The Difference Between a Militia and a Standing Army

What is the difference between a militia and a standing army?

Is a militia the opposite of a standing army?

Yes, a militia is the opposite of a standing army.

A militia refers to a group of citizens who are not professional soldiers but are trained in military matters and available for emergency service, usually in times of war or invasion. On the other hand, a standing army is composed of professional soldiers who work full-time and have permanent roles to play in the military.

The training received by members of a standing army is much more intensive and in-depth compared to the training received by militia members. Standing armies are considered an essential part of a nation's defense infrastructure.

Minutemen, on the other hand, were civilian colonists who formed well-prepared militia companies during the American Revolutionary War. They were able to respond quickly to military threats due to their self-training in weaponry, tactics, and military strategies.