The Virginia Defense Force is actively seeking new recruits in anticipation of increased support
missions, as America's War on Terrorism continues to place heavy man-hour loads on the Virginia
National Guard.
Membership in the Virginia Defense Force is open to citizens of the United States who are legal
residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, between ages 16 and under 64. Applicants under age
18 must have parental or legal guardian consent. All applicants must posess a valid Social
Security number. There are limited exceptions to Virginia residency requirements.
Information concerning additional requirements or limitations will be provided by your Virginia
Defense Force recruiting officer, and are available in writing on request.
missions, as America's War on Terrorism continues to place heavy man-hour loads on the Virginia
National Guard.
Membership in the Virginia Defense Force is open to citizens of the United States who are legal
residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, between ages 16 and under 64. Applicants under age
18 must have parental or legal guardian consent. All applicants must posess a valid Social
Security number. There are limited exceptions to Virginia residency requirements.
Information concerning additional requirements or limitations will be provided by your Virginia
Defense Force recruiting officer, and are available in writing on request.
Recruiting Information
As a Member of the Virginia Defense Force, you will be trained in all aspects needed
to perform your job professionally and accurately. This includes classroom training,
field training, and on the job training.
to perform your job professionally and accurately. This includes classroom training,
field training, and on the job training.
Classroom Training
As a member of the Virginia Defense Force you will receive classroom training on all
aspects of the job. Starting with basic orientation to advanced courses like military
radio operation and certification. You will be guided step by step through the course
of your enlistment on all military codes and behaviors. Even if you have never had
any military experience, these courses will give you the knowledge and
understanding that you will need to conduct yourself as a top notch VaDF soldier.
Classes are conducted by our very own highly trained members of the VaDF. All
members of the VaDF are classified as team leaders.
aspects of the job. Starting with basic orientation to advanced courses like military
radio operation and certification. You will be guided step by step through the course
of your enlistment on all military codes and behaviors. Even if you have never had
any military experience, these courses will give you the knowledge and
understanding that you will need to conduct yourself as a top notch VaDF soldier.
Classes are conducted by our very own highly trained members of the VaDF. All
members of the VaDF are classified as team leaders.
"Together as a team, we will help each other along the way
to better serve our state, our communities and our families."
to better serve our state, our communities and our families."
Field Training
As a Member of the VaDF you will also go through extensive job related field training.
This training prepares us to be ready in the event of any disaster or attacks affecting
our state and communities.
This training prepares us to be ready in the event of any disaster or attacks affecting
our state and communities.
2004 Field Training Exercise Tests VaDF Readiness
Level in Military Support for Civil Authority
Level in Military Support for Civil Authority
Aviation units prepare to evacuate mock
casualties to trauma centers statewide
casualties to trauma centers statewide
August 26, 2004
Virginia Defense Force Troops Excel in Joint Federal/State Homeland Security
Exercise
NORTHCOM "Operation Determined Promise '04" Tests Virginia Response to Terror
Attack
(Richmond, Virginia) -- Virginia Defense Force (VaDF) personnel were called to
action in the latest U.S. Army Northern Command (NORTHCOM) nationwide
homeland security training exercise this month, as part of Operation Determined
Promise '04.
Operation Determined Promise, conducted by NORTHCOM in Virginia and California,
simulated a catastrophic terrorist attack, which successively overwhelms local and
state responders, eventually requiring federal assistance. The simulation was
designed to test the response and coordination between all agencies charged with
homeland security responsibilities.
VaDF personnel were called into service over a two-day period, in support of Virginia
National Guard operations. Three VaDF 2-man communications teams were
activated at Fort Pickett, Norfolk, and Portsmouth to provide long-distance radio
communications for the Virginia National Guard. In addition, VaDF Division
Headquarters personnel provided on-site logistical assistance to members of the
Virginia Army National Guard personnel operating from Richmond's Dove Street
Armory for the exercise.
"This was an excellent opportunity to test the ability of local, state, and federal
agencies to coordinate and respond effectively to a catastrophic terrorist strike,"
says VaDF Commander Major General Forrest Tignor. "I commend all our
participating personnel for successfully carrying out their assigned tasks, and in
stepping forward to get the job done when unanticipated situations arose. That's
exactly what happens in real disasters, and the quick-thinking of our soldiers in
overcoming these unplanned challenges proves we can get the job done in real-life,
not just in training exercises."
Virginia Defense Force Troops Excel in Joint Federal/State Homeland Security
Exercise
NORTHCOM "Operation Determined Promise '04" Tests Virginia Response to Terror
Attack
(Richmond, Virginia) -- Virginia Defense Force (VaDF) personnel were called to
action in the latest U.S. Army Northern Command (NORTHCOM) nationwide
homeland security training exercise this month, as part of Operation Determined
Promise '04.
Operation Determined Promise, conducted by NORTHCOM in Virginia and California,
simulated a catastrophic terrorist attack, which successively overwhelms local and
state responders, eventually requiring federal assistance. The simulation was
designed to test the response and coordination between all agencies charged with
homeland security responsibilities.
VaDF personnel were called into service over a two-day period, in support of Virginia
National Guard operations. Three VaDF 2-man communications teams were
activated at Fort Pickett, Norfolk, and Portsmouth to provide long-distance radio
communications for the Virginia National Guard. In addition, VaDF Division
Headquarters personnel provided on-site logistical assistance to members of the
Virginia Army National Guard personnel operating from Richmond's Dove Street
Armory for the exercise.
"This was an excellent opportunity to test the ability of local, state, and federal
agencies to coordinate and respond effectively to a catastrophic terrorist strike,"
says VaDF Commander Major General Forrest Tignor. "I commend all our
participating personnel for successfully carrying out their assigned tasks, and in
stepping forward to get the job done when unanticipated situations arose. That's
exactly what happens in real disasters, and the quick-thinking of our soldiers in
overcoming these unplanned challenges proves we can get the job done in real-life,
not just in training exercises."
On the Job Training
On the job training or hands on training is part of every drill attended in the Virginia
Defense Force. Whether we are performing light security detail working side by side
with local and state police departments, parking cars and controlling traffic at specific
events, or responding to a call by the Governor of Virginia to assist after a hurricane
strikes, the experience and knowledge you will receive will prepare you for many
situations that may arise as a soldier in the Virginia Defense Force.
Defense Force. Whether we are performing light security detail working side by side
with local and state police departments, parking cars and controlling traffic at specific
events, or responding to a call by the Governor of Virginia to assist after a hurricane
strikes, the experience and knowledge you will receive will prepare you for many
situations that may arise as a soldier in the Virginia Defense Force.
Training
VDF Brochure Inside