They want you! [February 19]

The Virginia Defense Force’s 3rd Brigade will activate another battalion to serve in Charlottesville, as well as the Staunton, Lexington and Clifton Forge areas. According to today’s Staunton News Leader, the increase could mean as many as 150 new state troops that would be available during times of emergency. Designated the 13th Battalion, the new unit will become operational next month and reach full strength within the year. Many of the new troops will merely be transferred from other units, but significant efforts will be made to recruit local troops to fill out the ranks of the all-volunteer force. Want to join? Just make sure you’re between the ages of 16 and 65 and a legal resident of Virginia. Then you can serve Uncle Sam whenever he so desires.