The Virginia militia traces its origins to the establishment of the Colony of Virginia in 1607 under the English militia system. Historically, service was compulsory for able-bodied free males capable of bearing arms. The militia's primary purposes were the defense of the colony and state against foreign enemies, the suppression of insurrections, and the enforcement of governmental authority. Under modern Virginia law, the militia consists of the Virginia National Guard, the Virginia Defense Force, and the unorganized militia.