A Few Thoughts on that Nasty "M" word

First and foremost let’s not confuse Militia with Militant. There is a distinct difference between the two – Despite the misuse of Militia instead of Militant by our news media and government.

militant adj. 1 Pertaining to conflict with opposing powers of influences. 2 Of warlike or combative tendency; aggressive -noun A combative person; a soldier.

militia noun. 1 A body of citizens enrolled and drilled in military organizations other than the regular military forces, and called out only in emergencies. 2 U.S. All able-bodied citizens not members of the regular military forces.

criminal noun. 1 One who has committed an offense punishable by law.

Second we cannot confuse Militia with 3 Percenters

Basically a 3 Percenter is a mindset of doing what is needed, when it is needed no matter what the cost. They essentially ‘buy time’ for others around them to come to their senses and or mobilize, in an intense/dangerous situation; which usually results in death. Three Percenters today are mostly American gun owners who have taken a stand.

If you are a history buff, you can find other examples of the Mindset of 3 Percenters:

• The 300 Spartans and the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC - These men sacrificed themselves to buy time for the whole of Greece!
• Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775 - These men sacrificed themselves to buy time for the whole of our new fledgling country!
• Battle at the Alamo (February 23 – March 6, 1836) These men sacrificed themselves to buy time for Sam Houston to rally the rest of the troups for the independence of Texas!
• Siege of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, December 21, 1944 (there abouts) These soldiers were surrounded, had few supplies and it was the dead of winter. Yet they stood their ground and sacrificed their lives to stop the Nazi’s last ditch effort to turn the tide of this war!

Militias, are a form of citizen-based defense that shaped early American history and created an American tradition of citizen soldiery. Early American colonies faced dangers from Native American and European foes. Colonial governments quickly established universal military obligation for white males. At its simplest, men were armed or ordered to arm themselves, organized into units, and trained.

The modern concept of the militia is as a defensive organization against invaders. It grew out of the Anglo-Saxon "fyrd". In times of crisis, the militiaman left his civilian duties and became a soldier until the emergency was over, when he returned to his civilian occupation and life.

In understanding these different meanings and the history of militia, one would think we should now be able to use the word and it can lose some of its nasty connotations. However, Theory and Reality are like apples and oranges – they are not interchangeable!

So let me stress again – Militia are NOT Militant in and of themselves. Yes, some militant groups (there is good and bad in everything) abuse the word militia in their group names. Overall militia groups are NOT the Ruby Ridge; Waco; Hutaree or Timothy McVeigh’s of our recent past.


Read on for in-depth definitions of these words, as well as a little bit of history to further explain their differences and some detail on the various “Militia Acts” that have been passed. And last but not least, how YOU can correct the 'bad' image that the word Militia now evokes and what to do with militia groups around you, with a complete list of resources from the pros.

Now is time to don your armor of knowledge and Prep On ;-}

TNT