Militia

A militia is a group of citizens organized to provide paramilitary service. The word can have four slightly different meanings:

United Kingdom

For much of the history of England, the military was controlled by Parliament, which had access to the resources to maintain a standing army. At various times, The Crown and Parliament were in strong disagreement, but Parliament's economic ability to use the army was counterbalanced by the Crown's traditional ability to call out the militia. As long as the army's weapons were not radically more powerful than the militia's, this balance of power was effective.

Related Topics:
England - Parliament - Army - The Crown

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The English Bill of Rights (1689) declared, amongst other rights:

Related Topics:
English Bill of Rights - 1689

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:"That the raising or keeping a standing army within the kingdom in time of peace, unless it be with consent of Parliament, is against law;"

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and

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:"That the subjects which are Protestants may have arms for their defense suitable to their conditions and as allowed by law;"

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Following the creation of large standing army, the word militia fell into disuse in the UK, though many units retained the distinction of being designated "militia" units as extra battalions of regular regiments and "Irish" militia were heavily relied upon to suppress rebellion in Ireland. The militia was formally disbanded in 1908 with the creation of a reserve force, known as the Territorial Force, later the Territorial Army, and the units of the militia were transferred to the Special Reserve. The Special Reserve were renamed the Militia in 1921, its units being placed in 'suspended animation', and the militia was disbanded in 1953.

Related Topics:
Rebellion - 1908 - Territorial Force - 1921 - 1953

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A number of old Militia units remain in existence, two in the Territorial Army: the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers -- which was first formed in 1539 -- and the Jersey Field Squadron (The Royal Militia Island of Jersey), 73rd Regiment, Royal Engineers (formerly the Royal Militia of the Island of Jersey and first formed in 1337). Also, the Royal Alderney Militia -- created in the 13th Century and reformed in 1984 -- is part of the Army Cadet Force, thus ensuring the continuation of the name. Additionally, the Atholl Highlanders are a (ceremonial) private army maintained by the Duke of Atholl - they are the only legal private army in the United Kingdom.

Related Topics:
Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers - 1539 - Royal Engineers - Royal Militia of the Island of Jersey - 1337 - Royal Alderney Militia - 13th Century - 1984 - Army Cadet Force - Atholl Highlanders - Duke of Atholl

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In modern usage, the term Paramilitary is more widely used of (illegal) private armies such as the UVF, UDA and Provisional IRA in Northern Ireland.

Related Topics:
Paramilitary - UVF - UDA - Provisional IRA - Northern Ireland

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