VRC 101
VRC 101 is designed to give the general public a "crash course" in the Veteran Reserve Corps through a series of answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Who Established the Veteran Reserve Corps?
The modern Veteran Reserve Corps was established by Major General James Coleman, a thirty-six year veteran of the United States Air Force (USAF) and a Brigadier General with the Maryland Military Department. MG Coleman sought to infuse the spirit of American volunteerism with military professionalism, while at the same time paying homage to the U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps that was created during the American Civil War as a way for wounded and out processed Union soldiers to continue serving the cause, without having to re-enlist.
Why Does the VRC Wear the Uniform of the Army?
The Veteran Reserve Corps is a composite of veterans and service-oriented individuals. We have a great deal of respect for the uniform and the level of service it signifies and we live up to that standard. The U.S. VRC does not wear the uniform of the Army. We wear the Operation Camo Pattern uniform, with Veteran Reserve Corps branch tape, distinctive unit patches, and a subdued American flag. This is in keeping with other patriotic organizations, such as the United States Volunteers - America. The VRC does not prohibit our prior service members from wearing Deployment patches for overseas deployments made while in the U.S. Armed Forces, or wear of ribbons, awards, and skills badges duly earned during the course of their federal service. Wear of the uniform is permissible, even by civilians (United States v. Alvarez - 2005), so long as individuals are not claiming benefits, discounts, or other rewards that are provided to actual veterans. The VRC takes cases of stolen valor seriously and those who claim or accept veteran benefits without having veteran status, in accordance with federal law, are discharged from the VRC. Additionally, those who have served within our Armed Forces and have elected to continue serving within our ranks, are entitled to wear the uniform provided they were discharged under Honorable conditions., and upon verification that such awards were duly received. As policy, the VRC does not accept individuals with felony convictions or dishonorable discharges from the U.S. Military.
Are You A Militia?
No. The Veteran Reserve Corps does not train with firearms, nor does it deploy personnel with deadly weapons at any time. The VRC is exclusively a humanitarian and civil support organization unit that provides emergency response and disaster relief to local communities, when activated by federal, state, or local governmental entities. The U.S. VRC considers ourselves to be a force multiplier for first responders and other disaster support organizations. Members of the VRC come from all religious backgrounds, political leanings, and walks of life. However, all members are united in the common belief that we are one America, and all members are aware that America’s freedom and form of government have been so highly cherished that many have offered and, in fact, given their lives for these rights. Therefore, our organization does not permit antigovernmental sentiment, ideology, or actions within our units.
What is the VRC's Relations with State Defense Forces / SGAUS?
State Defense Forces were established by Congress in 1956, after State Governors expressed upset over the increasing and constant deployments and federalization of the National Guards (Title 32, Section 109 of the U.S. Code). U.S. VRC is NOT an SDF but we do enjoy an amiable affiliate relationship with the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS), through participating in the Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Academy, taking a turn at a leadership role in the SGAUS Medical Academy and participating in other valuable trainings that SGAUS may offer.