AG approves VDF force structure change

The Virginia Defense Force will undergo a force structure change in the coming months to provide opportunities to grow capabilities to better support the Virginia National Guard and Commonwealth of Virginia. Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the Adjutant General of Virginia, approved the force structure change after a briefing by VDF leaders Oct. 29, 2021, in Richmond, Virginia.

“Our utilization of the Virginia Defense Force in the last 18 months has been the most since they were the Virginia Protective Force in World War II,” Williams said. “VDF personnel have performed critical roles in supporting the Virginia National Guard and the Commonwealth of Virginia during COVID-19 response as well as other domestic operations. We have captured significant lessons learned we can use to grow the organization and capitalize on the skills and experience present across the force.

”The VDF is authorized by the Code of Virginia as the all-volunteer reserve of the Virginia National Guard, and it also gives the Adjutant General the authority to set the VDF’s organizational structure.

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Effective Nov. 1, Col. (Va.) Robin Phillips (center) will command 1st Regiment, and Col. (Va.) Donald J. Thornley (left) will command the Support Operations Group. Col. (Va.) Nicholas Christoff (right) will serve as interim operations officer and chief of staff.