re: #110 Targetpractice

The War of 1812 only really reminded those in power of why the Continental Army had existed in the first place. Washington and others who’d served as officers remembered rather bitterly about how they’d call for help from local militias for a battle, but those who showed up tended to be poorly disciplined, have virtually no training as a soldier, and ran as soon as the shooting started.

The other factor was militia service was limited to 3 months. After 3 months, they were supposed to be let go so they could get back to their civilian businesses.