Are you a member of a Militia?

Miltia Membership? (May choose more than one incase you and your friend is in one)

  • Yes, I am in one.

    Votes: 70 18.4%
  • Nope

    Votes: 267 70.1%
  • You're a nut!

    Votes: 50 13.1%
  • I have a friend in one.

    Votes: 11 2.9%

  • Total voters
    381
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REAL militia, not private armies

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E-4 in the real Michigan militia, the volunteer defense force. you people who dress in gi joe costumes and pretend your some type of military force know you are violating laws governing the use and wear of military-type uniforms? the defense force is a state-controlled force to take over national guard duties when they deploy. those groups are not militias, they are private groups who never grew out of playing soldier as a kid. the defense force is the real militia.

I have friends involved in VDF and they don't share your attitude, thankfully.

To answer the question, I'm not a member of any militia, either organized or unorganized.
 
I have seen members of militias at various gun shows and shoots and the ones that I have encountered are clearly racists and anti-government (and a little nuts in my opinion).
What year was this?

I have been active in the militia for over 5 years. Met hundreds of militiamen. I have yet to meet one who was racist or anti-government. So this comment intrigues me.
 
I'd say wothout trying to seem paronoid, that it may not be a great idea to admit you want to be in a militia, or are active in one on the "net". These days since militias have been totally mis labled by the liberal media, and have been branded as ALL being a bunch of gap toothed rednecks who hate everything from the government, to any race but white, we who would be in a militia for the reasons set forth when militias were the norm in the old US, could find ourselves under investigation by the FBI and ATF right away. In fact, one of the reasons the Branch Dividians were originally under investigation was that someone said they were a militia disguised as a Religous group because they frequented gun shows to buy and sell guns to make money for the "group".


I have done a few web searches for militias for research purposes for myself, and found that most if not all that HAVE websites, are some kind of supremist group. Weither it be white, chicano, or black militants. And beleive me, all raceist groups in the net are NOT white.........

As for me, I am not in a militia, since I ETS'd in 1987! But that was a government sponsered militia..
 
hotpig.......join the crowd

When I went throught the academy for corrections, the "southerners" were not looked upon nicely above the I70.

One instructor said that for "us", we going to have a shotgun shot at night and we can use the opitional truck door to shoot off of!

Funny thing though, when we went to Statesville and Joilet to train, the inmates hated us! But the "trainer" would put us in the towers for yard and chow time! They knew we would protect them if anything went down!

Back to if I belong, no. I was a real serviceman for fours years and would still be if RIF didn't come about.

I am the Sergant at Arms for my daughters Pom Pon squad!

Jerry
 
...could find ourselves under investigation by the FBI and ATF right away.
Not today. The U.S. government no longer considers citizen's militias to be a threat. (The citizen's militias of today are nothing like the militias of the mid 1990s. And thank God for that.) The government has realized that today's militias are mostly comprised of lawful, pro-government, patriotic, and upstanding citizens. Why waste time investigating these kinds of people?

I have done a few web searches for militias for research purposes for myself, and found that most if not all that HAVE websites, are some kind of supremist group. Weither it be white, chicano, or black militants.
Interesting. Can you provide links to militia websites that are supremacist in nature? You're welcome to start with the web site for our group.
 
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We don't worry about being investigated by the ATF or the FBI, because 1) We don't do anything illegal and 2) We operate in the public eye. ANYONE can come to our meetings and trainings, provided of course that they observe the rules of firearm safety.

I posted this video earlier in this thread, but since the question of FBI investigation came up, here it is again:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJXm...ndid=128344935&MyToken=fdc6f4b9-d862-4798-ba2

It's about a year and a half old, and I have no idea why channel 7 was so fascinated that we have 2 or 3 vegetarian members. It's a good video though.

Note that in it, an FBI agent acknowledges that we are doing our civic duty.

Enjoy.
 
I'm in the reserves of the Finnish Defence Forces since my 11-month training umph-teen years ago. It's a conscript army, or a well regulated militia, if you will... :cool:

As about 80% of all able males do their service in the armed forces, it's more than fair to also check the "I have a friend in one" too.

Just packing my gear for a 3-gun competition/training session where I'll RO until Sunday evening.
 
No. Not officially. Fact is I do not even know if there is such in Oregon save the tree loving bunny hugger groups.

