Talk:Reach militia

Are we sure they're UNSC-affiliated? Why would their weapons be "contraband" if they were?SPARTAN-347 18:01, 26 February 2011 (EST)

Because you have to sign forms to get a hold of weapons; these guys acquired them illegally, thus 'contraband'. Perhaps the militia isn't allowed to get a hold of certain weapons.-- Forerunner 18:25, 26 February 2011 (EST)

I'm not aware of any official source that says they're a legitimate group. A few months ago, I insisted that they're a paramilitary force - probably an Innie cell - that is unassociated with the Colonial Militia. However, my edits were undone. --"Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have." -Thomas Jefferson 18:15, 26 February 2011 (EST)

There is also the fact that Jun refers to the militiamen as civilians. Wouldn't members of the Colonial Militia qualify as soldiers? -- SFH 18:30, 26 February 2011 (EST)

No. A militia is more of a local volunteers' organisation; they protect their homes from any invaders should the actual military not be there to help. The US was filled with militias in the 19th century - one for every countryside town; I don't know what it is now... the National Guard? -- Forerunner 18:42, 26 February 2011 (EST)

I can see both sides of the argument now, even though I once refused to believe that they're a legitimate organization: I can imagine the UNSC wouldn't want civilian soldiers running around with rocket launchers or anti-matériel rifles. According to an old revision of the Colonial Militia article, they are identified as Colonial Militia in "the walkthrough". Ostensibly, this refers to the official guide. I don't have the guide, but if this is so, we would have irrefutable proof that they are Colonial Milita. By the way, the militias you're referring to were indeed consolidated and unified as the National Guard. --"Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have." -Thomas Jefferson 19:01, 26 February 2011 (EST)

Forerunner: The National Guard is part of the U.S. Military; it is not a militia. The Militia, as defined in the Constitution, is the armed citizenry. Smoke^{Sound off!} 23:21, 26 February 2011 (EST)