[Chainmail]

The only permissable force - the Brits didn't allow anything else. Unfortunately, we developed the "cult of the militia" and in actual direct combat they were very close to useless, embarrassingly so.

Despite the wishes of the Framers, a well trained and equipped professional army is all that stands between us and our many enemies.

[ammodotcom]

True, true – but the Army isn’t going to protect us from our own government.

[skepsel]

The militia were useful when used with their limitations kept in mind.

Some formations, like the minute companies of “regular” militia regiments could be very useful indeed.

The militia at Concord Bridge gave a very good account of themselves.

Similarly, John Stark’s troops at Bunker Hill, also militia saved the main position from being flanked and covered the withdrawal, while under fire, of the main army.

See retired US General John Galvin’s book on the subject.