Virginia Defense Force

Virginians Serving Virginians

VDF G5/7 Training Page Update – Working Draft

Soldier’s Path: Career Development & Promotion Requirements

This guide outlines the requirements for advancement within the Virginia Defense Force (VDF). Promotion is not automatic based on time; it requires superior duty, performance, and the completion of specific training milestones. While this list is intended to assist, there is no substitute for counseling from your NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers).

The Soldier’s Path

Click a rank to expand the requirements.

Promotion to Private 2nd Class (PV2 / E2)

Promotion Evaluation: Go/No-Go (Successful completion of all tasks)

Promotion to Private First Class (PFC / E3)
  • TIG: 6 Months | TIS: 1 Year
  • Training Objectives:
    • Basic Military Communications: Procedure Words (PRO-WORDS) and Phonetic Alphabet/Numbers.
    • Radio Operations: Handheld Radio usage and Direct Net/Free Net procedures.
    • Standard Message Format
    • Organizational Knowledge: Chain of Command and Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Support Channel.
    • Rank Insignia: Recognition of Officer and Enlisted ranks.
    • EDRE: Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise Response.
    • General Orders: Recitation from memory.
Promotion to Specialist (SPC / E4)
  • TIG: 6 Months (as E-3) | TIS: 18 Months (1.5 Years)
  • FEMA Coursework (online, VDF Training Portal): IS-100.c, IS-200.c, IS-700.b, IS-800.d. Completion certificates uploaded to the VDF Training Portal.
  • VDF Courses:
  • Evaluations:
    • Go/No-Go assessment of NCOLD practicals (e.g., leadership scenarios), signed by E-6 or above.
    • VDF Form 623-3 (NCO Evaluation), completed by the 1SG or E-6 or above.
  • Advancement Package:
    • NCOLD Certificate
    • IDC Certificate
    • FEMA certificates (IS-100.c, IS-200.c, IS-700.b, IS-800.d)
    • Verification of prior training (IET, Officer Indoctrination I/II per VDFR 350-1)
    • TIS/TIG verification (G-1)
    • UTA/MUTA attendance ≥90% (G-1 verified)
    • VDF Form 624-1-1 (signed by Company Commander)
    • VDF Form 3-R
    • Front and profile photo in uniform
Lateral Promotion to Corporal (CPL / E4)

Note: This is a leadership rank for specialists in NCO billets.

  • TIG: 8 Months (as E-3) | TIS: 24 Months (2 Years)
  • Complete all E4 and E5 requirements.
  • Billeted to a leadership role on the MTOE (Modified Table of Organization and Equipment).
  • Instruction: Serve as an AI (Assistant Instructor) at a UTA (Unit Training Assembly) or MUTA (Multiple Unit Training Assembly).
  • Knowledge: Introduction to OP ORDS (Operation Orders) and OP PLANS (Operation Plans).
  • SAD (State Active Duty): Process and response.
Promotion to Sergeant (SGT / E5)
  • TIG: 12 Months (1 Year) as E-4 | TIS: 36 Months (3 Years)
  • FEMA Coursework (online, VDF Training Portal): IS-120.c, IS-230.e, IS-235.c, IS-241.c, IS-317.a.
  • VDF Courses (Fort Pickett or Waller Depot): Basic Leadership Course (BLC) (24.0 hrs, in-person):
    • Drill and Ceremonies (VDF 105) — 6.0 hrs: squad-level formations and movements. Online test: 20 questions (≥80%). Go/No-Go PAR Sheet (signed by E-7 or above).
    • NCO Basics — 6.0 hrs: VDF history, NCO duties, responsibilities, and authority. Online test: 25 questions (≥80%). Go/No-Go PAR Sheet (signed by E-7 or above).
    • Leadership Principles and Traits — 6.0 hrs: leadership styles, traits, and decision-making. Online test: 20 questions (≥80%).
    • VDF Recruiting — 6.0 hrs: company-level recruiting strategies and retention. Online test: 15 questions (≥80%).
    • BLC Certificate awarded upon completion of all four blocks.
  • Evaluations: VDF Form 623-3 (NCO Evaluation), signed by the 1SG or E-6 or above; letters of recommendation from 1SG/CSM and Company Commander.
  • Advancement Package:
    • BLC Certificate
    • IDC Certificate
    • FEMA certificates (all prior plus IS-120.c, IS-230.e, IS-235.c, IS-241.c, IS-317.a)
    • Verification of prior training (IET, OI/OII, NCOLD)
    • TIS/TIG verification
    • UTA/MUTA attendance ≥90%
    • VDF Form 623-3
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Photo in uniform
    • VDF Form 624-1-1
    • VDF Form 3-R
  • Board Process:
    • Package reviewed by the Board Package Committee.
    • Candidate presented by the 1SG to the E-5 Promotion Board (chaired by E-8 or above, with two E-7s and one O-3 or above).
    • Board evaluates leadership potential, training, and evaluations.
    • Recommendation forwarded to the CG.
Promotion to Staff Sergeant (SSG / E6)

