Virginia National Guard

The Virginia National Guard traces its origins to the colonial militia established in 1607 at Jamestown, making it one of the oldest military organizations in the United States. Throughout history, the Guard has served in every major American conflict, from the Revolutionary War and Civil War to both World Wars, where its units were federally mobilized for overseas service. In the modern era, the Virginia National Guard has played a crucial role in both national defense and emergency response, supporting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and disaster relief missions at home. Its dual mission of federal and state service continues today, providing trained personnel and resources for both overseas deployments and support to civil authorities within Virginia.