VaDF Level I Training

<= span style=3D'mso-no-proof:yes'> 3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

<= u>SELF ST= UDY

<= b>ORIENTATION C= OURSE

&= nbsp;

<= b>16 JANUARY 08=

&= nbsp;

<= b>HEADQUARTERS<= /span>

&= nbsp;

<= b>VIRGINIA DEFE= NSE FORCE

<= b>500 DOVE STRE= ET

<= b>RICHMOND, VA = 23222

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 Engl= ish 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 fr= om 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 Virginia State Guard was reorganized the Virginia Defense Force, and in 1989 the VDF was reorganized as a cadre Light Infantry Division. During the Persian Gulf War, Virginia Defense Force units assumed control of the Armories of Virginia Army National Guard units deployed overseas. In 1993, the Virginia Defense Force began an in depth study of fu= ture roles and missions. This has resulted in a shift of mission focus from secu= rity to disaster relief, giving the Defense Force a vital mission that continues= our history of service to that state and nation.

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 members= hip. 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 a= llow 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.

Part = I. Organization and Mission

1-1 V= DF MISSION

A mission is the primary function or duty an organizat= ion is created to perform. Mission statements tell military organizations what they are supposed to be able to do. The mission of the Virginia Defense Force is established by § Title 44<= /a> of the Code of Virginia (the Military Laws of Virginia). The Adjutant Gener= al of Virginia has further defined the mission in a Letter of Instruction assigning us key duties in support of the National Guard.

The mission of the Virginia Defense Force is to:

1. Assume cont= rol 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 tas= ks currently performed by the National Guard to protect life and property.

5. Perform tas= ks unique to the period after mobilization of the National Guard and which can= not be foresee

These missions fall into two basic categories, to supp= ort 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 prope= rty.

1-2 V= DF BASIC ORGANIZATION

The Virginia Defense Force is organized as a cadre lig= ht 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 o= r 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. Virginia law provides that the unorganized militia, when it is c= alled to duty, is incorporated into the Virginia Defense Force. This will bring t= he VDF to a full strength of 7800 in an emergency.

VDF is light infantry because it is a mobile force, wi= th 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 br= anch (branch determines assignments and training and is the basic type of duties= you will perform).

VDF is organized as a Division to provide a headquarte= rs for administration and to manage forces during actual emergency operations. The Division Headquarters is in Richmond Virginia.

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 t= hat 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= .

The Milit= ary Police provides specialized unarmed security and traffic control capabilities.

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima= .

The Signa= l 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.

VDF has a specialized Aviation Battalion of four com= panies each with light aircraft. VDF pilots and observers provide aerial damage assessment, communications, and search and rescue

Three battalions and a headquarters form a Brigade of = 276 soldiers.


1st in Southside is Division Headquarters	2nd in Tidewater is the Lafayette Brigade	3rd in Northern Virginia is the Blackhorse Bri= gade	4th in Southwest Virginia is the Highland Brigade

VDF has four Brigades and they are the major operation= al units capable of independent operations in their area of operations.

1-3 V= DF CHAIN OF COMMAND

The chain of command is the superior to subordinate re= lationship 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 problem= s. 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 revel. Jumping the chain of command to talk to a sen= ior commander without your boss knowing about it is a violation of discipline a= nd basic loyalty to your commander.

The chain of command is from the top (have your traine= r 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 / 23^rd Battalion= / Your Company / Your Platoon Leader

Governor of Virginia	The Commander In Chief	Honorable Tim Kaine
Adjutant General of Virginia	Commander of the Militia	MG Robert B. Newman
Division Commander of	George Washington Division	MG John Dean Taylor
Brigade Commander or	Highland Brigade	COL Grier
= Battalion Commander of	34^th Battalion	LTC Cole
Company Commander o= f	Your Company
Platoon Leader of	Your Platoon

The chain of command is never destroyed. If a commande= r 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 t= he NCO support channel and to eliminate the possibility of the NCO support cha= nnel operating outside of command policy and directives.

