Definition of militia - What it is, Meaning and Concept

Militia is a term with multiple meanings, although all related.It can be used to name the preparation of a war and the act of disciplining soldiers for her.

The concept, which comes from Latin militĭa , makes reference to military service and profession and to troop of war .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 an irregular army , whose members (the militia ) usually join voluntarily and not receiving any pay or benefit other than defending a cause.

In addition to the above, it is important that we take into account that there are different types of militias.Specifically, the most significant are the following: • National Militia.Under this name is framed all the set of military bodies that were created in Spain in the nineteenth century.Those were characterized by being formed by civilians who had in common the goal of defending what was the existing constitution system.It should also be noted that it was known by the name of urban militia • Auxiliary Militia.Much further back in time you have to go back to understand that.And it was during the Roman Empire when it was created the same that was identified because It was intended to help the Romans in certain cases when they were in danger.Precisely during that time there was also what was called tumultuarial militia, which was the army that was used as a reserve.

Broadly speaking, these are some of the most important types of militia, but throughout history there have been and there are many.If, for example, in Spain we must mention the Confederal Militia, also called popular, which fought during the Civil War of the twentieth century.Members of trade unions and civilian volunteers were those who were most part of the one that was openly in favor of the Republic.

The National Guard in the United States, the Black Shirts in Italy or the Volkssturm have been other militias that have been created throughout history.

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 to fulfill the functions of the militia is the army.

In some regions, however, militias are frequent due to the lack of state power and their inaction.Some militias have several decades of existence, have professionalized and have large armaments.

militias that justify their actions in response to the behavior of the State or the army.Before a coup d'etat , when the military takes power and set aside the constitution , many citizens they can decide to organize and train militias to combat illegality.

Militias, on the other hand, may also arise in support of the army in the face of a foreign attack, in which case they act as a complementary force in an extraordinary circumstance.