The Virginia Defense Force recently held their Multi-day Unit Training Assembly (MUTA). The MUTA is a specialized weekend for The VDF where every unit from all across the state travels to Fort Pickett for training. The weekend usually involves exercises where the units work together as one to complete a set of missions.
During this training packed weekend the troops focused on refining their individual and unit level skills. Drill & Ceremony was one of those unit level skills each soldier focused on developing. As a state military force each soldier is expected to perform the same DNC maneuvers as their National Guard brothers & sisters.
Virginia Defense Force personnel conduct drill and ceremonies training during the multi-day unit training assembly March 4, 2023, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The VDF commanding general’s guidance for the MUTA is to safely hone and refine technical skills at the individual and team level while simultaneously developing leadership skills.
The training didn’t stop there, troops training also focused on The Emergency Backup Radio Network. This radio system is relied on when traditional internet and phone communications are disrupted during storms or other emergencies. If such an instance occurred the Virginia Defense Force would act as The National Guard’s communication system so they can stay in contact with Army National Guard & Air National Guard units throughout the state.
The Virginia Defense Force holds a fleet of trucks specifically designed to restore communications throughout the state. Each truck is fitted with emergency communications equipment as well as antennae’s that extend the range of the radio signals, in some cases even beyond the state.
Virginia Defense Force personnel assigned to the 11th Signal Battalion, 1st Regiment conduct training on maintenance and operation of mobile communication platform trailers during the multi-day unit training assembly March 4, 2023, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. The VDF commanding general’s guidance for the MUTA is to safely hone and refine technical skills at the individual and team level while simultaneously developing leadership skills. The VDF MCP is a 7 1/2 feet by 16 feet trailer equipped with multiple radio systems for voice and data communications. Using an MCP, members of the VDF are able to communicate across a variety of radio spectrums with emergency response and public safety organizations as well as amateur radio operators. Learn more about VDF communications capabilities at https://ngpa.us/24349.
Source: Virginia Defense Force
