| Virginia Militia | |
|---|---|
 This 1772 portrait shows George Washington in uniform, as colonel of the Virginia Militia. Note, the navy blue regimental coat, worn by the Virginia Militia during the French and Indian War, which would later be adopted by the U.S. Army as the national uniform color. | |
| Founded | 1607 |
| Allegiance |
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| 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.