Reply #25: Exactly. [View All]

[johnbraun]

"What's a member of a "well-regulated militia" without a gun? "

Dead weight.

"I have no formal military training, I have no basic gear or skills to be of any use to any military unit."

Well, under the 2nd Amendment, best go and get you some gear and skills. The purpose is not to get military-equivalent training, but to get familiarity with weapons systems and operations.

"I have no firearm appropriate for any sort of defense against a well-armed invader, likely with armor and air support."

If you have a rifle capable of making hits out to 600m, you're on par with the Iraqis. They seem to be doing OK.

"Am I subject to be press-ganged into this unorganized militia against my will?"

You're already in it.

"Who has command-and-control over this unorganized militia? What exactly is the order of battle? Is this under the command of my governor and National Guard, or is this under command of the DoD?"

You are under the COC of the governor of your state, then the CIC. But the real responsibility for your militia duties lies with you.

"I have no idea who I am to report to, if called up, or where."

That's the point. You are not "called up". You're in it, and if there is civil unrest or another major problem in your area then you have the responsibility to hook up with other members of the militia and coordinate things. No one is going to tell you what to do at first, if ever.

"And how is an unorganized militia different from a well-regulated militia? I thought the 2nd amendment specifies a well-regulated militia?"

A well-regulated militia is one codified under law. Your membership in it is regulated and codified under law. Therefore, the unorganized militia is well-regulated.

Look, 999/1000 times your militia status applies, it's not going to be because the Chinese are invading. It's because a hurricans just hit and people are looting neighborhoods so you grab your rifle. Or there's a snowstorm and Florence down the block needs her heart medication. Or there's a massive fire and you need to volunteer in a burn unit. Your participation in a well-regulated militia means that you give help where help is needed, and in order to help others you cannot be helpless yourself - and that is the reason that you have a firearm. When there are problems, civil society and protection falls apart because they're dealing with the really big problems, and you as a helper have to be able to ensure your safety as you go about helping people.