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But I wanted to better understand the broader spectrum of militia-style organizing in the US. So, leaning in part on a list of “anti-government” groups compiled by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), I proceeded to make contact with a number of less-conspicuous outfits who take on the aura of armed forces. According to the SPLC, such groups may tend to "engage in groundless conspiracy theorizing, or advocate or adhere to extreme antigovernment doctrines." But the SPLC also notes that listing them "does not imply that the groups themselves advocate or engage in violence or other criminal activities, or are racist."Many groups rejected my requests to photograph their activities. But I eventually found four who apparently felt they had little to hide, even allowing me into their closed Field Training Exercises (FTX). They were: Carlisle Light Infantry, Arkansas State Militia Corps (ASMC), Indiana Volunteer Militia, and Arkansas Defense Force (I found the latter two on Facebook, rather than via the SPLC). While there's always the possibility such groups might be putting on a show for an outside photographer, many members from these groups claimed they were normal, hard-working members of society who just wanted to be prepared to protect their communities in the event of a government breakdown or natural disaster.The first group I visited, the Carlisle Light Infantry, appeared primarily interested in preparedness for natural disasters. Even so, it took weeks of speaking with their commander—who called himself "Gus" and like other members of these groups asked he not be fully identified for fear of retribution at his job—before they allowed me to attend an FTX. (I quickly learned the “M” word, militia, is often rejected by members of these groups, who do not necessarily want to be associated with anti-government extremism.)
John, who was in the upper-level command of the Arkansas State Militia Corps, checks out his gear at a hotel room before a training exercise
Daniel, who said his parents immigrated from Mexico, grew up in Compton, in California, and described himself as the only conservative in his family. He said he joined the Indiana Volunteer Militia in support of strong borders with Mexico.
A woman holds an Airsoft rifle during a room-clearing exercise during the Indiana Volunteer Militia's FTX, which took place in North Vernon, Arkansas
Members from the Indiana Volunteer Militia walk into their Commander's home to debrief after a weekend of training
Outside North Vernon, Arkansas. a man named David, commander of the Indiana Volunteer Militia, sits with his wife inside their house. David said he served two years in the US Army Reserve and nine years in the US Marine Corps.
A man who belongs to the Indiana Volunteer Militia stands outside during an FTX with headlamps shining upon him
A young man who resides in Little Rock, Arkansas, stands with a paintball gun before a training exercise with the Arkansas State Militia Corps. They use paintballs for a "live-fire" training exercise.
Outside Piggott, Arkansas, two men in their early 20s fire guns. Both of these men claimed prior military experience overseas. They said they came to trainings with the Arkansas Defense Force for the camaraderie.
A view of the Arkansas Defense Force at the beginning of their training day. They make a morning array and give allegiance to the flag. Their ranks included a mix of civilians and those claiming past military service. The group had the highest concentration of those identifying as ex-military of any I met with.
Justin, a member of the Arkansas State Militia Corps, with his collection of firearms. A former professional bull rider, he now lives on a small hobby farm hosting a few horses. Most of his immediate family is involved in the ASMC, he said, and they shared a desire to help their community in the event of a disaster, as well as connect and have fun together.
A portion of the Arkansas State Militia Corps drills in the forest. This simulates a patrol scenario, where troops move from one area to another, with the possibility of being ambushed. Some carry real weapons, with no ammo inside, while others carry paintball guns.