Division Command Sergeant Major of	George Washington Division	CSM Andy J. Stevens
Brigade Command Sergeant Major of	Highland Brigade	CSM William Williamson
Battalion Command Sergeant Major of	34^th Battalion	CSM William Litton
Company First Serge= ant of	Your Company

1-4 C= OMPONENTS OF THE MILITIA

The militia is the citizens of the Commonwealth called= the military service to their states. By the Military laws of Virginia every able-bodied citizen from 16 to 55 can be called by the governor for military service.

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 Wa= r were largely fought by state raised militia units. In the early 1900s the organi= zed 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 For= ce, and the Virginia State Guard served to guard the Commonwealth. Many VDF uni= ts 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.

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

The Natio= nal Guard includes the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

The National Guard has a Federal role as part of the U= S Army and US Air Force when called up by the President. In its State role it supp= orts the Governor by providing trained units and equipment to protect life and property and to preserve peace, order; and public safety.

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

The Virginia Defense Force is an organized militia t= hat is called only for state service.

The Naval Militia is composed of the members of the = US Navy Reserve in Virginia.

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

The Unorganized Militia can be called in whole or in p= art 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 t= he Unorganized Militia is incorporated into the Virginia Defense Force.

Military insignia = of rank identifies relative level of authority and responsibility.

Enlisted ranks = (* indicates not a VDF rank)
Chevron is a V shaped emblem worn point up Rocker is an arc worn connecting the ends of the end= s of the chevrons
RANK<= /p>	ABBR<= /p>	GRADE<= /p>	INSIGNIA<= /b>
Private	PVT	E-1	None
Private	PV2	E-2	1 Chevron
Private 1^st Class	PFC	E-3	1 Chevron 1 Rocker
Specialist*	SPC	E-4	Eagle on an inverted chevron and rocker
Noncommissioned Officers (abbrevi= ated NCOs)
Corporal	CPL	E-4	2 Chevrons
Sergeant	SGT	E-5	3 Chevrons
Staff Sergeant	SSG	E-6	3 Chevrons 1 Rocker
Sergeant 1^st Class	SFC	E-7	3 Chevrons 2 Rockers
Master Sergeant	MSG	E-8	3 Chevrons 3 Rockers
First Sergeant	1SG	E-8	3 Chevrons 3 Rockers, Diamond in center
Sergeant Major	SGM	E-9	3 Chevrons 3 Rockers, Star in center
Command Sergeant Major	CSM	E-9	3 Chevrons 3 Rockers, Wreathed Star
Warrant Officers: (all bars are silver)
Warrant Officer	WO1	W-1	1 Black Square on Silver
Chief Warrant Officer	CW1	W-2	2 Black Squares on Silver
Chief Warrant Officer	CW3	W-3	3 Black Squares on Silver
Chief Warrant Officer	CW4	W-4	4 Black Squares on Silver
Master Warrant Officer	MW	W-5	4 Silver Squares with Black Border
Commissioned Officers:
2^nd Lieutenant	2LT	O-1	Gold Bar
1^st Lieutenant	1LT	O-2	Silver Bar
Captain	CPT	O-3	2 Silver Bars
Major	MAJ	O-4	Gold Oak Leaf
Lieutenant Colonel	LTC	O-5	Silver Oak Leaf
Colonel	COL	O-6	Silver Eagle
Brigadier General	BG	O-7	1 Silver Star
Major General	MG	O-8	2 Silver Stars

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 patr= ol cap. The main difference, from Army wear rules, is that the Army wears subd= ued metal or cloth collar rank insignia on Battle Dress Utility uniforms - offi= cers wear bright metal rank on caps in garrison.

2-2 MILI= TARY COURTESIES

Basic military courtesies have developed over many yea= rs to recognize senior personnel and express appropriate respect for their positi= on, 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. On= ly the military forces have these traditional professional courtesies that mar= k us as different from civilians.

Military personnel are addressed by titles based on th= eir 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”. Ma= le 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 grad= es are SERGEANT. Corporals are addressed as

CORPORAL

Enlisted: Privates of all grades are addressed as PRIV= ATE.

Although much neglected, it is appropriate to call civ= ilians 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 governmen= tal 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, Mari= ne Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, US Public Health Service, and National ocean= ic and Atmospheric Administration uniformed corps. Officers of civilian auxili= ary components of the Air Force (Civil Air Patrol) and the Coast Guard (US Coast Guard Auxiliary) are customarily not saluted, although their salutes should= be returned.