If the situation demanded. Count me in. 2nd A supporters are already part of said militia w/o paying any dues or signing any paperwork.
 
Let's see:

1) I was an armed citizen at age 18, and continued as such until age 24, when
2) I served 4 years active duty in the US Army, then
3) I served 2 years as a reservist in the Texas Army National Guard, then
4) I was an armed citizen from age 26 until age 45, at which time my service as part of the Constitutionally recognized militia ended, and
5) Now at age 51 I am still an armed citizen, and would protect my community from all enemies foreign and domestic if the need were to arise.

In other words: Been there, done that, wore out the T-shirt.
 
Humm... I'm a responsible, law abiding, tax paying, voting, citizen who loves his country, would give up his life in defense of it, and is able and willing to do so anytime if the necessity were to arise.

Am I a member of an organized militia? No. Perhaps I'm more like a modern day Minuteman.
 
Unfortunately no. But I am a friend of the militia.
I will however defend my community should the need arise.

I wish I could say yes, but I am unable to own firearms, and I do not..,
 
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Only on facebook...

One of the Sgts from the Citadels ARNG recruiting station actually posted there trying to recruit us for the Guard.


We're all either Marine reservists or Marine midshipman...
 
The militia that I know is not of the racist, anti-government, redneck-bubbafied flavor... They are husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters... Essentially they are loving patriotic Americans who actually care about their families, neighbors, communities, and in the grand scheme of things, their country....

They look at their involvement as a way to further ensure their safety, security and survivability in the event of a local, statewide or national emergency/crisis.... Not only that of themselves but that of their families, friends and local communities..

With the above being said, I feel it is appropriate to say...

Yes, I am a member of a militia...
 
Why yes, as an able-bodied male between ages 17 and 45, Congress has unilaterally declared me part of the US militia. I'm even duly registered per the Selective Service System.

Why they neglect to arm and train me, and even prohibit the most standard weapon (select-fire M4), I do not understand.
 
DeclarationDay - thanks but no thank you. I would not want to associate with a private paramilitary group. i know you're mostly well intentioned folks, but the road to hell is paved by 'em. if you guys showed up at an emergency location when VDF is deployed, and some police chief thinks you're real VDF troops then someone is hurt because of ignorant actions - whos the blame?

you guys have NO ONE to answer to. you are NOT a militia or any other type of armed force that answers to the people through their elected representatives.

i've seen your website. real nice how everyone covers their face like some mideast terrorist in the pictures. duh... I dont know why people would be leary of our actions...? wake up you guys, quit playing dress up and operating private armies. your ranks are meaningless to anyone outside your private paramilitary group, including police fire, etc. check out http://www.mivdf.org - this is the real militia in Michigan, along with the MI Army National Guard and Air Guard.

US and state law is very clear when it comes to this: the organized militia is the National Guard and state defense forces. the unorganized militia is simply the males whose ages are specified that are not in those organization . that's it! they're not private armies scattered in every corner of the state and country. the michigan militia was created as an anti-government anti-UN org. now you suddenly expect people to believe youre there for government to call on in an emergency? also noticed a lot of those militias have gotten rid of that word and call themselves more official sounding names.

i do not have to drive out to your training farm and spend the weekend with you to know what the militia means. its because of groups like yours that i have to explain how VDF is NOT the MI militia - the police officers i've spoken with are suspicous of the private so called militias, and some mistake the VDF for those unauthorized groups.

i LOVE the 2nd amendment, its one of the best parts of the constituion. BUT, it doesnt authorize you to form private armies. the 18 year old kid working at McDonald's who's never fired a gun in his life is constitutionally just as part of the unorganized militia as those of you who dress in cammo, survive on beans over the weekend and shoot bowling pins. just because you do paramilitary training does not make you THE militia. so what sets you guys apart from the McD's punk? the fact you give yourselves ranks and wear uniforms? NO - you're both as "militia" legally as the other. your claiming the right to the name "militia" is therefore unjustified!

dont know if you guys are just on some power trip, hoping to be big fish in your self made "militia" forces. quit the BS paramilitary stuff... leave the cammo at home until your hunting or camping. you and "your troops" go to the local gun range and have fun. marching around in the woods painted up and wearing masks only scares most people. stop the dressing up marching around saluting having fake ranks.

