The Virginia National Guard (VNG) is a dual-status force with a federal mission to provide the combat reserve for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force and a state mission to provide a response force that answers the call of the Governor in support of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

The VNG can be called to state active duty pursuant to § 44-75.1 of the Code of Virginia. The VNG can be called to federal duty pursuant to various sections of the United States Code.

The Code of Virginia and federal law provide ample protections against misuse of the Virginia National Guard while in a state active-duty status. These protections include the bases upon which the VNG may be called into state active duty as well as the various laws that prohibit interference with elections and voting.