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US Militia When US regular officers called in militia units there were often surprised by the poor condition of their kit. In 1812, letters flooded into the War Department describing militia units that had uniforms that were in rags, shoes unfit for marching and unserviceable weapons. Some state militia's were using the same weapons they issued during the Revolutionary War . . . over 30 years earlier. This may explain the tendency of militia officers to insubordination and a general tendency to refuse legal orders. To make matter worse, the British often released militia members and sent them home after capture, while sending regulars to prison. The British capitalized on this to increase the tension between regular and militia units, increase distrust and cause discord in American ranks. It worked. In any case, both their behavior and their kit lowered officer's opinion of milita capacity and abilities.
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