Is a militia considered armed forces?

A militia (/mɪˈlɪʃə/) is generally an army or some other fighting organization of non-professional soldiers, citizens of a country, or subjects of a state, who may perform military service during a time of need, as opposed to a professional force of regular, full-time military personnel; or, historically, to members of …

What does the Constitution say about forming a militia?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Such language has created considerable debate regarding the Amendment’s intended scope.

How many states have a militia?

Twenty-two states and Puerto Rico have some form of State Defense Force or Naval Militia, or both, each with different levels of activity, state support and strength, and oriented mainly toward emergency management and homeland security missions.

Can you join a militia at 17?

The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members …

Can the president form a militia?

Under federal control, the National Guard of the United States can be called up for active duty by the President of the United States.

What are the requirements for a militia?

(a) The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard.

How many militia groups are there in the United States?

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) identified 334 militia groups at their peak in 2011. It identified 276 in 2015, up from 202 in 2014. In 2016, the SPLC identified a total of 165 armed militia groups within the United States.

What is the difference between organized and unorganized militia?

Organized militia – consisting of state militia forces; notably, the National Guard and Naval Militia. Unorganized militia – comprising the reserve militia: every able-bodied man of at least 17 and under 45 years of age, not a member of the National Guard or Naval Militia. A third militia is a state defense force.

What happens if you don’t obey the call of the militia?

The states as well as Congress may prescribe penalties for failure to obey the President’s call of the militia.