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SELF STUDY ORIENTATION COURSE 03 MARCH 09 HEADQUARTERS |
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Virginia
Defense Force. You are joining a proud military organization with a
distinguished record of service to the Commonwealth. As organized militia we
embody the traditions of organized citizen service dating to the first English
colonists. In World War I the Virginia Volunteers served from 1917 to 1921 as a
military force to ensure public order and security. In World War II the
Virginia Protective Force from 1940 to 1944 and the Virginia State Guard from
1944 through 1947 protected the Commonwealth until National Guard reorganization.
In 1984 the Virginia State Guard was reformed to provide a military force
should the National Guard be mobilized and sent overseas in an emergency. In
1986 the
This course has been designed as a home study program to give you basic knowledge you need to start your volunteer career in the Virginia Defense Force. Every new member of the Defense Force must complete Orientation Training within his or her first six months of membership. Your unit may teach individual lessons or may use this course to meet the requirement. If you are doing the course home study, read the text and then complete the written test available from your unit trainer. Your unit may allow you to do the test open book for a score of 95% or use it as a closed book test with a passing score of 75%. The training officer will review your test and correct it to 100 percent. The completed test is forwarded to Division Headquarters for inclusion in your training records.
1-1 VDF
A mission is the primary function or duty an organization is
created to perform.
The mission of the Virginia Defense Force is to:
1. Assume control of National Guard facilities when the National Guard is mobilized for federal service.
2. Assist the National Guard in mobilization.
3. Support the National Guard with family assistance when the Guard is mobilized.
4. Perform tasks currently performed by the National Guard to protect life and property.
5. Perform tasks unique to the period after mobilization of the National Guard and which cannot be foresee
These missions fall into two basic categories, to support National Guard mobilization (numbers 1
through 3 and 5) and to do the same types of missions that the National Guard does for public safety (mission 4). The Defense Force's focus on disaster response comes from the mission to protect life and property.
1-2 VDF BASIC ORGANIZATION
The Virginia Defense Force is organized as a cadre light infantry division with target strength of 1200 personnel. This division is designated the George Washington Division.
It is a cadre organization (defined as; a nucleus or core group especially of trained personnel
able to assume control and to train others) because it provides the minimum
manning to maintain an organizational structure, which can be augmented by more
personnel in an emergency.
VDF is light infantry because it is a mobile force, with no heavy equipment, that can be easily activated to do hands on tasks in an emergency. Most VDF members are assigned Light infantry as their service branch (branch determines assignments and training and is the basic type of duties you will perform).
VDF is organized as a Division to provide a headquarters for
administration and to manage forces during actual emergency operations. The
Division Headquarters is in
The basic community unit of the Defense Force is the Company, based at a local armory.
A Company has 15 members, organized into three mission teams; called Platoons Each Platoon has four members, and is a basic team that can be assigned to do tasks in an emergency.
Companies provide the manpower to do actual emergency fieldwork.
VDF has specialized Military Police, and Signal Assets.
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The Military Police provides specialized unarmed security and traffic control capabilities. |
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The Signal section manages the Division Communications System |
Intermediate size units are Battalions and Brigades.
Three companies and a headquarters make up a Battalion of 83 soldiers. Battalions cover a four to six county area and coordinate company operations and training.
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VDF has a specialized Aviation Battalion of four companies each with light aircraft. VDF pilots and observers provide aerial damage assessment, communications, and search and rescue |
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Three battalions and a headquarters form a Brigade of 276 soldiers.
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1st in Southside is Division Headquarters |
2nd in Tidewater is the Lafayette Brigade |
3rd in |
4th in |
VDF has four Brigades and they are the major operational units capable of independent operations in their area of operations.
The chain of command is the superior to subordinate relationship that directs operations and administration in the Defense Force. Each individual VDF soldier works for a leader. Each Commander is responsible to the commander above him or her in the organizational structure.
Information and reports flow up the chain of command, and information and direction flow down the chain of command.
The chain of command is always used to resolve problems. In general, problems should be solved at the lowest level. Always give your commander a chance to solve a problem before requesting permission to pass the problem on to the next level. Jumping the chain of command to talk to a senior commander without your boss knowing about it is a violation of discipline and basic loyalty to your commander.
