We need a few volunteers, male and female. If you want to be involved in an organization that functions ONLY for the good of our state, we have one for you. The Virginia Defense Force! This is a State Militia that is NOT the National Guard, or any Armed Forces Reserve. It is ENTIRELY voluntary and has no minimum commitment time period. It is an unarmed militia that provides a "backup" function to our National Guard units state wide. Unfortunately you need to be a Virginia resident to join our group. To quote the flyers it's "Virginians Taking Care of Themselves." The following is the contents of our general distribution flyer... "Since the very beginning, Virginians have answered the call to defend our land, our neighbors and families. Even when that meant doing it on our own and by ourselves. It's a matter of pride. The Virginia Defence Force...it isn't the National Guard, but when emergency strikes and draws the National Guard away, we in the Virginia Defense Force will be the backup support. The Virginia Defense Force is a formal military organization. You will be trained in crowd control, urban evacuation, traffic control, military security, and even family services. But the Virginia Defense Force will be more than a military outfit. You'll also be called to duty when a natural disaster threatens the life or property of your fellow citizens. Which means the Virginia Defense Force needs special skills, too. Former military personnel, doctors, lawyers and pilots. Which means whatever you do, whatever your skills, the Virginia Defense Force needs you now. Take the first step and volunteer to 'fill these boots.'" Key questions about the Virginia Defense Force... 1. What is the Virginia Defense Force? The Virginia Defense Force is essentially one of the organized portions of the State Militia. The force is provided for under Title 44 of the Military Laws of Virginia. It is interesting to note that citizens of Virginia are automatically members of the Unorganized State Militia. The Virginia Defense Force is organized as a formal military unit. It is referred to as the George Washington Division. In other states similar military units are being formed with the same mission. 2. What is the mission of the Virginia Defense Force? The Virginia Defense force will be the military force which assumes the state duties of the Virginia Army National Guard if these units are called to federal duty outside of Virginia. If and when this occurs, the Virginia Defense force will occupy and secure the armories and command centers vacated by the National Guard, assist local and state law enforcement agencies in the preservation of law and order and the protection of life and property, perform security missions at vital installations and assist in the protection of life and property in case of natural disaster. This mission is a broad one and the training for it will be just as broad. 3. Who can call out the Virginia Defense Force? The Governor of Virginia or his legally designated representative has the authority to call out the force. 4. How is the Virginia Defense Force organized? The force is organized and structured as a Light Infantry Division with 4 infantry brigades. Each light infantry brigade will have 3 identical battalions of 3 companies each, an Aviation Co., Military Police Co., Engineer Co., and Personnel Service Co. 5. Who makes up the Virginia Defense Force? Initially, before National Guard mobilization, a cadre of trained and experienced veterans and members of the civilian sector with special, needed civilian skills with or without prior military experience will be required. This cadre will provide the basis upon which each unit in the Virginia Defense Force will be formed. After National Guard mobilization, it is our intent to join the initially-appointed cadre with newly-recruited persons to fill the Division to full force strength. 6. How are members selected? The cadre of experienced military veterans and specifically skilled civilians without prior service are selected first and trained as trainers to serve those who apply but need basic and skill training. Those critically needed civilian skills include lawyers, engineers, public affairs persons, chaplains, transportation, motor mechanical specialists, cooks, clerks, finance and administrative specialists. 7. What is the pay for Virginia Defense Force members? Before National Guard mobilization, there will be no pay for Virginia Defense Force membership. Necessary travel reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses may be available. Essentially the force is therefore a totally volunteer one. After National Guard mobilization, we would expect the State to initiate a pay scale as in the regular forces or similar thereto. 8. How much time is required of members? The Virginia Defense Force units normally meet one day (or evening) each month for a period of 4 to 6 hours. Commanders, staff and key enlisted may be required to devote additional hours for administrative and task planning. In addition, each brigade with assigned units conduct 2 weekend training assemblies (overnight) at local state military reservations (Ft. Pickett, Ft. A.P. Hill, or the State Military Reservation). 9. Where will I serve? At currently located National Guard Armories across the state. It is expected that some with special military qualifications may be asked to serve in Richmond. The Virginia Defense Force would serve ONLY in Virginia. 10. Can females apply? Yes! Many positions of the Virginia Defense Force are open to females. 11. Can I get credit for my civilian experience? Yes. There exists a list of hard to find skills which are urgently needed at the Virginia Defense Force. Those civilians with no military may qualify either for commissioned or non-commissioned rank, based on civilian experience. 12. Do I have to supply anything? Personnel traditionally supply their own uniforms. (and gear ED.) 13. Does the Virginia Defense Force receive training? Yes, the Virginia Defense force is being trained in specialized techniques such as crowd control, traffic control, military security, first aid, disaster relief and family services. 14. Is the Virginia Defense Force a formal military organization? Yes! The Virginia Defense Force is a formal military organization and will follow normal military courtesy and customs. Official army rank will be used as designated by position of assignment. 15. Do members of the Virginia Defense Force receive benefits of any type? After National Guard mobilization and this force has replaced it, normal medical care while serving under state active duty orders would be provided. There will be full protection under the law when members are operating under state orders. The Virginia Defense Force would never be under Federal orders, so active duty and military reserve privileges will not be available. Other state military benefits may be added. 16. What uniforms will be worn? The Virginia Defense Force will wear army green fatigues which will be the duty uniform. Other modified army green uniforms may be authorized. 17. How do I get more information? Call your local National Guard Armory or the Virginia Department of Military Affairs at 804-786-8496. (FAX 804-225-3420). Or you can write to: The Virginia Defense Force Dept. of Military Affairs 501 E. Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 My name is Sterrett Carter, you can reach me by E-Mail at JP's Place (a BBS) at 703-237-5786 if you have any questions. Join us, it's fun and you get a great feeling about being able to help when it is really needed.