Overview

  • E-6 advancement prepares NCOs for platoon-level leadership and administrative roles, with increased responsibility in VDF operations.

Requirements

  • TIG: 18 Months (1.5 Years) as E-5 | TIS: 60 Months (5 Years)
  • FEMA Coursework (online, VDF Training Portal): IS-240.c, IS-242.c, IS-244.b, IS-1300, IS-2200.
  • VDF Courses (Fort Pickett, 2-day MUTA): Advanced Leadership Course (ALC) (24.0 hrs):
    • Drill and Ceremonies — 6.0 hrs: lead company-level formations. Go/No-Go PAR Sheet (signed by E-7 or above).
    • NCO Leadership Framework — 8.0 hrs: duties, responsibilities, and authority at the platoon level. Online test: 30 questions (≥80%).
    • Administration and Procedures — 10.0 hrs: personnel procedures, forms, and communication. Online test: 25 questions (≥80%). Go/No-Go PAR Sheet (signed by E-7 or above).
    • ALC Certificate awarded upon completion of all three blocks.
  • Additional Requirements:
    • Appointment as a PME Trainer (verified by G-3).
    • Company Commander Letter of Appointment for the training role.
  • Advancement Package:
    • ALC Certificate
    • PME Trainer Appointment Letter
    • FEMA certificates (all prior plus IS-240.c, IS-242.c, IS-244.b, IS-1300, IS-2200)
    • Verification of prior training (IET, OI/OII, NCOLD, BLC)
    • TIS/TIG verification
    • UTA/MUTA attendance records
    • VDF Form 623-3
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Photo in uniform
    • VDF Form 624-1-1
    • VDF Form 3-R
  • Board Process:
    • Package reviewed by the Board Package Committee.
    • Candidate presented by the 1SG to the E-6 Promotion Board.
    • Board evaluates administrative skills, leadership, and training contributions.
    • Recommendation forwarded to the CG.
Promotion to Sergeant First Class (SFC / E7)
  • TIG: 24 Months (2 Years) as E-6 | TIS: 84 Months (7 Years)
  • FEMA Coursework (online, VDF Training Portal): IS-2900.
  • VDF Courses (Fort Pickett, 3-day MUTA): Senior Leadership Course (SLC) (24.0 hrs):
    • Senior NCO Leadership — 8.0 hrs: strategic leadership, mentorship, and VDF mission. Online test: 30 questions (≥80%).
    • Operations and Training — 8.0 hrs: SOP development and training management. Online test: 25 questions (≥80%).
    • Leadership Task — 8.0 hrs: identify and resolve a battalion/regiment/force-level issue; submit an After-Action Report (AAR) and documentation; Go/No-Go evaluation by the Senior Enlisted Board.
    • Staff Operations & Planning Course — 8.0 hrs: operational planning and resource allocation. Online test: 20 questions (≥80%).
    • SLC Certificate awarded upon completion of all four blocks.
  • Evaluations: VDF Form 623-3, signed by E-7 or above; letters of recommendation from 1SG/CSM and Company Commander.
  • Advancement Package:
    • SLC Certificate
    • Staff Operations & Planning Course Certificate
    • FEMA certificates (all prior plus IS-2900)
    • Verification of prior training (IET, OI/OII, NCOLD, BLC, ALC)
    • TIS/TIG verification
    • UTA/MUTA attendance records
    • VDF Form 623-3
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Photo in uniform
    • VDF Form 624-1-1
    • VDF Form 3-R
    • Leadership Task AAR and documentation
  • Board Process:
    • Package reviewed by the Board Package Committee.
    • Candidate presented by the 1SG to the E-7 Promotion Board (chaired by E-9, with two E-8s and one O-4 or above).
    • Board evaluates operational expertise, the leadership task, and mentorship.
    • Recommendation forwarded to the CG.
Promotion to Master Sergeant / First Sergeant (MSG/1SG / E8)
  • TIG: 30 Months (2.5 Years) as E-7 | TIS: 108 Months (9 Years)
  • FEMA Coursework (in-person or VDEM-approved provider): ICS-300 — Master Sergeant track only.
  • VDF Courses (Fort Pickett or Waller Depot): Company Commander/First Sergeant Course (16.0 hrs) — First Sergeant track only: company leadership, personnel management, and readiness. Online test: 30 questions (≥80%). Go/No-Go evaluation by E-8 or above.
  • Evaluations: VDF Form 623-3, signed by E-8 or above; letters of recommendation from 1SG/CSM and Company Commander.
  • Advancement Package:
    • ICS-300 Certificate (Master Sergeant only)
    • Company Commander/First Sergeant Course Certificate (First Sergeant only)
    • Verification of prior training (IET, OI/OII, NCOLD, BLC, ALC, SLC)
    • TIS/TIG verification
    • UTA/MUTA attendance records
    • VDF Form 623-3
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Photo in uniform
    • VDF Form 624-1-1
    • VDF Form 3-R
  • Board Process:
    • Package reviewed by the Board Package Committee.
    • Candidate presented by the CSM to the E-8 Promotion Board (chaired by E-9, with two E-8s and one O-4 or above).
    • Board evaluates command potential and staff expertise.
    • Recommendation forwarded to the CG.
Promotion to Sergeant Major (SGM / E9)
  • TIG: 36 Months (3 Years) as E-8 | TIS: 132 Months (11 Years)
  • FEMA Coursework (in-person or VDEM-approved provider): ICS-400 — Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff.
  • Evaluations: VDF Form 623-3, signed by the CSM; letters of recommendation from the CSM and Company Commander.
  • Advancement Package:
    • ICS-400 Certificate
    • Verification of prior training (IET, OI/OII, NCOLD, BLC, ALC, SLC, E-8 courses)
    • TIS/TIG verification
    • UTA/MUTA attendance records
    • VDF Form 623-3
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Photo in uniform
    • VDF Form 624-1-1
    • VDF Form 3-R
  • Board Process:
    • Package reviewed by the Board Package Committee.
    • Candidate presented by the CSM to the E-9 Promotion Board (chaired by the CG or deputy, with two E-9s and one O-5 or above).
    • Board evaluates strategic leadership and force-wide impact.
    • Recommendation forwarded to the CG.

