Well, as history student in American History with a focus on the revolutionary era, I can see how this might work in the context of the Colonial militias. Colonial Militias were irregular solders, made up of volunteers from an area. So if you joined militia you were fighting alongside with the men the grew up with and new from town. They trained near home, and served near their homes. The idea was that in the absence of the Colonial Army, these militia groups could act to defend towns and areas, as well as act as scouts for the Colonial Army. When the Colonial Army arrived, the militia would act as a unit for the Army, but was generally relegated to support roles during major combat. The members of these militias were paid (when they were actually paid) by the state governments, not the Colonial Army. There were often conflicts of jurisdiction when Colonial Officers tried to give orders to these militia men.
![[Image: 13121_s.gif]](http://signavatar.com/13121_s.gif)