Existing comment:
1636 The First Muster:
As settlements spread along the eastern Atlantic coast and the threat of conflict with Indian tribes increased, colonies saw a need to organize militias in their communities. The first of regularly scheduled daylong training sessions, called musters, which combined military drill with community socializing, took place in Massachusetts in 1636. The early colonial militia provided a defense against Indian attacks in fledgling settlements. In 1637, the New England settlers went to war against the Pequot Indians of Connecticut. The Indian wars continued throughout the American frontier for the next 250 years.
The Militia Era:
The first document stating the requirements of militia service was written in 1638. All free, white males, 16-60, were required to report for drill. The first militia training manual, written in 1758, stated that "every man who wished to secure his own freedom should think it his truest honor to be a citizen-soldier." Each colony had its own militia system that was formed in "companies" within a township, county or city. Each company covered a particular geographic area and was based on the local population. Officers were elected from within the ranks. |