---"....but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence..."----
I recall reading somewhere that when the constitution was written the phrase "well regulated militia" did not mean "some guys with a bunch of rules" but "some guys that are well prepared".
Yes I read 'well-regulated' as meaning trained, equipped and ready. Slobs with no plan are not 'well-regulated'.
Actually it means "guys that are well prepared and equipped". During the Revolutionary War and the times directly preceding it, sometimes people turned out for militia muster without all the equipment needed and sometimes without a musket or other similarly critical kit.