The salute is rendered by bringing the right hand sm= oothly 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 a= nd extended to the right. The forearm and the hand form a straight line. The salute is held until it is returned.

Officers (Commissioned and Warrant) exchange salutes -= the junior officer initiates the salute. NCOs and enlisted soldiers salute offi= cers - officers return the salute.

Salutes are exchanged-outdoors when passing or greetin= g. 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 ma= de.

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 unt= il 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 United St= ates flag, the Virginia flag, or the large rectangular flag of a military unit Guidons. The small swallow tailed flag carried by Companies, are not salute= d.

United States Flag

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

Virginia State flag

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

Military Unit Guidons

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

Colored metal plates on the front bumper identify vehi= cles 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.

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

Senior St= aff Vehicle Plates

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

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 unt= il 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 stand= ing 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 s= enior enters the vehicle last and exits first.

If a senior approaches when you are in the field or wh= en doing operational jobs, generally continue with the task and do not come to attention.

Part = III. The Uniform

3-1 I= NSIGNIA PLACEMENT ON THE UNIFORM

Insignia placed on uniforms includes organizational, r= ank, and qualification insignia.

Two embroidered nametapes are worn on the Class C (fat= igue) uniform.

A white nametape with the soldier's last name embroide= red 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 w= hite is centered above and touching the left pocket. On slant cut pockets the ta= pe is also worn on a slant.

Shoulder sleeve insignia (shoulder patches) are worn o= n the sleeve centered on the sleeve, 1/2 inch from the shoulder seam.

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

A full color George Washington Division shoulder pat= ch is worn on the left shoulder.

A full color Virginia State Flag shoulder patch is w= orn on the right shoulder.

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

Last active wartime unit insignia may be worm on the r= ight shoulder.

Pin on bright metal or embroidered rank insignia is wo= rn on the shirt collar.

Full size officer insignia in bright metal or embroide= red 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 coll= ar) officers and warrant officers wear the militia branch insignia (crossed rif= le 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 b= oth collars. The insignia is positioned centered on an imaginary line that spli= ts 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.

Members w= ear an enameled pin-on distinctive unit insignia (DUI) for the Division or Briga= de or Aviation Battalion. This is pinned on centered 1/4 inch above the name= tape above the right pocket. On slant pockets the insignia is positioned so it= is vertical, rather than-slanted. (Example of the Blackhorse Brigad= e)

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

Individuals qualified to wear military skill qualifica= tion badges wear them in bright metal above the right pocket. Civilian qualification, wings, or patches are not authorized for wear. Multiple badg= es are worn centered, one above the other above the pocket and on the pocket f= lap, depending on the class of badge. VDF aviation wings are worn above the pock= et the VDF communications badge is worn on the pocket flap. The MP badge is wo= rn on the left pocket

3-2 V= irginia Defense Force Class C Uniform

Virginia Defense Force members are authorized to wear = three basic uniforms:

Class A Army Classic G= reen Uniform with coat and tie

Class B short or long sleeve shirt and trouser office uniform

Class C utility unifor= m

The Class C uniform is commonly known as a fatigue or utility uniform. It is authorized for wear by all VDF members at monthly dr= ills 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:

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 rolle= d 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 bo= ots.

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 protecti= on against the sun (unlike mesh baseball caps), and the earflaps provide war= mth for winter work.

Army Brown "T"-shirt.

Black military web belt with a black subdued belt bu= ckle 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.

3D"http://vdf.vasoldier.net/Courses/VDF_Level_I_Orientation_files/ima=

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 profession= al 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 mo= dified.

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 protecti= on against insects. In high grass or brush sleeves should be rolled down. When doing work involving handling debris, lumber, wire, or other possibly dange= rous materials, wear of leather work gloves is a must. In areas where there is t= he 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 B= ASIC MILITARY DRILL

Basic military drill movements have evolved over centu= ries to maneuver troops in battle and to move a large number of soldiers efficie= ntly 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 un= it and personal pride and professionalism, especially in contacts with other uniformed services. Drill helps build unit ability to work together as a te= am and sharpens the ability of personnel to respond quickly and smoothly to commands in emergencies.

