You got that right. The VDF is barely a step above the Boy Scouts. In some cases, the Boy Scouts would have the upper hand. It's a shame because there are many retired colonels and generals in Old Dominion who could whip them in to shape (old school style) if they had the blessings of the Governor and the General Assembly.
There's the rub, right? When I lived in Northern Virginia, a "Major" in VDF tried to recruit me. I was unimpressed. It is obvious it is really just a volunteer labor and support organization, and NOT a funded and sanctioned "defense force".
It's a shame, too, because you're right. The squared away veteran officers and NCOs in VA could whip up a fine defense force if allowed.