The chain of command is from the top (have your trainer give you the names of the individuals and the designations of the units in your chain of command): This example follows the VDF chain of command of the George Washington division / Blackhorse Brigade / 23rd Battalion / Your Company / Your Platoon Leader
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Governor of |
The Commander In Chief |
Honorable Tim Kaine |
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Adjutant General of |
Commander of the Militia |
MG Robert B. Newman |
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Division Commander of |
George Washington Division |
MG John Dean Taylor |
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Brigade Commander or |
Blackhorse Brigade |
COL Richard Downey |
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23RD Battalion |
LTC |
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Company Commander of |
Your Company |
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Platoon Leader of |
Your Platoon |
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The chain of command is never destroyed. If a commander is unable to respond, is missing, or otherwise out of action, the next senior officer, warrant officer, or noncommissioned officer assumes command of the unit.
The NCO support channel is subordinate to and supportive of the chain of command. The NCO support channel is not an independent channel. It is incumbent on the users of this channel to ensure that the chain of command is kept informed of actions implemented through the NCO support channel and to eliminate the possibility of the NCO support channel operating outside of command policy and directives.
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Division Command Sergeant Major of |
George Washington Division |
CSM Andy J. Stevens |
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Brigade Command Sergeant Major of |
Blackhorse Brigade |
CSM John C. Clatterbuck |
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Battalion Command Sergeant Major of |
23RD Battalion |
MSG J. Williams |
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Company First Sergeant of |
Your Company |
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Platoon Sergeant of |
Your Platoon |
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1-4 COMPONENTS OF THE MILITIA
The militia is the citizens of the Commonwealth called the
military service to their states. By the Military laws of
The militia tradition goes back to the earliest days of Colonial America Men such as Captain John
Smith were professional soldiers employed to train the colonists to defend themselves. The
Revolution War, War of 1812, Mexican War, and Civil War were largely fought by state raised militia units. In the early 1900s the organized state militias were formed into today's National Guard. During World Wars I and II, when the National Guard was called to federal service, our predecessor militia organizations, the Virginia Volunteers, the Virginia Protective Force, and the Virginia State Guard served to guard the Commonwealth. Many VDF units carry lineages from these units.
Today there are four classes of Virginia Militia. The Governor is the Commander-In-Chief of the militia, and the militia serves under the command of the Adjutant General.
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The National Guard includes the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. |
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The National Guard has a Federal role as part of the US Army and US Air Force when called up by the President. In its State role it supports the Governor by providing trained units and equipment to protect life and property and to preserve peace, order; and public safety.
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The Virginia Defense Force is an organized militia that is called only for state service. The Naval Militia is composed of the members of the US
Navy Reserve in |
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The Unorganized Militia can be called in whole or in part and by the Governor asking for volunteers or by drafting.
The Unorganized Militia can be called to help maintain public order, repel invasion, or assist in disaster response. When called the Unorganized Militia is incorporated into the Virginia Defense Force.
Military insignia of rank identifies
relative level of authority and responsibility.
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Enlisted ranks (* indicates not a VDF rank) |
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Chevron is a V shaped emblem worn point up Rocker is an arc worn connecting the ends of the ends of the chevrons |
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RANK |
ABBR |
GRADE |
INSIGNIA |
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Private |
PVT |
E-1 |
None |
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Private |
PV2 |
E-2 |
1 Chevron |
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Private 1st Class |
PFC |
E-3 |
1 Chevron 1 Rocker |
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Specialist* |
SPC |
E-4 |
Eagle on an inverted chevron and rocker |
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Noncommissioned Officers (abbreviated NCOs) |
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Corporal |
CPL |
E-4 |
2 Chevrons |
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Sergeant |
SGT |
E-5 |
3 Chevrons |
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Staff Sergeant |
SSG |
E-6 |
3 Chevrons 1 Rocker |
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Sergeant 1st Class |
SFC |
E-7 |
3 Chevrons 2 Rockers |
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Master Sergeant |
MSG |
E-8 |
3 Chevrons 3 Rockers |
