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THE MICHIGAN MILITIA
INTERVIEW WITH LEE MIRACLE, COORDINATOR, SMVM
By: William Kaliher
Note to Readers: F.B.I. in awe of Kaliher solving the Cock Robin mystery.
Today’s article features an interview with Mr. Lee Miracle, Coordinator, SMVM (Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia) of the Michigan Militia. It will provide a view ignored by the national press namely, an accurate look at the men and women voluntarily standing up for America and the Constitution.
WBK: I appreciate you taking the time for this interview. With your permission I’ll use Lee instead of Mr. Miracle.
Lee: You’re welcome, Lee is much preferred.
WBK: It seems everyone has an opinion of what a militia is. How would you sum it up as a member?
Lee: Bill, it's important to realize the militia is really about the readiness posture of the citizenry, and that is probably the most important, certainly not the only, but the most important part of any kind of "Homeland Security." We're not just about guns and camouflage, but also about everybody--everybody being ready to deal with any threat to their way of life, their freedom. It's about being educated, informed, armed, and prepared to help each other in times of crisis.
WBK: I appreciate that summary. Do members utilize military rank?
Lee: No, we use Unit Coordinator, sometimes Deputy Coordinator (rarely), Team Leader (this being the backbone of small unit operations), and Assistant Team leader as needed. Sometimes position is used instead of actual rank, such as "Senior Training NCO", "Senior Medic" and the like.
WBK: How long have you been a member of the Michigan Militia?
Lee: Since September 1994. There have been a lot of changes...evolution, if you will, over the past ten or eleven years. There was sort of a huge surge in the beginning. That wasn't a bad thing, per se, but there was not a lot of direction, just everybody joining up. Now, things are focused, more concentrated, perhaps more planned or structured. We are developing a good cadre, a good core of people, and a good set of training sessions and goals. I don't think I can single out one particular moment that stands out, but the fact that I am involved with such an intelligent, dedicated group of people, who are committed to the idea of an armed, trained citizenry, really keeps me going. These folks are what America is about, really.
WBK: Many people don’t realize how the militias are armed or where and how they train. Can you touch on those points?
Lee: As volunteers, we buy our own arms, ammo, and gear. Those who can afford to have much newer, more high-tech rifles and gear. Those younger folks, or those on a tight budget, tend toward less-expensive, but still effective, surplus bolt-action rifles, and used or even home made gear. We help each other gear up when and where we can, and you can almost always find somebody with pieces of gear that have been passed along or handed down to the next guy.
We normally train on a farm in Central Michigan, but can and have done so elsewhere. We are always looking for a few good acres to set up more ranges on, though. We train mostly on individual readiness and small unit tactics, movement as a fire team, evacuating an injured person, and so forth. We have other things that qualify as training, such as first aid classes, as well.
WBK: Thanks. What I term the socialist press spends a lot of time slandering groups like the Michigan Militia. I recall a few years ago the innuendo of racism and them raising the specter of citizens actually living the Second Amendment. I noticed on your site a lot of effort was made to discount slurs of that type. Beyond having to explain what anyone should know about a Militia, have those charges harmed recruiting or your organization in any manner?
Lee: People, who can think for themselves, without having an opinion assigned to them by the press, tend to see beyond that kid of slander. Those are the free-thinking people who get involved. If someone allows the mainstream media to dictate their thoughts, do we trust that person with a firearm?
WBK: What a wonderfully insightful answer. You’re absolutely right. Have you had to reject people as members due to an inability to grasp what a free militia’s purpose is? And while we’re on that topic, please explain the purpose of the Michigan Militia.
Lee: No, we haven't had to reject people because they get their life's view from CNN. Those kinds of folks want nothing to do with us. We simply embrace the truth that an armed citizenry is the best way to deter crime, invasion, terrorism, and tyranny. That's really what the idea of a militia boils down to. That, and preparing for emergencies and helping each other out.
WBK: I noticed there were eight local militias listed under the Michigan Militia website. If you would, let the readers know how your organization is set up.
Lee: We tend to be more of a loose confederation of associated units or elements across the state. Some work closely together, some act more along the lines of small, lone-wolf type units. As long as we are working toward a society that secures itself, is well-armed, and respects, understands, and defends The Constitution, we get along with each other rather nicely.
