The Volunteer Training Corps (VTC) was a voluntary home defence militia which was the First World War equivalent of the Home Guard. When war was declared in August 1914, there was an immediate demand for a means of service for those men who were over military age or engaged in important occupations.

Combined with the perceived risk of a German invasion, this resulted in the spontaneous formation of volunteer defence associations around the country.

By September 1914, a central committee had been formed. It was renamed the Central Association of Volunteer Training Corps in November 1914 and recognised by the War Office