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First Sergeant |
1SG |
E-8 |
3 Chevrons 3 Rockers, Diamond in center |
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Sergeant Major |
SGM |
E-9 |
3 Chevrons 3 Rockers, Star in center |
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Command Sergeant Major |
CSM |
E-9 |
3 Chevrons 3 Rockers, Wreathed Star |
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Warrant Officers: (all bars are silver) |
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Warrant Officer |
WO1 |
W-1 |
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Chief Warrant Officer |
CW1 |
W-2 |
2 Black Squares on Silver |
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Chief Warrant Officer |
CW3 |
W-3 |
3 Black Squares on Silver |
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Chief Warrant Officer |
CW4 |
W-4 |
4 Black Squares on Silver |
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Master Warrant Officer |
MW |
W-5 |
4 Silver Squares with Black Border |
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Commissioned Officers: |
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2nd Lieutenant |
2LT |
O-1 |
Gold Bar |
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1st Lieutenant |
1LT |
O-2 |
Silver Bar |
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Captain |
CPT |
O-3 |
2 Silver Bars |
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Major |
MAJ |
O-4 |
Gold Oak Leaf |
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Lieutenant Colonel |
LTC |
O-5 |
Silver Oak Leaf |
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Colonel |
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O-6 |
Silver Eagle |
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Brigadier General |
BG |
O-7 |
1 Silver Star |
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Major General |
MG |
O-8 |
2 Silver Stars |
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All VDF rank insignias are worn as bright metal or sew on insignia, full size for officers and warrant officers and miniature chevrons for NCOs and enlisted. The exception is embroidered enlisted and NCO rank insignia on the Class A dress uniform. On this uniform women wear smaller pattern chevrons than do men. VDF personnel wear metal insignia on the patrol cap. The main difference, from Army wear rules, is that the Army wears subdued metal or cloth collar rank insignia on Battle Dress Utility uniforms - officers wear bright metal rank on caps in garrison.
2-2 MILITARY COURTESIES
Basic military courtesies have developed over many years to recognize senior personnel and express appropriate respect for their position, authority and responsibility, and service. As volunteers, observing these courtesies is important because we are a military force. They are a sign of personal pride and professionalism, especially in contacts with other uniformed forces. Only the military forces have these traditional professional courtesies that mark us as different from civilians.
Military personnel are addressed by titles based on their rank.
Commissioned officers: 2LT and 1LT are addressed as LIEUTENANT, Captains as CAPTAIN,
Majors as MAJOR, LIEUTENANT COLONEL and COLONEL are addressed as COLONEL, and all general officers as “GENERAL”. Male officers may be addressed as SIR, female officers as MA'AM.
Warrant Officers: Warrant Officers are addressed as MISTER or MISS.
Noncommissioned Officers: CSMs and SGMs are addressed as SERGEANT MAJOR. 1SG is
FIRST SERGEANT. All other Sergeant grades are SERGEANT. Corporals are addressed as
CORPORAL
Enlisted: Privates of all grades are addressed as PRIVATE.
Although much neglected, it is appropriate to call civilians MA'AM and SIR, especially if they are older than you are. It is always both appropriate and good common sense to address elected or appointed governmental officials as SIR or MA'AM.
The salute is the unique mark of respect used between
members of the unformed services. As uniformed military personnel we will
exchange salutes with officers and warrant officers of the Army, Navy, Marine
Corps, Air Force,
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The salute is rendered by bringing the right hand smoothly up with the hand extended flat to touch the brim of the hat or the face at the level of the right eyebrow. The upper arm is parallel to the ground and extended to the right. The forearm and the hand form a straight line. The salute is held until it is returned. |
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Officers (Commissioned and Warrant) exchange salutes - the junior officer initiates the salute. NCOs and enlisted soldiers salute officers - officers return the salute.
Salutes are exchanged-outdoors when passing or greeting. At the conclusion of a conversation or when receiving orders, the junior ends the meeting by saluting. Indoors the junior salutes when formally reporting to a senior officer.
At awards ceremonies, the person reporting to receive the award salutes the awarding officer when reporting and after the award is made.
When the "National Anthem" or the bugle calls "retreat" or "to the colors" are played - come to attention, face the music (or the flagpole if it is visible) and salute until the music ends.
When the national, state, or military unit colors pass, come
to attention and salute until the colors are past. Colors are the
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Military Unit Guidons
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Colored metal plates on the front bumper identify vehicles of senior military officers. These are typically either red or blue in color and have insignia of rank (usually stars, although some Air Force Colonels have eagle plates). Vehicles with plates should be saluted.
