To further understand the meaning of the wording contained in the 2nd Amendment, we must also look to another part of the U.S CONSTITUTION that addresses the same subject matter.
The following is taken from ARTICLE 1, SECTION 8 of the U.S. CONSTITUTION.
"To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;"
As you can see the term "MILITIA" is used, and its ROLE, MISSION, AND THE RULES THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED FOR IT TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND LEGALLY ARE LAID OUT.
At the time of its initial Formation and Independence, the UNITED STATES had virtually no standing NATIONAL ARMY. (Not the Professional Force where Soldiers are Recruited and Trained for Full Time Duty, or CAREER TYPE EMPLOYMENT). THE MILITIA WAS A NECESSITY TO PROTECT THE NEW NATION UNTIL A STANDING MILITARY BODY COULD BE CREATED FOR FULL-TIME DEPLOYMENT.
To understand the role that the MILITIA WAS TO TAKE IN PROTECTING THE COUNTRY THEN, AND IN THE FUTURE, WE MUST LOOK TO THE WORDING CONTAINED IN THE ABOVE PASSAGE TAKEN FROM THE BODY OF THE CONSTITUTION.
Perhaps the phrase "CITIZEN SOLDIER" is familiar to you, but do you know what it really refers to? We will examine this in the next Article regarding this Subject Matter.