by wearing uniforms, having official looking patches and fake ranks you're trying to imply that you are military personnel. if someone in the public saw you when "deployed" they would assume you are a member of the real organized militia.

and to the individual with friends in the VDF -- they should know better. if "militia" people show up an at emergency scene were VDF is deployed and providing perimeter security, those "militia" would not be given admittance. if you tried to enter regardless, you would be disarmed (if you're carrying) and placed under arrest by a law enforcement officer. you will not be called on unless the red chinese swim across Lake Superior or through Windsor-Detroit. if you want to serve in uniform, join the VDF.
 
Stop comparing the two things. The VDF is not a militia in any sense of the word. You're not law enforcement, you're not a member of the posse. You are an unarmed volunteer coordinator. In a true emergency, the Guard and local law enforcement will still carry the heavy load.

The Militia, in the sense that some of these people are using it, is comprised of males between 18 and 45. The Michigan Militia is a group of people who choose to prepare for emergencies they perceive as possible or likely. I skimmed through the pictures and only saw one person with his face covered, and humorously enough, it was the one person I knew and I recognized him anyway. :) They're exercising their god-given right to self-defense and defense of their country and are no more or less entitled to do that in the way that makes the most sense to them than you are.

Get off your high horse. You can be proud of volunteering, in the same way that Red Cross and other volunteers can be proud of their service, but it still doesn't give you the right to start smacking down other people.
 
$10 says this thread is pulled up as an example of why AWs should be banned when HR #### gets pushed again.
 
Thank you Barbara,
I am looking into the VDF as I am unarmed by law. I seems a good community service.
I found the link to them on the Michigan Militia website.
 
I've looked into it, as well. In general, they seem to be a good group of people who are volunteering to help their state. I'm not really confortable with their representation here, but I know others who are members.

Depending on why you are disarmed, though, you may not qualify? Can't hurt to find out, though.
 
If the other States' Volunteer Defense Forces are anything like the attitude shown by a poster in this thread...I think I'll go with the unorganized militia, they seem friendlier.
 
Sorry if I dont seem "friendly" but there is a definate line between the real militia of the State of Michigan and private paramilitary groups.

Some facts need to be laid out here for those who do not understand the reality.

Barbara, the VDF IS the militia, doesn't matter if you pretend otherwise. The facts are very clear on this and so is state law. The VDF, ARNG and ANG are THE LAWFULLY AUTHORIZED, ORGANIZED militia. I am not comparing anything - I'm telling you that there is a real militia and private groups of private citizens who use the word "militia" in their names.

http://www.michiganmilitia.com/MACOMB/FRarchive/training202.htm

--Half these guys are covering their faces. why get your pic taken if you're worried about hiding identity? i think i recognize the large gentleman from bowling for columbine! Barbara, you yourself said the one on the main page you recognized despite his face being covered... so why do it? to look scary? replace the robe with cammo and the green Hamas flag with the stars and stripes and you have... ta da "the militia." what a great idea if you're trying to get the public to warm up. that's how you "militias" look to most people.

http://ccm223.tripod.com/ -- 11 out 14 "troops" masked here. these types of photos scream domestic-version of Hezbollah.


You don't have to tell me what VDF is and what it is not. My entire family has served in this state's defense forces since its inception (VDF shares its origins with the state police) since 1917. I am well aware of our missions. I never claimed to be law enforcement or in any county sheriff's office posse.

If you think otherwise, you are wrong and need to read more carefully. If civilians showed up at an area secured by state forces to offer help, they would be denied access as they are not a government trained force! if some "militia" person tried to enter against lawful orders to stay away, as I stated before, a law enforcement officer will place them under arrest. everyone claims to that they're doing what they do in part to help in an emergency.

say a disaster hits a minority-populated urban area. i know you guys are known as racists by many past media reports and thats what the majority of Americans think of. rural redneck hillbilly neo nazi racists. I know better and I know you've actuvely sought the participation of racially/sexually diverse people. but most people do not think that -- if your militia "deployed" to protect and help people in an urban area, what do you think would be the reaction of armed criminal gangs? what about the community at large? if some gangster punks engaged your group and fire fight ensued, do you think the entire community wouldn't be hostile to you (a mostly white quasi-military force)? your presence would be the cause of a civil disturbance, although you went there with the intentions of helping other citizens.

