Insofar as the quality of militia units themselves, it is undoubtedly true that the quality of a common militia unit was markedly below that of a Continental unit. However, numerous deviations from this norm indicate a logical fallacy -- the overwhelming exception. The Massachusetts minutemen, the Philadelphia Light Horse, Green Mountain Boys, New York Provincial Company of Artillery, Kentucky militia under George Rogers Clark, and others serve to complicate and enhance the reputation of American militia during the Revolution. The category of militia does not represent a homogeneous entity that could be assigned a static, one-size-fits-all value. That's right along with some of the material I've been reading and the impression I recieved.I was just unable to articulate it very well due to the absense of knowledge.I had the minutemen and Green Mountain Boys in mind,but didn't think that was enough for a decent answer like the one you just now have given. Well, except for the hundreds (thousands?) of militia regiments that served during the American Civil War .... and the militia units that we now call the National Guard. Among those, the 28th Division (United States) has a rather extensive and important combat history Excellent point and one I'm surprised didn't come to mind immediately on my part. :oops: I was wrapped up in the term "militia" and didn't look at the obvious.I'm curious as to Gassendi's opinion on this. :) This is a very nice education I'm recieving from the members on this site.I'm the Freshman who is new to the debate club and is being treated nicely by the seniors. :) There are not alot of members at the moment,but the quality is outstanding(myself excluded).All view points may not agree,but are given from an educated background that lends respect to the parties involved.I appreciate the views being given and I'm looking forward to seeing where each topic goes. :D

Militia, Volunteer Militia, and the National Guard
I would submit you're mixing apples and oranges here. The old militia system died after the War of 1812 and that was the last war fought with it. It died because it didn't work. The Mexican War was fought with Regulars and volunteer units. The Civil War was fought with long-term volunteers in permanent regiments, some of which were volunteer militia units that were mobilized and trained as regular regiments. The National Guard is the evolution of state units which can be federalized and trained to regular standards. The militia of the Revolution and the War of 1812 never reached that standard nor were they allowed to. For references, at least for a start, you might want to take a look at three books which I have found very helpful in understanding the evolution of the American soldier: 1794 by Dave Palmer; Citizens in Arms: The Army and Militia in American Society to the War of 1812; and American Army Life by John Elting. For the problems with the militia in the Revolution you might want to consult the Correspondence of George Washington. It is very enlightening on the subject. Nathaniel Greene and Anthony Wayne, among others, shared Washington's view on the militia during the war. Harold Peterson's Book of the Continental Soldier is also helpful on the Continentals during the war and for the War of 1812 John Elting's Amateurs, To Arms! gives a very definite viewpoint on the problems with the militia and makes a definite distinction between the volunteer militia and other militia units. Sincerely, G