During a recent multi-unit training assembly, the Virginia Defense Force (VDF) conducted extensive training to enhance the readiness of its troops. Among the key exercises was a land navigation training held on November 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. This critical skill is invaluable during search and rescue (SAR) operations and other emergency response missions. While the VDF does not currently have a dedicated SAR team, their commitment to expanding the capabilities of their personnel reflects their proactive approach to addressing challenges, especially as hurricanes and severe weather increasingly impact many states.
Members of the Virginia Defense Force conduct land navigation training Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during a multi-unit training assembly.
The training assembly also included an important milestone for communications readiness. Virginia Defense Force troops and Virginia Army National Guard (VaARNG) soldiers took and passed the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) amateur radio license exam. Administered by the Virginia Defense Force Radio Group, six VDF and two VaARNG personnel earned their Technician-class licenses, making them eligible to wear the “Technician” tab on their uniforms. The VDF is tasked with establishing and maintaining an emergency communication network to support the Virginia National Guard in the event of a hurricane or other emergencies that disrupt cellular and internet networks, further demonstrating their critical role in disaster response.
In addition to their training, the VDF is celebrating a significant milestone: its 40th anniversary. Earlier this year on April 18, 1984, The Governor issued a proclamation recognizing The 40th Birthday of Virginia Defense Force.
By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:
40th Birthday of the Virginia Defense Force
WHEREAS, the Virginia Defense Force, one of the three components of the Virginia Department of Military Affairs along with the Virginia Army National Guard and the Virginia Air National Guard, traces the tradition and heritage of citizen service to the founding of the Jamestown Colony in May 1607; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia created the Virginia State Volunteers, later renamed the Virginia Volunteers, in response to the 1917 federalization of the Virginia National Guard to support civil authorities; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Volunteers guarded bridges, waterways, fuel storage areas, and public buildings and facilities until they were deactivated in 1921 when the Virginia National Guard returned home from World War I; and
WHEREAS, following the 1940 Nazi defeat of the French army, Governor James Hubert Price ordered the establishment of the Virginia Protective Force to assume the in-state missions of the Virginia National Guard after it was called to federal service; and
WHEREAS, in 1944, the Virginia General Assembly changed the name of the Virginia Protective Force to the Virginia State Guard; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia State Guard was deactivated when the Virginia National Guard returned from federal service in June 1947; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia General Assembly amended the Code of Virginia in 1981 to permit a Virginia State Guard to exist during peacetime once again, and the Virginia State Guard State Headquarters was formally established on April 18, 1984, which is considered the founding date of the modern Virginia Defense Force; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia General Assembly amended the Code of Virginia on March 1, 1986, to change the name of the Virginia State Guard to the Virginia Defense Force; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Defense Force is authorized by Title 44 of the Code of Virginia as the all-volunteer reserve of the Virginia National Guard, and it serves as a force multiplier for all Virginia National Guard domestic operations; and
WHEREAS, for 40 years, members of the Virginia Defense Force have volunteered their time, skills, energy, and expertise, providing countless hours of dedicated service supporting citizens and communities of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia National Guard as part of the state emergency response team assisting their fellow Virginians during times of need;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize April 18, 2024, as the 40th BIRTHDAY OF THE VIRGINIA DEFENSE FORCE in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
The Virginia Defense Force traces its origins back to 1917, when it was created to support the state during World War I. After being deactivated following the war, it was reactivated in 1941 for World War II and then deactivated again post-war. It was reestablished in 1984 with the mission of supporting the Virginia National Guard in both peacetime and wartime operations.
On November 3, 2024, in celebration of the Virginia Defense Force’s 40th anniversary, Master Sgt. (Va.) Robert Dinwiddie proudly presented the commemorative 40th Anniversary Challenge Coin to Brig. Gen. Rich Diddams, Commander of the VDF. Crafted by a dedicated team of current and retired members, the coin symbolizes the Force’s legacy and is being distributed to all personnel as a heartfelt token of appreciation for their service and commitment.
To honor this historic anniversary, we’ve designed a commemorative T-shirt and Sweater for members to wear off duty, celebrating the VDF’s legacy and service.
Members of the Virginia Defense Force conduct land navigation training Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during a multi-unit training assembly.
Members of the Virginia Defense Force conduct land navigation training Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during a multi-unit training assembly.Members of the Virginia Defense Force conduct land navigation training Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during a multi-unit training assembly.Members of the Virginia Defense Force conduct land navigation training Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during a multi-unit training assembly.Members of the Virginia Defense Force conduct land navigation training Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during a multi-unit training assembly.Members of the Virginia Defense Force conduct land navigation training Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during a multi-unit training assembly.Members of the Virginia Defense Force conduct land navigation training Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during a multi-unit training assembly.Members of the Virginia Defense Force conduct land navigation training Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during a multi-unit training assembly.Members of the Virginia Defense Force conduct land navigation training Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during a multi-unit training assembly.Members of the Virginia Defense Force conduct land navigation training Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during a multi-unit training assembly.
Virginia Defense Force and Virginia Army National Guard personnel take the Federal Communication Commission amateur radio license exam Nov. 2, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia, during a multi-unit training assembly. Six VDF and two VaARNG personnel passed the exam administered by the Virginia Defense Force Radio Group, qualifying them for the entry-level Technician class license. VDF personnel who passed the exam are now authorized to wear the “Technician” tab on their uniforms.
Master Sgt. (Va.) Robert Dinwiddie displays the Virginia Defense Force 40th Anniversary Challenge Coin Nov. 3, 2024, at Fort Barfoot, Virginia. Dinwiddie represented a group of currently serving and retired VDF personnel who designed the coin, and he presented one to Brig. Gen. Rich Diddams, Commander of the Virginia Defense Force. The coins were distributed to unit and section leaders to be handed out to the entire membership of the VDF. Read more about the VDF’s 40th anniversary at https://vngpao.info/2p8jze4m.
