https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/26-oct-this-day-in-us-military-history <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>1774 – Minutemen were selected in the American colonies. <br /><br />The terms militia and minutemen are sometimes used interchangeably, but there was a difference between them. Militia were military units formed to protect their towns from foreign invasion. Minutemen, on the other hand, were a small elite force, hand-picked by militia commanders, which were required to be able to assemble quickly. Usually 25 years of age or younger, they were chosen for their enthusiasm, reliability, and physical strength. Usually about a fourth of the militia served as Minutemen. <br />Although today Minutemen are thought of as originating in the War for Independence, they actually began in Massachusetts as early as 1645. Equipped with matchlocks or pikes, they were to report within half an hour of being warned. One thing the Minutemen lacked was central leadership, a flaw that would lead to their dissolution. <br />At Concord, Minutemen companies from Concord, Acton, Littleton, and other towns combined their units. They were sent to the North Bridge in Concord with a number of light infantry. After a few volleys were fired, the British light infantry retreated back to the Concord Common area. Lacking central command, each company of Minutemen chose their own action and they did not pursue the redcoats. In the running battle that ensued fifteen miles back to Boston the Massachusetts militia would see their last action as Minutemen in history. <br />The militia would go on to form an army, surrounding Boston and inflicting heavy casualties on the British army at Bunker and Breed’s Hill. Sun, 26 Oct 2014 12:36:06 -0400 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/26-oct-this-day-in-us-military-history <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>1774 – Minutemen were selected in the American colonies. <br /><br />The terms militia and minutemen are sometimes used interchangeably, but there was a difference between them. Militia were military units formed to protect their towns from foreign invasion. Minutemen, on the other hand, were a small elite force, hand-picked by militia commanders, which were required to be able to assemble quickly. Usually 25 years of age or younger, they were chosen for their enthusiasm, reliability, and physical strength. Usually about a fourth of the militia served as Minutemen. <br />Although today Minutemen are thought of as originating in the War for Independence, they actually began in Massachusetts as early as 1645. Equipped with matchlocks or pikes, they were to report within half an hour of being warned. One thing the Minutemen lacked was central leadership, a flaw that would lead to their dissolution. <br />At Concord, Minutemen companies from Concord, Acton, Littleton, and other towns combined their units. They were sent to the North Bridge in Concord with a number of light infantry. After a few volleys were fired, the British light infantry retreated back to the Concord Common area. Lacking central command, each company of Minutemen chose their own action and they did not pursue the redcoats. In the running battle that ensued fifteen miles back to Boston the Massachusetts militia would see their last action as Minutemen in history. <br />The militia would go on to form an army, surrounding Boston and inflicting heavy casualties on the British army at Bunker and Breed’s Hill. MSG Private RallyPoint Member Sun, 26 Oct 2014 12:36:06 -0400 2014-10-26T12:36:06-04:00 https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/26-oct-this-day-in-us-military-history?n=295143&urlhash=295143 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Nice to know I think every state should have a minute men militia. SSgt Private RallyPoint Member Sun, 26 Oct 2014 17:31:46 -0400 2014-10-26T17:31:46-04:00 2014-10-26T12:36:06-04:00