Texas Citizens Militia

[Ruark]

Some of these guys have their hearts in the right place, but their methods can vary. Some are really out in left field - watching the sky for black helicopters and drones and acting like U.S. Army tanks will be rolling across their front lawns at any moment. Some of them are pretty much "playing soldier," while others actually get into some pretty serious military-based training, e.g. escape and avoidance, ambush responses, fire teams, navigation, etc.

I can't say it's all that bad for somebody to get at least a basic grounding in these kinds of skills. In a real a problem arises scenario such as economic collapse, national power grid failure, wide-scale civil unrest (i.e. Katrina or Rodney King riots X 1,000), I can personally guarantee that you will NOT be able to sit back and wait for the "Texas State Guard" to come to your aid. In 2008, the congressional EMP Commission reported that in the event of a nationwide power grid failure, 90% of the population would be dead within 2 years, which is probably true, and there are a number of events that could throw us back to the 1700s in a few seconds. People who don't have the right skills and the right resources are destined to be in that 90%.

Far be it from me to be a foil-hat alarmist, but I find virtually none of these "militias" being concerned about such events. Instead, their focus is almost entirely on rising up and fighting an oppressive government, which in my opinion is the least of our worries. That being said, I have no interest in them.

[The Annoyed Man]

What Ruark said. I think it is a very good idea to be as trained as you can be, within the context of your individual season of life. As an out of shape 63 year old, I'm not capable of training at the same level as someone younger and in better condition. But I do think that it is the responsible thing to do to be as trained up as you can be, and not just as a shooter, and then to most sincerely hope that you'll never need to apply the skills you've learned. That's the reason my wife and I took the Medic 1 class over this past weekend. All of these things, in addition to preparing you better for survival, also make you a valuable resource even in normal times to your local community, neighborhood, friends, and of course, family.

I don't think we need to wait for an oppressive government. I think we already have one. I don't think it is a good idea to 'rise up' against it. But there is something to be said for being prepared for the day that it rises up against you. To that end, I don't think that militias are the way to go. I think it is much better to simply know who your like-minded friends are, and then to establish agreements of mutual support with them now, so that you won't have to figure it all out after a social catastrophe has already happened. One way to do that is to informally train together, take classes together, take advantage of group buys to save money, etc.

All of that is just part and parcel of practical (i.e. realistic) prepping. But, I also think it is important to vote, to stay involved in your community, to ride herd on your elected representatives and hold them accountable to their campaign promises, to be charitable to your neighbors, etc., etc., so that you will be known as a person of integrity, wisdom, and influence in your community. Your life will be better for it; and heaven forbid society should collapse, you'll be in a better position to a) survive it, b) restore it at least locally, and c) guide it to a better future.

[JP171]

https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R42659.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militia_Acts_of_1792
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/311
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/32

and these are just the beginning, use your google foo young padawan!

[parabelum]

Speaking of Posse of Comitatus Act, how quickly did that go by the way side during Katrina?


Like fascism. Papers, guns, go that way!

[JP171]

Speaking of Posse of Comitatus Act, how quickly did that go by the way side during Katrina?


Like fascism. Papers, guns, go that way!

national guard is under the control of the governor, unless federalized so yep NG can be used at the discretion of the states and doesn't need a congressional mandate

[parabelum]

Speaking of Posse of Comitatus Act, how quickly did that go by the way side during Katrina?


Like fascism. Papers, guns, go that way!

national guard is under the control of the governor, unless federalized so yep NG can be used at the discretion of the states and doesn't need a congressional mandate

I was referring to fascist disarmament of Americans and dictatorial handling of that situation, as an example.

[Bitter Clinger]

Some of these guys have their hearts in the right place, but their methods can vary. Some are really out in left field - watching the sky for black helicopters and drones and acting like U.S. Army tanks will be rolling across their front lawns at any moment. Some of them are pretty much "playing soldier," while others actually get into some pretty serious military-based training, e.g. escape and avoidance, ambush responses, fire teams, navigation, etc.

I can't say it's all that bad for somebody to get at least a basic grounding in these kinds of skills. In a real a problem arises scenario such as economic collapse, national power grid failure, wide-scale civil unrest (i.e. Katrina or Rodney King riots X 1,000), I can personally guarantee that you will NOT be able to sit back and wait for the "Texas State Guard" to come to your aid. In 2008, the congressional EMP Commission reported that in the event of a nationwide power grid failure, 90% of the population would be dead within 2 years, which is probably true, and there are a number of events that could throw us back to the 1700s in a few seconds. People who don't have the right skills and the right resources are destined to be in that 90%.

Far be it from me to be a foil-hat alarmist, but I find virtually none of these "militias" being concerned about such events. Instead, their focus is almost entirely on rising up and fighting an oppressive government, which in my opinion is the least of our worries. That being said, I have no interest in them.

Well said, thanks!