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Senior Staff Vehicle Plates |
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Saluting is generally not done in hazardous situations or on flight lines.
Other standard courtesies to seniors include:
When a senior officer enters a room; the first person observing the senior calls ATTENTION. Everyone will remain at attention until the senior directs you to stand at ease. If you are alone in an office stand and come to attention. When you enter a senior’s office, remain standing until you are asked to sit.
When walking with other VDF members, the senior person walks on the right
In vehicles the senior person sits at the right, the senior enters the vehicle last and exits first.
If a senior approaches when you are in the field or when doing operational jobs, generally continue with the task and do not come to attention.
Part III. The Uniform
3-1 INSIGNIA PLACEMENT ON THE UNIFORM
Insignia placed on uniforms includes organizational, rank, and qualification insignia.
Two embroidered nametapes are worn on the Class C (fatigue) uniform.
A white nametape with the soldier's last name embroidered on it in black is worn centered above and touching the top of the right pocket. On slant cut pockets the tape is also worn on a slant.
A tape embroidered VA. DEF. FORCE in black on white is centered above and touching the left pocket. On slant cut pockets the tape is also worn on a slant.
Shoulder sleeve insignia (shoulder patches) are worn on the sleeve centered on the sleeve, 1/2 inch from the shoulder seam.
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A full color George Washington Division shoulder patch is worn on the left shoulder. |
A full color Virginia State Flag shoulder patch is worn on the right shoulder. |
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Last active wartime unit insignia may be worm on the right shoulder.
Pin on bright metal or embroidered rank insignia is worn on the shirt collar.
Full size officer insignia in bright metal or embroidered on the right collar. Insignia is worn 1 inch up from the front edge, with the center line parallel to the front edge (for example, the long side of a Lieutenant or Warrant Officer bar is parallel to the front edge of the collar) officers and warrant officers wear the militia branch insignia (crossed rifle and saber) on the left collar. The branch insignia is worn perpendicular to the front edge of the collar.
Miniature gold NCO and enlisted chevrons are worn on both collars. The insignia is positioned centered on an imaginary line that splits the angle between the front and side edges of the collar. The point of the chevron is toward the neck.
Officers and enlisted wear bright metal rank insignia centered on the front of the patrol cap.
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Members wear an enameled pin-on distinctive unit insignia (DUI) for the Division or Brigade or Aviation Battalion. This is pinned on centered 1/4 inch above the nametape above the right pocket. On slant pockets the insignia is positioned so it is vertical, rather than-slanted. (Example of the Blackhorse Brigade) |
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Individuals qualified to wear military skill qualification badges wear them in bright metal above the right pocket. Civilian qualification, wings, or patches are not authorized for wear. Multiple badges are worn centered, one above the other above the pocket and on the pocket flap, depending on the class of badge. VDF aviation wings are worn above the pocket the VDF communications badge is worn on the pocket flap. The MP badge is worn on the left pocket
3-2 Virginia Defense Force Class C Uniform
Virginia Defense Force members are authorized to wear three basic uniforms:
Class A Army Classic Green Uniform with coat and tie
Class B short or long sleeve shirt and trouser office uniform
Class C utility uniform
The Class C uniform is commonly known as a fatigue or utility uniform. It is authorized for wear by all VDF members at monthly drills and field training activities; it is the basic uniform that will be worn in any emergency situation. It is made from camouflaged cloth, technically known as BDU (Battle Dress Uniform).
The utility uniform consists of:
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A shirt/jacket with patch pockets (sometimes called a blouse). The BDU uniform shirt/jacket is designed to be worn outside the trousers and has four cargo pockets. The sleeves of either are worn rolled up or buttoned down, depending on the orders of the day. Trousers. The BDU uniform trousers have cargo pocket. Trousers are normally bloused with an elastic blousing band so the top of the trouser is rolled back up inside the pant leg even with the top of the boots. This provides protection against crawling insects in the field. The Patrol Cap (sometimes called a cover). This is a cloth cap, available with or without earflaps. The Patrol Cap provides protection against the sun (unlike mesh baseball caps), and the earflaps provide warmth for winter work. Army Brown "T"-shirt. Black military web belt with a black subdued belt buckle or web belt with Velcro fastener & no tip. Black or olive green boot socks. Military pattern boots. These are black leather or a combination of black leather and green or black nylon. Boots are mid-calf height. Field jacket: The BDU field jacket is worn for cold weather. |
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Good appearance in uniform depends on taking good care of the uniform.