NCO Education Checklists

Click a heading below to expand the specific checklist requirements.

Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Development Course (NCOLD)

This course is a foundational requirement for advancement to E-4 (Specialist).

  • Length: 8.0 hours, online/in-person.
  • Topics: NCO roles, leadership basics, VDF mission, and ethics.
  • Course Material: VDF NCOLD Course Material
  • Evaluation: Online test, 30 questions (≥80% passing) — NCOLD Test Info. Go/No-Go assessment of practicals (e.g., leadership scenarios), signed by E-6 or above.
Individual Development Course (IDC)

Required alongside NCOLD for advancement to E-4 (Specialist). Note: this is a separate course from the “Instructor Development Course (IDC)” listed below — the two currently share the same abbreviation.

  • Length: 4.0 hours, online.
  • Topics: Personal development, time management, and career planning.
  • Completion: Certificate issued upon completion; no separate test.
Basic Leader Course (BLC) Checklist

I. Required FEMA Coursework

II. Administrative & Verification

  1. Submit FEMA transcripts to the 1SG (First Sergeant).
  2. Company verifies records in ACTDET (via S1, G1, and G3).
  3. Complete Self-Attestation verification test — Take Test Here

III. VDF Professional Courses (24.0 hrs total, in-person at Fort Pickett or Waller Depot)

Final Step: Once all four blocks and Go/No-Go evaluations are complete, G3 will issue the BLC Course Completion.