[Bitter Clinger]

What Ruark said. I think it is a very good idea to be as trained as you can be, within the context of your individual season of life. As an out of shape 63 year old, I'm not capable of training at the same level as someone younger and in better condition. But I do think that it is the responsible thing to do to be as trained up as you can be, and not just as a shooter, and then to most sincerely hope that you'll never need to apply the skills you've learned. That's the reason my wife and I took the Medic 1 class over this past weekend. All of these things, in addition to preparing you better for survival, also make you a valuable resource even in normal times to your local community, neighborhood, friends, and of course, family.

I don't think we need to wait for an oppressive government. I think we already have one. I don't think it is a good idea to 'rise up' against it. But there is something to be said for being prepared for the day that it rises up against you. To that end, I don't think that militias are the way to go. I think it is much better to simply know who your like-minded friends are, and then to establish agreements of mutual support with them now, so that you won't have to figure it all out after a social catastrophe has already happened. One way to do that is to informally train together, take classes together, take advantage of group buys to save money, etc.

All of that is just part and parcel of practical (i.e. realistic) prepping. But, I also think it is important to vote, to stay involved in your community, to ride herd on your elected representatives and hold them accountable to their campaign promises, to be charitable to your neighbors, etc., etc., so that you will be known as a person of integrity, wisdom, and influence in your community. Your life will be better for it; and heaven forbid society should collapse, you'll be in a better position to a) survive it, b) restore it at least locally, and c) guide it to a better future.

Nice summation to Ruark's analysis, thanks!

I had plans to attend that Medic 1 class, as I have taken 2 one day classes with Caleb and found him to be an outstanding instructor! At the last minute an opportunity to do some advanced handgun training presented and I opted for that - it is a weakness

[bcooper]

Was "recruited " yesterday by a member at a local burger joint by my house.

What burger joint?

The Shack on Telge!!! Love that place and its located right across the street from my Church!

[GlockShooter56]

Was "recruited " yesterday by a member at a local burger joint by my house.

What burger joint?

The Shack on Telge!!! Love that place and its located right across the street from my Church!

Great, now I'm craving a burger... I love the Shack!

[Charles L. Cotton]

Speaking of Posse of Comitatus Act, how quickly did that go by the way side during Katrina?


Like fascism. Papers, guns, go that way!

national guard is under the control of the governor, unless federalized so yep NG can be used at the discretion of the states and doesn't need a congressional mandate

I was referring to fascist disarmament of Americans and dictatorial handling of that situation, as an example.

In response to which the NRA was successful in passing a federal law to prevent it in the future. Thanks to the NRA and TSRA, we passed an even stronger version in Texas.

Chas.

[bcooper]

Was "recruited " yesterday by a member at a local burger joint by my house.

What burger joint?

The Shack on Telge!!! Love that place and its located right across the street from my Church!

Great, now I'm craving a burger... I love the Shack!

lol you're welcome!! The original one off Cypress Rosehill was 15-20 mins away, but they built the one off Telge and it's within walking distance!! I live in Longwood off Huffmiester! I go there with my wife and son a lot now! My waist hates me sometimes....

[Abraham]

Charles, I thank the NRA/TSRA and you for all your efforts!

Katrina was a "wake up" call...

[VoiceofReason]

I've got no desire to join a militia of this sort, but if they aren't taking a seditious stance then it would seem they are engaged in constitutionally protected activity.

Actually no they aren't engaged in a constitutionally protected Militia, there are laws that define what is and what is NOT a legally established Militia and they ain't it

"legally established Militia"

Legally established” by whom?

[parabelum]

Speaking of Posse of Comitatus Act, how quickly did that go by the way side during Katrina?


Like fascism. Papers, guns, go that way!

national guard is under the control of the governor, unless federalized so yep NG can be used at the discretion of the states and doesn't need a congressional mandate

I was referring to fascist disarmament of Americans and dictatorial handling of that situation, as an example.

In response to which the NRA was successful in passing a federal law to prevent it in the future. Thanks to the NRA and TSRA, we passed an even stronger version in Texas.

Chas.

I commend the hard work done by NRA/TSRA on that.

I am still concerned about this (and many other) provisions under section 418 of the Texas Emergency Management code (sorry, I'm on the iPhone now and the copy/paste might be off):

"
Sec. 418.184. FIREARMS. (a) A peace officer who is acting in the lawful execution of the officer's official duties during a state of disaster may disarm an individual if the officer reasonably believes it is immediately necessary for the protection of the officer or another individual.
(b) The peace officer shall return a firearm and any ammunition to an individual disarmed under Subsection (a) before ceasing to detain the individual unless the officer:
(1) arrests the individual for engaging in criminal activity; or
(2) seizes the firearm as evidence in a criminal investigation."


Important thing to note to all of us who are land owners, is that in the event of an disaster, Governor could, if he or she deemed necessary, require your land and or resources.
Standing in opposition would get you in an interference position whereby the above provision could kick in, and then you'll taste what I and so many others had to taste before.
A boot on my neck is not what I want, regardless if it eminates from the right, left or both sides.

Apologies for detracting from the original topic.
I'm not in support nor in opposition to the Militia.