The idea of militia refers to the military profession and service.
Militia is a term with multiple meanings, although all related. It can be used to name the preparation for a war and the act of disciplining soldiers for it.
The concept, which comes from the Latin militĭa , makes reference to the military service and profession and to the war troops . One of the most frequent uses of the notion is linked to the union and organization of citizens for self-defense and the development of paramilitary activities .
In this sense, the militia is a guerrilla or irregular army , whose members (the militiamen ) usually join voluntarily and do not receive any pay or benefits other than defending a cause.
Types of militias
In addition to all of the above, it is important that we keep in mind that various types of militias existed throughout history. Specifically, among the most significant are the following:
- National Militia . Under this name the entire set of military bodies that were created in Spain in the 19th century is framed. Those were characterized by being made up of civilians who had in common the objective of defending what was the existing constitutional system. It must also be emphasized that it was known by the name of urban militia.
- Auxiliary Militia . You have to go much further back in time to focus on this militia. And it was during the Roman Empire when it was created, which was identified because its objective was to help the Romans in certain causes when they were in danger. Precisely during that time there also existed what was called tumultuous militia, which was the army that served as a reserve.
Broadly speaking, these are some of the most important types of militia, but many have existed and exist. Thus, for example, in Spain we must mention the Confederal Militia , also called Popular, which fought during the civil war of the 20th century . Members of unions and civilian volunteers were the ones who to a greater extent were part of those who openly expressed themselves in favor of the Republic.
The National Guard in the United States , the Black Shirts in Italy and the Volkssturm have been other militias that have been created at different historical moments.
Throughout history there have been multiple militias.
The role of the State
Typically, the State does not endorse the formation of militias, since they act outside the framework of the law and can commit abuses. The state institution that must fulfill the functions of the militia is the army.
In some regions, however, militias are frequent due to the lack of state power and its inaction. Some militias have been in existence for several decades, have become professional and have extensive weapons.
There are militias that justify their actions as a response to the behavior of the State or the army. In the face of a coup d'état , when the military takes power and sets aside the constitution , many citizens may decide to organize and form militias to combat illegality.
Militias, on the other hand, can also emerge to support the army in the face of a foreign attack. In this case, they act as a complementary force in an extraordinary circumstance.