Michigan Militia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Michigan Militia was a loosely organized paramilitary organization founded by Norman Olson of Alanson, Michigan. The organization formed around 1994 in response to encroachments by the Federal Government on the rights of citizens during the Clinton Administration. The organization declined during the late 1990's and was essentially defunct by 2000.
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[edit] Formation
The two events that contributed to the formation and growth of the Michigan Militia were the Federal standoff at the Branch Davidian church in Waco, Texas, and the Federal standoff with the Weaver family in Ruby Ridge, Idaho. Many believed that both of these events, which involved agents of the FBI and BATF, were alarming shows of force by the Federal Government against citizens who had not committed any federal crimes, but were targeted for simply having views contrary to those in government at the time.
[edit] Organization
The Michigan Militia was formally organized in the name Michigan Militia Corps, with the mascot of the wolverine, Michigan's state animal. The MMC was initially divided into four divisions, each having a regional name. The division names were:
- Superior Michigan Regional Militia (named for Lake Superior)
- Northern Michigan Regional Militia
- Central Michigan Regional Militia
- Southern Michigan Regional Militia
Each militia division consisted of several brigades, which were organized by county.
Each brigade had a commander, generally of the rank of lieutenant colonel, that was elected by the membership of that brigade. Each division was headed by a division commander with the rank of colonel, who was elected by the brigade commanders. The Michigan Militia Corps was headed by a commanding officer with the rank of brigadier general, who was elected at-large by all Michigan Militia Corps members on an annual basis.
Norman Olson retained the position of Commander of the MMC until after the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, where he published a press release blaming the Japanese for the bombing, supposedly in retaliation for a clandestine US-sponsored gas attack in the Tokyo subway system. (See: Sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway.) This press release was seen as an embarrassment by the MMC membership and Lynn Van Huizen of Nunica, Michigan was elected state commander.
At its peak the Michigan Militia Corps claimed membership of 10,000. Major areas of focus for the Michigan Militia were paramilitary training and emergency response.
[edit] Decline
In the years after the Oklahoma City Bombing, the MMC slowly declined and the leadership fell into infighting. The organization was essentially defunct on a statewide basis by 2000.
One faction of the Michigan Militia currently enjoying growing numbers and positive press coverage is the SMVM (Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia). Led by Lee Miracle, the SMVM has an active training schedule, monthly public meetings, and an openness not normally associated with "Militias."
[edit] References in pop culture
- There is a song entitled "Michigan Militia" sung by Moxy Früvous on their 1997 album, You Will Go to the Moon. (Lyrics)
- Members of the militia are interviewed in Michael Moore's film Bowling For Columbine
- Norm Olson and Ray Southwell were interviewed in James Laxer's book "Stalking the Elephant: My Discovery of America"
[edit] See also
- Timothy McVeigh, erroneously associated with the Militia by the mainstream media, but the Michigan Militia was later declared by the FBI to be clear of involvement with McVeigh and the Oklahoma City Bombing.
