Virginian militia
| Virginia Militia | |
|---|---|
A 1772 portrait of George Washington as colonel of the Virginia Militia. The navy blue regimental coat Washington is wearing was worn by the Virginia Militia during the French and Indian War and was later adopted as the national uniform color by United States Army. | |
| Founded | 1607 |
| Allegiance |
|
| Branch | merged into the current Virginia Defense Force and Virginia National Guard |
| Type | colonial militia, state militia, state army national guard, state air national guard |
| Role | To protect Virginia and the United States, from all enemies, foreign and domestic |
The Virginia militia is an armed force composed of all citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia capable of bearing arms. The Virginia militia was established in 1607 as part of the English militia system. Militia service in Virginia was compulsory for all free males. The main purpose of the Crown's militia was to repel invasions and insurrections and to enforce the laws of the colony.