The Virginia Defense Force held their annual muster Sunday in Staunton.

VDF Commander, Maj. Gen. John Taylor, was on hand at the National Guard Armory. The Defense Force differs from the National Guard in that they may not be federalized or deployed outside of the United States.

Capt. Columbus Cartwright says the annual muster is a great way to pull in recruits.

He says, "It gives us the exposure that we need and it shows possible recruits that this is a viable military type organization with backing."

About 100 members of the Defense Force took part in a special ceremony following Taylor's appearance. The military reserve met in Manassas last year.