Some general rules apply to performing all drill movem= ents:

Make your movements smooth and crisp and without any b= ody 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 executi= on command is given.

Look straight ahead at your eye level at all times.

Relax - tenseness will wear you out and makes it harde= r to do the movements.

In general there is no talking in formation.

Attention (company ATTENTION): From any posit= ion when you are standing still, stand upright, head up and facing forward, w= ith 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.

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


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 t= he 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.

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 piv= ot on the toe of the right foot. The second movement is to bring the right f= oot 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.

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.

Halt (company HALT): Given while marching, th= is 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 fo= ot up to the lead foot and assume the position of attention.

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.

Part = V. Promotion and Standards

5-1 P= ROMOTION CRITERIA

Promotion recognizes individuals who have the ability = to undertake duties with increased responsibility for the success of their uni= ts. 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 d= uty 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 tim= e in grade (time in the current rank) and time in service requirements. Total service requirements may be waived for superior performers. Promotion autho= rity is the level at which the decision for promotion is made.

GRADE	RECOMMENDING AUTHORITY	TIME IN GRADE	AUTHORITY
E1-E2	Company Grade	4 Months	Advancement
E2-E3	Company Grade	6 Months	Company
E3-E4	Company Grade	6 Months	Company
E4-E5	Company Grade	6 Months	Brigade
E5-E6	Company Grade	1 Year	Brigade
E6-E7	Field Grade	1 Year	Brigade
E7-E8	Field Grade	2 Years	Division
E8-E9	0-6 and above	2 Years	Division
E9-CSM	0-6 and above	2 Years	Division
Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers meet the = following requirements:
GRADE		TIME IN GRADE	AUTHORITY
WO1-CW2		1 Year	Brigade
CW2-CW3		2 Years	Brigade
CW3-CW4		3 Years	Brigade
CW4-CW5		5 Years	Division
2LT-1LT		1 Year	Brigade
1LT-CPT		2 Years	Brigade
CPT-MAJ		2 Years	Division
MAJ-LTC		2 Year	Division
LTC-COL		2 Years	Adjutant General
COL-BG		2 Years	Adjutant General

Members must meet an attendance requirement of 75 perc= ent 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 lev= els are by a promotion board, which reviews the recommendation for promotion and the individual's record.

5-2 V= IRGINIA DEFENSE FORCE STANDARDS

Standards are statements of how the Virginia Defense F= orce as an organization and as individual soldiers conducts itself. Standards establish a lever of performance that is expected of every member.

1. VDF is a uniformed military force under the command of the Adjutant General.

<= /p>

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.

<= /p>

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 as= semblies (one Spring and one Fall). More is encouraged.

<= /p>

4. VDF is not an armed = force - weapons are not carried or used for either training or active duty.

<= /p>

5. Members on duty are = under military discipline and will obey lawful orders.

<= /p>

6. Customs and courtesi= es are the mark of professionalism and will be rendered with respect for individua= ls and the Virginia Defense Force.

<= /p>

7. Personal integrity i= s an absolute requirement. We do not tolerate lying, quibbling, cheating, or stealing.

<= /p>

8. The senior line offi= cer, warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or enlisted person assigned to a = unit is in command of that unit.

<= /p>

9. Every member is responsible for achieving the highest degree of training in his or her duti= es possible.

<= /p>

10. Every VDF member is a pot= ential trainer in an emergency.

<= /p>

11. Rank indicates responsibi= lity for decision making. Commissioned, Warrant, and Noncommissioned officers all have key roles.

<= /p>

12. The chain of command will= be followed.

<= /p>

13. Members in the field wear= the Class C Uniform, clean, neat, boots polished, shaved, and with good personal hygiene.

<= /p>

14. Members in the field carry their equipment with them at all times.

<= /p>

15. Superior performance is recognized by awards and is a requirement for promotion.

<= /p>

16. All leaders are responsib= le for troop safety.

<= /p>

17. Every member on duty repr= esents the Virginia Defense Force, the Adjutant General, the Governor, and the Commonwealth and will govern his or her dress and behavior accordingly.