I was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia so here are my...

I was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia so here are my questions.
1. If I was a young man in Northern VA (Alexandria)and wanted to join the southern cause what would be the probable unit I'd be assigned to? I did some research and found that the 1st VA infantry fought primarily for the Army of northern VA, would this unit apply to me?
2. How did individuals becomed assigned to different units during the war?

I find this question really difficult to answer I think veterans from VA are in a better position to give a reliable answer concerning this. Supposing that the rules that were adhered to then were still adhered to later on ..

the 8th and 17th virginia infantry units were raised in leesburg and manasas jct and both had men from the counties of loudoun,prince william and fairfax with the 17th also had recruits from warren and fauquier so its fair to say you might serve in one of these two units-i didnt research artillery or cavarly units raised in these areas or higher designations of infantry so there could be more-you could join any unit if you chose to travel-you could have been in another state and joined there

ist virginia infantry had men from alexandria in company e,7th va in co.h,company c ist va artillery also