Shirt and trousers should be washed and pressed or dry cleaned. In the field, dirt or dust should be brushed off. Clean uniforms protect you better and preserve the insulating capability of the cloth, especially on the field jacket. A clean sharp uniform projects a professional image in your dealings with other military agencies and with the public.
Boots should be regularly polished. This protects the leather from water and from the abrasive effects of dust and sand. In the field, brush off dust and mud and polish your boots when you can.
Patrol Cap should be regularly washed.
In the field and in hot weather uniform wear may be modified.
In hot weather commanders may allow trousers to be worn unbloused with the shirt sleeves rolled up. Personnel should not wear the uniform modified this way during any field activity, as it provides no protection against ticks. Member should be aware this modified uniform also projects sloppy image.
In the field members must blouse trousers for protection against insects. In high grass or brush sleeves should be rolled down. When doing work involving handling debris, lumber, wire, or other possibly dangerous materials, wear of leather work gloves is a must. In areas where there is the possibility of falling debris, a hard hat should be worn. Helmet liners are not authorized for safety wear as they offer uncertain protection from impact or electrical current.
Part IV. DRILL
4-1 BASIC MILITARY DRILL
Basic military drill movements have evolved over centuries to maneuver troops in battle and to move a large number of soldiers efficiently as a group from one place to another. In the VDF most drill fills only a ceremonial role. However, proficiency in basic movements is important to unit and personal pride and professionalism, especially in contacts with other uniformed services. Drill helps build unit ability to work together as a team and sharpens the ability of personnel to respond quickly and smoothly to commands in emergencies.
Some general rules apply to performing all drill movements:
Make your movements smooth and crisp and without any body sway.
Leaders will give commands for each drill movement in two parts, a preparatory command and an execution command. These may be two separate words as in "parade REST' or by phrasing one word, for example "at-ten SHUN." The preparatory command gives you time to get ready for the execution command.
Do not anticipate commands. Move only when the execution command is given.
Look straight ahead at your eye level at all times.
Relax - tenseness will wear you out and makes it harder to do the movements.
In general there is no talking in formation.
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Attention (company ATTENTION): From any position when you are standing still, stand upright, head up and facing forward, with your shoulders level and chest out; Your arms hang straight by the side, hands cupped, thumbs forward. Your legs are straight, heels together at a 45-degree angle. |
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Parade Rest (parade REST): This is the basic rest position from attention. Move your left foot to the left approximately 10 inches. Clasp your hands lightly in the small of the back with your palms and fingers flat |
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Fall IN (FALL
IN): This is the basic command to form the unit up in a formation. At the
command the soldier finds his or her position in the formation and comes to
attention. The platoon leader is the person to the far right of the line. At
the command FALL IN he assumes the correct position and extends his left arm
straight out. The next soldier positions himself in line beside the platoon
leader by turning his head to the left and moving so the extended arm touches
his shoulder. At the same time the soldier extends his left arm for the next
person to fall in line with. As soon as position is established drop -the arm
and face front. |
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Left and Right Face (left FACE and right FACE): Given from the position of attention.), this command turns the individual to either the left or the right. To face left, at the command, raise the toe and pivot 90 degrees on the heel of the left foot, and raise the heel and pivot on the toe of the right foot. The second movement is to bring the right foot back up in line with the heels touching in the position of attention. To face right, at the command, raise the toe and pivot 90 degrees on the heel of the right foot, and raise the heel and pivot on the toe of the left foot the second movement is to bring the left foot back up in line with the heels touching in the position of attention. |
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Forward March
(forward MARCH): Given from the position of attention, this command moves the
unit forward. Step off with your left foot with a 30-inch pace. Keep a
smooth, natural arm swing with hands closed. |
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Halt (company
HALT): Given while marching, this command brings the unit to a stop. When the
command halt is given take the added step needed to complete the movement and
then bring the trailing foot up to the lead foot and assume the position of
attention. |
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Present Arms (present ARMS): Given from the position of attention, this orders the unit to execute the hand salute. At the command bring the right hand up smartly straight up to the salute and hold it. At the command Order Arms (order ARMS), drop the hand from the salute smartly straight down to your side. |
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Part V. Promotion and Standards
5-1 PROMOTION CRITERIA
Promotion recognizes individuals who have the ability to undertake duties with increased responsibility for the success of their units. This means being in charge of more people and more resources. Promotion is not an automatic reward for length of membership or simply attending drill.
