform, but federal skill badges such as Airborne wings, Air Assault Wing or Expert Infantryman Badges are not authorized.
Click HERE to read the VDF Uniform Policy dated Aug. 15, 2-25. Click HERE to download the VDF OCP uniform specifications guide with links for approved sources.
Diddams said wearing a uniform fosters a sense of camaraderie and cohesion among service members, reinforcing their shared commitment to duty and mission.
“It instills pride, professionalism and accountability, while clearly distinguishing military personnel from civilians, which is critical for operational clarity and security,” he said. “The symbol of our uniforms is meant to convey a sense of authority and trust enhancing the military’s role as a protector.”
He added that beyond symbolism, the standardized attire ensures functionality, with designs tailored for safety, mobility and mission-specific needs that ultimately strengthen the effectiveness and morale of the VDF.
