Militia's role

Posted Thursday, Jan. 03, 2013 0 comments  Print Reprints

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Don Woodard, in commenting about the Second Amendment, stated that the militia did not participate in WWII or Iraqi Freedom. (See: "Second Amendment," Friday)

In 1903, the Militia Act designated the federal reserve element to be the National Guard. The National Guard provided 18 full combat divisions for the war effort, as well as numerous other combat units. The National Guard of many states has sent units to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

In the late 18th century, there was only one organized police force in the U.S. and a few sheriffs to provide law and order. The militia could assist (as does the National Guard on state duty today). Individuals, especially in rural areas, needed to take care of themselves, including personal defense.

-- Brian Fieldhouse, Fort Worth

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