A militia is a military force that is raised from the civil population to supplement a regular army in an emergency. It's typically a group of civilians who have been trained in military tactics and are not part of the nation's formal military organizations. # Militias functions 1. **Defense:** They can be used to defend a community, region, or country against external threats, such as invasions or attacks by foreign powers. 2. **Internal Security:** Militias can be used to maintain internal security within a country, such as quelling riots, combating insurgency, or enforcing laws. 3. **Emergency Response:** In some cases, militias may be called upon to respond to emergencies or natural disasters, assisting in rescue operations, providing aid, or helping to maintain order. 4. **Supplementing Regular Forces:** Militias can supplement a country's regular military forces, providing additional manpower in times of war or conflict. ## Domestic violent extremism However, the term "militia" can also refer to unauthorized or illegal armed groups. These groups may operate outside the law and may be involved in activities such as [insurrection](https://doctorparadox.net/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-18-years/), rebellion, or criminal activity. They may have political or ideological motivations and may seek to challenge or undermine established governments. In the United States, the term "militia" is often associated with the Second Amendment to the [[Constitution]], which refers to the right of the people to keep and bear arms and the importance of a "well-regulated Militia" for the security of a free state. However, the interpretation and application of this provision have been subjects of ongoing debate. It's important to note that while some militias operate within the law and under the control of a recognized government authority, others do not. The latter can pose significant challenges to law enforcement and national security -- including the [attack on the Capitol on January 6](https://doctorparadox.net/january-6-attack/).