The most basic requirement for promotion is superior duty performance. This means doing assigned duties quickly and efficiently and helping to make your unit a success.
NCO and enlisted personnel must meet the following time in grade (time in the current rank) and time in service requirements. Total service requirements may be waived for superior performers. Promotion authority is the level at which the decision for promotion is made.
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GRADE |
RECOMMENDING
AUTHORITY |
TIME IN GRADE |
AUTHORITY |
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E1-E2 |
Company Grade |
4 Months |
Advancement |
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E2-E3 |
Company Grade |
6 Months |
Company |
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E3-E4 |
Company Grade |
6 Months |
Company |
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E4-E5 |
Company Grade |
6 Months |
Brigade |
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E5-E6 |
Company Grade |
1 Year |
Brigade |
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E6-E7 |
Field Grade |
1 Year |
Brigade |
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E7-E8 |
Field Grade |
2 Years |
Division |
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E8-E9 |
0-6 and above |
2 Years |
Division |
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E9-CSM |
0-6 and above |
2 Years |
Division |
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Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers meet the following requirements: |
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GRADE |
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TIME IN GRADE |
AUTHORITY |
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WO1-CW2 |
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1 Year |
Brigade |
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CW2-CW3 |
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2 Years |
Brigade |
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CW3-CW4 |
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3 Years |
Brigade |
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CW4-CW5 |
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5 Years |
Division |
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2LT-1LT |
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1 Year |
Brigade |
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1LT-CPT |
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2 Years |
Brigade |
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CPT-MAJ |
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2 Years |
Division |
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MAJ-LTC |
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2 Year |
Division |
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LTC-COL |
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2 Years |
Adjutant General |
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COL-BG |
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2 Years |
Adjutant General |
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Members must meet an attendance requirement of 75 percent of the drills in the last year. This means you must actually attend the drills or make-up training excused absences do not count if the training time is not made up.
Individuals must be serving in a position that allows promotion. The authorized grade of the position must be equal to or higher than the grade the individual is being promoted to. Company Commanders make promotions up through Corporal. Promotion determinations made at higher levels are by a promotion board, which reviews the recommendation for promotion and the individual's record.
5-2
Standards are statements of how the
1. VDF is a
uniformed military force under the command of the Adjutant General.
2. VDF
members serve in two duty statuses: TRAINING and STATE ACTIVE DUTY. Emergency
response work is ACTIVE DUTY and is done only on call of the Governor.
3. Minimum
requirements for attendance at drill and other training, community support, and
exercise activities are 10 one day drills (once monthly) and two weekend
training assemblies (one Spring and one Fall). More is encouraged.
4. VDF is
not an armed force - weapons are not carried or used for either training or
active duty.
5. Members
on duty are under military discipline and will obey lawful orders.
6. Customs
and courtesies are the mark of professionalism and will be rendered with
respect for individuals and the Virginia Defense Force.
7. Personal
integrity is an absolute requirement. We do not tolerate lying, quibbling,
cheating, or stealing.
8. The
senior line officer, warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or enlisted
person assigned to a unit is in command of that unit.
9. Every
member is responsible for achieving the highest degree of training in his or
her duties possible.
10. Every VDF
member is a potential trainer in an emergency.
11. Rank
indicates responsibility for decision making. Commissioned, Warrant, and Noncommissioned officers all have
key roles.
12. The chain
of command will be followed.
13. Members in
the field wear the Class C Uniform, clean, neat, boots polished, shaved, and
with good personal hygiene.
14. Members in
the field carry their equipment with them at all times.
15. Superior
performance is recognized by awards and is a requirement for promotion.
16. All
leaders are responsible for troop safety.
17. Every
member on duty represents the Virginia Defense Force, the Adjutant General, the
Governor, and the Commonwealth and will govern his or her dress and behavior
accordingly.