Locally, here in Metro Detroit, we have evolved into the Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia. This consists of six local counties training together. Statewide, there are many groups, mostly organized by county, but not all. The MMCW, or Michigan Militia Corps Wolverines still maintains a loose communication network throughout the state, and we communicate with each other frequently. Truth be told, the basic operational element of any militia unit, and indeed a free society, is the individual.
WBK: I’d never thought of a militia in an urban setting. I’d guess after eleven years you have a good idea of the differences between an urban and rural militia. I’d appreciate hearing how some of those concerns differ. Also, do the local militias ever come together for large scale training?
Lee: Well, wherever you have citizens, there you have the makings of a militia. Most of the training we do can apply to either urban or rural settings. Marksmanship, first aid, small unit tactics, generally can be applied anywhere. I guess some of the differences would be that in a non-urban setting, you might need to increase the range of your marksmanship training, and in an urban setting, you need to consider closer ranges, and more three-dimensional tactics. The rebels in Grozny a few years back demonstrated some effective urban resistance tactics, and that's the kind of things American city dwellers need to look at.
Yes we come together sometimes. You have to understand that the words "large scale" are completely subjective....
WBK: If there are people in other states or parts of Michigan who would like to start a militia, does your organization have a representative they could contact for information?
Lee: We have a section on the website about starting a local unit. Also, you could contact Rick Haynes, the Information Officer from the MMCW. He could help with networking. The best thing is to get out your intent to start a group, build a web page, and then start forming up from there.
WBK: Now, I better get to the part of this interview I like. I almost moved up and joined after I saw the beautiful ladies who adorn your calendars. I believe that link is: http://www.michiganmilitia.com/SMVM/smvm.htm . Tell me a bit about the calendars and how often the ladies participate in various events and training?
Lee: http://www.michiganmilitia.com/gallery.htm is one of the links. The calendars were started years ago as a fund raiser to pay for the web hosting and domain registration. The ladies don't participate in as much training as we would like, to be honest, but they are always welcome. They also serve to counter some of the misconceptions of the militia as grim-faced prophets of doom who don't have any fun. They also dispel the rumor we are all religious extremists.
Continued...
INTERVIEW WITH LEE MIRACLE, COORDINATOR, SMVM
By: William Kaliher
Note to Readers: F.B.I. in awe of Kaliher solving the Cock Robin mystery.
Today’s article features an interview with Mr. Lee Miracle, Coordinator, SMVM (Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia) of the Michigan Militia. It will provide a view ignored by the national press namely, an accurate look at the men and women voluntarily standing up for America and the Constitution.
WBK: I appreciate you taking the time for this interview. With your permission I’ll use Lee instead of Mr. Miracle.
Lee: You’re welcome, Lee is much preferred.
WBK: It seems everyone has an opinion of what a militia is. How would you sum it up as a member?
Lee: Bill, it's important to realize the militia is really about the readiness posture of the citizenry, and that is probably the most important, certainly not the only, but the most important part of any kind of "Homeland Security." We're not just about guns and camouflage, but also about everybody--everybody being ready to deal with any threat to their way of life, their freedom. It's about being educated, informed, armed, and prepared to help each other in times of crisis.
WBK: I appreciate that summary. Do members utilize military rank?
Lee: No, we use Unit Coordinator, sometimes Deputy Coordinator (rarely), Team Leader (this being the backbone of small unit operations), and Assistant Team leader as needed. Sometimes position is used instead of actual rank, such as "Senior Training NCO", "Senior Medic" and the like.
WBK: How long have you been a member of the Michigan Militia?
Lee: Since September 1994. There have been a lot of changes...evolution, if you will, over the past ten or eleven years. There was sort of a huge surge in the beginning. That wasn't a bad thing, per se, but there was not a lot of direction, just everybody joining up. Now, things are focused, more concentrated, perhaps more planned or structured. We are developing a good cadre, a good core of people, and a good set of training sessions and goals. I don't think I can single out one particular moment that stands out, but the fact that I am involved with such an intelligent, dedicated group of people, who are committed to the idea of an armed, trained citizenry, really keeps me going. These folks are what America is about, really.
WBK: Many people don’t realize how the militias are armed or where and how they train. Can you touch on those points?
