Militias in the United States: Guardians of Liberty or Domestic Threat?
By Mohamad Hammoud
Introduction
Lebanon – Militias in the United States are armed civilian groups united by beliefs in individual liberties, constitutional rights and deep distrust of centralized federal authority. While militias date back to the nation’s founding, the modern militia movement emerged distinctly in the late 20th century, evolving into a complex and often controversial force within American society. Historically, local militias served as community defense during colonial times; today, private paramilitary groups operate independently of government control. United by ideologies blending anti-government sentiment, constitutional originalism and survivalist preparedness, militias occupy a contentious space between protected rights and concerns about domestic extremism.
This essay examines the current state of US militias, exploring their numbers, operations, philosophy, demographics and relationship with government institutions.
Overview of Militias in the United States: Numbers, Distribution and Diversity
There are hundreds of militias nationwide, though exact numbers are difficult to determine due to their decentralized and often secretive nature. Though definitions vary, the Southern Poverty Law Center [SPLC] estimated around 160 active militia groups in 2023, a figure supported by the Anti-Defamation League [ADL] and others. Some militias are highly organized, with websites, uniforms and training facilities; others are informal or primarily online.
Membership estimates range widely—from small local groups of 10 to 50 members to larger organizations like the Oath Keepers or Three Percenters, which claim tens of thousands of supporters. Militias are present in all 50 states but are concentrated in regions with strong gun rights cultures and rural populations, including Michigan, Texas, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project [ACLED] identifies about 80 militias nationally, mostly aligned with far-right ideologies.
Operations and Activities: Training, Tactics and Public Presence
Modern militias typically operate at local or regional levels, organizing firearms training, tactical drills, and survival exercises—often on private land or rural settings. While some groups are public-facing and recruit openly via social media, others use encrypted apps and closed forums to maintain secrecy. Many organize themselves along military lines, with hierarchies often led by individuals with prior law enforcement or military experience. Their meetings typically involve constitutional study, communication maintenance, and joint training exercises that sometimes cross state lines.
Though militias present themselves as community preparedness groups, their training often emphasizes combat readiness under the guise of emergency response. Former Oath Keeper Jason Van Tatenhove revealed that most trainings focused on “down-and-dirty warfighting taught by actual warfighters,” despite public claims of promoting community safety. Activities range from border patrols—such as those by Arizona Border Recon—to providing armed security at political rallies and protests.
ACLED data shows militia members were present at 37% of 633 armed demonstrations between January 2020 and April 2022, often wearing tactical gear and carrying rifles. Their presence can intimidate and coerce public gatherings. In extreme cases, militia members have engaged in armed standoffs with government agents or plotted domestic terrorism, highlighting the movement’s complex and sometimes dangerous role in society.
Ideology and Beliefs: Constitutionalism, Suspicion and Survivalism
Militias view themselves as defenders of liberty, positioning their existence as a bulwark against government tyranny. They interpret the Second Amendment’s reference to a “well-regulated militia” as justification for private armed resistance to perceived federal overreach, especially from agencies like the ATF, FBI or IRS. Events such as the 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff, the 1993 Waco siege, and the COVID-19 lockdowns have reinforced their suspicion of federal power and the need for vigilant resistance.
Despite variations, most militias are committed to constitutional originalism, particularly the Second and Tenth Amendments. Their rhetoric often includes anti-globalist, anti-socialist, and anti-immigration themes, with some viewing institutions like the United Nations as threats to American sovereignty. While not all militias are extremists, some harbor white nationalist or Christian nationalist views, whereas others focus on survivalism and constitutional rights. Conspiracy theories—such as fears of FEMA camps, martial law or a “deep state”—are widespread within militia circles.
Demographically, militia members tend to be disproportionately white, male, and middle-aged, with many having military or law enforcement backgrounds alongside civilians with strong anti-authoritarian beliefs. Central to their worldview is the anticipation of societal collapse—whether via economic crisis, government overreach, or civil unrest—with militias casting themselves as protectors who will restore constitutional order.
Militia ideology draws heavily on Revolutionary War imagery and rhetoric. Groups like the Three Percenters invoke the myth that only 3% of colonists fought for independence, framing themselves as modern patriots defending foundational principles. This historical narrative helps members see themselves not as extremists but as guardians of American liberty. Interestingly, despite traditional mistrust of law enforcement, some militias now collaborate with agencies like Customs and Border Protection, viewing them as allies against shared threats such as illegal immigration.
Conclusion
Militias in the United States are a varied and loosely connected network, unified by constitutionalist ideals and a deep mistrust of federal power. Their existence is intertwined with American history, yet their practices often challenge legal and societal norms. While protected under certain constitutional rights, their activities can blur the line between civic engagement and domestic extremism. As political polarization continues, militias will likely remain volatile and contested in American civil society.
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