Standing+Army

Today while reading throught Thoreau's essay //Civil Disobedience// Bro. Tom explained to us what a standing army is. He explained it as being a full-time army who doesn't take a break, even at a time of peace. A standing army is usually better equipped, trained better, and better prepared for emergencies and times of war. Bro Tom compared that sort of army to a militia which is a body of willing citizens who defend together during a time of need.

Throughout American history both types of armies have been utilized. During the Revolutionary War forming the militia was the only way the 13 colonies could defend themselves against Britain. It was organized, but nothing compared to what we have today, which is a standing army (well currently active army, but whatever). The US always has military ready for any sort of disaster and I think that it is very efficient.

One question that Bro Tom proposed though was Why doesn't our army not revolt against the government?-As a standing army they have the weapons, the strength, the proper leadership, etc. When he asked this I pondered it for a moment, and I couldn't come up with a response. Yes, we have a president who is technically in charge of the military, but he is only one man and if a power-hungery leader was in charge [of our military] I wonder how easily the president could be overthrown. The thought of militarism is frightening because events like that have occured in many other countries...so it's not like it's impossible. So basically, I'm glad we have a ready, standing army...I just hope the remain in the controlled state it is in now.1202184763