HB 776

Department of Military Affairs; biennial training; Virginia National Guard; report. Requires the Department of Military Affairs (the Department) to conduct a biennial training among all officers of the Virginia National Guard, the curriculum for which shall be established by the Adjutant General in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, the Attorney General, and the Governor. Such training shall (a) remind officers of their oath to upholding the Constitution; (b) inform officers on the process for identifying and responding to suspected unlawful order; and (c) remind officers of their obligation to remain nonpartisan in the execution of their duties. The bill requires the Department to conduct the training among all officers of the Virginia National Guard by November 1, 2026. The bill directs the Adjutant General to require officers holding command and company and flight commanders to inform their Guard members on the processes for addressing any suspected unlawful order. The bill additionally directs the Adjutant General to establish a standard operating procedure by which officers can report the issuance of an unlawful order to the Office of the Attorney General, the Inspector General of the Virginia National Guard, and the United States Department of War and Military Services Offices of Inspector General.