Join the Virginia Defense Force

**A member of the Virginia Defense Force on state active duty provides logistical support to the Virginia National Guard Jan. 24, 2026.**

The Virginia Defense Force is authorized by Title 44 of the Code of the Virginia as the all-volunteer reserve of the Virginia National Guard, and it serves as a force multiplier integrated into all VNG domestic operations. The VDF reports to the Adjutant General of Virginia as part of the Virginia Department of Military Affairs along with the Virginia Army National Guard and Virginia Air National Guard.

Members of the VDF volunteer their time for training and are only paid when called to state active duty by an authorization from the Governor of Virginia.

Membership in the VDF is open to U.S citizens and legal residents with or without prior military service, ages 16 to 65. Members must have a valid social security number and no felony convictions.

Visit the VDF News page to learn more about recent missions and training.

Follow the VDF on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

VDF members bring a wide variety of military, law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, network security, radio communications and other civilian skills to mission sets including emergency communications support, operations center augmentation, resource management, operational planning, incident management assistance, cyber defense, access control and public information.

Members of the Virginia Defense Force volunteer their time to provide guest services and escort support at the Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2026, at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia.

While some VDF members are retired military or first responders, many are younger people who looking to gain leadership experience and new skills.

Want to know more? Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

If you have additional questions, please contact the VDF Active Detachment by email at ng.va.vaarng.mbx.vdfhq@army.mil.

If you are ready to submit your information to start the recruiting process, please visit the VDF Recruit Info Form page.

If you want to follow a satisfying path of service, consider joining the Virginia Defense Force today. Join many other “Virginians Serving Virginians.”