Lee: As volunteers, we buy our own arms, ammo, and gear. Those who can afford to have much newer, more high-tech rifles and gear. Those younger folks, or those on a tight budget, tend toward less-expensive, but still effective, surplus bolt-action rifles, and used or even home made gear. We help each other gear up when and where we can, and you can almost always find somebody with pieces of gear that have been passed along or handed down to the next guy.
We normally train on a farm in Central Michigan, but can and have done so elsewhere. We are always looking for a few good acres to set up more ranges on, though. We train mostly on individual readiness and small unit tactics, movement as a fire team, evacuating an injured person, and so forth. We have other things that qualify as training, such as first aid classes, as well.
WBK: Thanks. What I term the socialist press spends a lot of time slandering groups like the Michigan Militia. I recall a few years ago the innuendo of racism and them raising the specter of citizens actually living the Second Amendment. I noticed on your site a lot of effort was made to discount slurs of that type. Beyond having to explain what anyone should know about a Militia, have those charges harmed recruiting or your organization in any manner?
Lee: People, who can think for themselves, without having an opinion assigned to them by the press, tend to see beyond that kid of slander. Those are the free-thinking people who get involved. If someone allows the mainstream media to dictate their thoughts, do we trust that person with a firearm?
WBK: What a wonderfully insightful answer. You’re absolutely right. Have you had to reject people as members due to an inability to grasp what a free militia’s purpose is? And while we’re on that topic, please explain the purpose of the Michigan Militia.
Lee: No, we haven't had to reject people because they get their life's view from CNN. Those kinds of folks want nothing to do with us. We simply embrace the truth that an armed citizenry is the best way to deter crime, invasion, terrorism, and tyranny. That's really what the idea of a militia boils down to. That, and preparing for emergencies and helping each other out.
WBK: I noticed there were eight local militias listed under the Michigan Militia website. If you would, let the readers know how your organization is set up.
Lee: We tend to be more of a loose confederation of associated units or elements across the state. Some work closely together, some act more along the lines of small, lone-wolf type units. As long as we are working toward a society that secures itself, is well-armed, and respects, understands, and defends The Constitution, we get along with each other rather nicely.
Locally, here in Metro Detroit, we have evolved into the Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia. This consists of six local counties training together. Statewide, there are many groups, mostly organized by county, but not all. The MMCW, or Michigan Militia Corps Wolverines still maintains a loose communication network throughout the state, and we communicate with each other frequently. Truth be told, the basic operational element of any militia unit, and indeed a free society, is the individual.
WBK: I’d never thought of a militia in an urban setting. I’d guess after eleven years you have a good idea of the differences between an urban and rural militia. I’d appreciate hearing how some of those concerns differ. Also, do the local militias ever come together for large scale training?
Lee: Well, wherever you have citizens, there you have the makings of a militia. Most of the training we do can apply to either urban or rural settings. Marksmanship, first aid, small unit tactics, generally can be applied anywhere. I guess some of the differences would be that in a non-urban setting, you might need to increase the range of your marksmanship training, and in an urban setting, you need to consider closer ranges, and more three-dimensional tactics. The rebels in Grozny a few years back demonstrated some effective urban resistance tactics, and that's the kind of things American city dwellers need to look at.
Yes we come together sometimes. You have to understand that the words "large scale" are completely subjective....
WBK: If there are people in other states or parts of Michigan who would like to start a militia, does your organization have a representative they could contact for information?
Lee: We have a section on the website about starting a local unit. Also, you could contact Rick Haynes, the Information Officer from the MMCW. He could help with networking. The best thing is to get out your intent to start a group, build a web page, and then start forming up from there.
WBK: Now, I better get to the part of this interview I like. I almost moved up and joined after I saw the beautiful ladies who adorn your calendars. I believe that link is: http://www.michiganmilitia.com/SMVM/smvm.htm . Tell me a bit about the calendars and how often the ladies participate in various events and training?
Lee: http://www.michiganmilitia.com/gallery.htm is one of the links. The calendars were started years ago as a fund raiser to pay for the web hosting and domain registration. The ladies don't participate in as much training as we would like, to be honest, but they are always welcome. They also serve to counter some of the misconceptions of the militia as grim-faced prophets of doom who don't have any fun. They also dispel the rumor we are all religious extremists.
Continued...