Hi Bycatch, a militia is by its very nature and definition a defensive force. In modern times we haven't had need to use them, but the advent of new warfare methods being dreamed up by those who wish us harm seems to reinforce the need. Our military is well equipped to keep us safe from other Armies, but not so for a squad or platoon sized group of attackers. Our police are effective only after a man or two takes out a group of people. If 10 or 12 men split into 5 or 10 soft targets and start shooting or blowing things up simultaneously in any of a number of cities our police force will not even be able to contain them let alone protect us. Our constitution guarantees our right and need to have a well organized militia. We need them as much now as we ever did in the past. There have been only a few militias acting out hate crimes like the gangs you envision and they must also be dispatched and most have been. But the best have been, and remain invisible to daily life.