Advanced Leader Course (ALC) Checklist

I. Required FEMA Coursework

II. Administrative & Verification

  1. Submit FEMA transcripts to 1SG.
  2. Verify record updates in ACTDET.
  3. Complete Self-Attestation (Step 1) — Take Test Here

III. VDF Advanced Courses (24.0 hrs total, Fort Pickett, 2-day MUTA)

  • Drill and Ceremonies — 6.0 hrs: leading company-level formations. Go/No-Go PAR Sheet (signed by E-7 or above).
  • NCO Leadership Framework — 8.0 hrs: Download Material | Online test, 30 questions (≥80%) — Take Test (Step 2)
  • Administration and Procedures — 10.0 hrs: Download Material | Online test, 25 questions (≥80%) — Take Test (Step 3) | Go/No-Go PAR Sheet (signed by E-7 or above)

Additional Requirements

  • Appointment as a PME Trainer (verified by G-3).
  • Company Commander Letter of Appointment.
Senior Leader Course (SLC) Checklist

I. Required FEMA Coursework

II. Administrative & Verification

  1. Coordinate transcript submission with 1SG.
  2. Ensure S1/G1/G3 have updated ACTDET.
  3. Self-Attestation: Take Test Here (Step 1)

III. VDF Senior Courses (24.0 hrs total, Fort Pickett, 3-day MUTA)

  • Senior NCO Leadership — 8.0 hrs: strategic leadership, mentorship, and VDF mission: Download Material | Online test, 30 questions (≥80%) — Take Test (Step 2)
  • Operations and Training — 8.0 hrs: SOP development, training management: Download Material | Online test, 25 questions (≥80%) — Take Test (Step 3)
  • Leadership Task — 8.0 hrs: identify and resolve a battalion/regiment/force-level issue; submit an AAR and documentation — Senior NCO Task Go/No-Go (Step 4), evaluated by the Senior Enlisted Board
  • Staff Operations & Planning Course — 8.0 hrs: operational planning, resource allocation. Online test, 20 questions (≥80%).

IV. Final Verification

  • G5/7 verifies above and issues SLC Course Completion.
Instructor Development Course (IDC)

Course Material: Instructor Development Course (IDC) Reference Material
Certification Process:

  • Practical Application: At a home station UTA (Unit Training Assembly) or Force MUTA (Multiple Unit Training Assembly), the student will deliver classroom VDF instruction for a period of no less than twenty continuous minutes.
  • Assignment & Evaluation: The instruction topic will be assigned by the REGT Cdr (Regiment Commander) or their designee. The delivery must follow the principles of instruction set forward in the IDC course and will be evaluated by an authorized individual.
  • Final Verification: A Memorandum from the Regiment Commander, CSM (Command Sergeant Major), or S3 (Operations) denoting a successful evaluation and the evaluator’s name must be forwarded to the G3 (Operations & Training) section.
  • Completion: G3 will generate an IDC completion certificate for the individual and update their Regiment and Force-level personnel files.

Initial Entry Training (IET) Reference Materials

Use these materials for personal pre-drill preparation and reference. Click to expand.

IET Study Guides & Handouts

Note: PowerPoints are stored as PDFs. If using Acrobat Reader, (CTRL+L) will produce a full-screen effect.

VDF Orientation & Level IIA

These courses must be completed within the first six months of enlistment and prior to IET graduation.

Specialized Training & Operations

Civil Security & Support (CSS)

Training and Evaluations required. The successful completion of the Traffic course and exam, along with the practical training at Force MUTAs, is required for completion of Traffic Control Training certification. Completion of these courses is preferred prior to the practical field training.

NOTE: ALL EVALUATIONS REQUIRE A FINAL 100% CORRECT SCORE.

Communications (COM) Tracks

FEMA Reference Library

Quick links to required Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Independent Study courses. Check your Soldier’s Path above to see when these are required.

FEMA Course Directory

Advancement & Board Package Requirements

The following document presents both the promotion requirements as well as the package material required for advancement to E4 through E9.

Terminology Reference

  • 1SG (First Sergeant): The senior noncommissioned officer at the company level.
  • S1 / G1: Personnel staff sections (S-level is Unit; G-level is State).
  • G3: In the VDF, this staff section was responsible for Operations, Plans, and Training. G3 is now responsible for Operations and G5/7 is responsible for Strategic Plans, Policy, and Training.
  • ACTDET: The automated system used by the VDF to track personnel records.
  • SOP (Standard Operating Procedure): Step-by-step instructions for routine operations.