Virginia militia

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.
Active1607–present
Countries British America
 United States of America
 Confederate States of America
Allegiance United States of America
Branchmerged into the current Virginia Defense Force and Virginia National Guard
Typecolonial militia, state militia, state army national guard, state air national guard
RoleTo 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.