VDF can be given powers of arrest under state authority when activated for internal security. state's defense forces are not subject to posse comitatus. VDF will be issued arms if and when they are called to protect state property. most members shoot together at the local range in their off-duty time.

Barbara, remember KATRINA? When there were no police and NO National Guard for many days? In that event, VDF would deploy armed. just because we dont obsess with weapons (we all know them and use them anyway even if the state doesnt currently provide training) doesnt mean were not a defense force. militias are called to arms when they need to be. you pretend militias are just gun-focused social groups who play gi joe. the VDF is a state military organization.

VDF is primarly an EMS support organization, however they can and would be capable of physical defense of critical state infrastructure. Do not join VDF an expect to be driving tanks and shooting machine guns. Doesn't mean the weapons aren't there when they're needed.

I'm not "smacking down" anybody and I'm not on any type of high horse. I said they may be well intentioned, but they go about it in a legally questionable manner. they claim military ranks and act in a military manner as if they'll ever be utilized by anyone as an armed force.

I'm laying down the facts for some of you people who seem confused. the MI VDF, the NG and ARN are the organized militia. the 18-45 non-military males are the unorganized militia who may be drafted either by the federal armed forces or state military service.

you groups that use the name "militia" are speaking for a body of people MUCH larger than yourself. your personal actions should not reflect on the ENTIRE unorganized militia, yet it does because the title has been hijiked by paramilitary leaders who liked the term. that would be like me stating my opinion and claiming I am the public -- I would be wrong. I am a member of the public... a very small part of a huge body of people known collectively as "the public." I cannot speak for the entire pulic as I comprise such a small part of such.

Sorry if you guys are offended in any way, but there's the plain truth. private groups are not the militia. the (unorganized) militia is a vast and sprawling entity... paramilitary groups have no right to claim that role.

a friend from Tennessee, in the state guard, was confronted by a "captain" of some pretend militia in that state when both showed up at the same major building collapse. the "militia cpt." was angry that the real state guardsmen wouldn't salute him. i wouldn't salute any pretend militia either as their ranks are not real. i can declare myself the "general" of my household, doesn't matter if i buy a costume and demand people salute me, doesn't make me a general.

You may ask why I expend the energy studying the characteristics of a group in which I'm not a part of? Simply for the well being of our defense force. Don't get me wrong, I am not the same as every state volunteer. I'm sure a lot of varying degress of opinion regarding the militia. most I know are annoyed by them. militia people have gained entry to military bases in the past and only the state soldiers noticed and took action to see they were escorted immediately off state property.

Like I said before, you guys shoot someone or do something you didn't know you weren't supposed to do and people die as a result --both private paramilitary "militias" and the real VDF militia would be impacted. especially if its one of the splinter groups with an official sounding name. nearly every person that learns of the VDF inquires about a link/connection to the mi militia. one reason i dont like the self proclaimed militia is that they are not accountable to anyone but their own "officers." not the county sheriff, not the DMVA or AG or governor, or EMA, not the police chief, state police commander, fire chief, township supervisor, etc... no one LEGALLY elected by the people of Michigan. Who's liable if someone in your group shoots an innocent person by mistake?

You guys can be just as effective as a community service volunteer pool.... but drop the paramilitary act. you're not soldiers, don't need to look/act like one. why not gather at the gun range, teach newbies the joy of blasting osama targets, teach 'em useful skills about citizenship, the second amendment, fire aid, basic survival skills.

make yourself into a safe non-military in appearance group, maybe everyone wear the same tshirt, vest or hat... other than that, look like what you are - a civilian. give yourself a realistic name like "Municipal Resident's Service" or something a little less militaristic than 'defense', 'militia', 'corps', etc, etc, etc. this is your ticket if you want to be utilized on a large scale. if you want "official" service join the vdf, or local CERT or sheriff's reserves, etc. if not, start your own non-military community service group.

again, sorry if you're angered, but there's my friendly advice.

pcosmar, what do you mean you're disarmed by law? Do you mean you cannot legally own a weapon? Is this for a criminal felony offense? VDF screens everyone carefully through the state police, just so you know.

RAV
 
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