Virginia Militia

The Virginia Militia is a historical part of Virginia’s defense system—comprising trained citizens who can be called upon to protect the state in emergencies, such as invasions or natural disasters. Historically, it evolved from local volunteer groups into a formal reserve force, playing a key role in wars like the American Revolution and Civil War. Today, its functions are integrated with the Virginia National Guard, serving both community safety and national defense, with members often being civilians who undergo training and readiness exercises to support state and federal military operations when needed.