On a slightly more cheery note, in England during the time of Agincourt, etc., most of the male population was required to keep a longbow and arrows, and to train with them.
Several British monarchs went so far as to ban certain sports because they were cutting into the time needed to practice.
Men were required by Law to be 'at the buttes' at least every Sunday after Church.
This formed a group of well-armed, well-trained men whom the British monarchs could, and did, call upon in times of war. Won several of those wars quite handily, too.
Sort of like a militia.
LawDog
Several British monarchs went so far as to ban certain sports because they were cutting into the time needed to practice.
Men were required by Law to be 'at the buttes' at least every Sunday after Church.
This formed a group of well-armed, well-trained men whom the British monarchs could, and did, call upon in times of war. Won several of those wars quite handily, too.
Sort of like a militia.
LawDog