The project of disciplining all the militia of the United States is as
futile as it would be injurious if it were capable of being carried into
execution. A tolerable expertness in military movements is a business that
requires time and practice. It is not a day, nor a week nor even a month,
that will suffice for the attainment of it. To oblige the great body of the
yeomanry and of the other classes of the citizens to be under arms for the
purpose of going through military exercises and evolutions, as often as
might be necessary to acquire the degree of perfection which would entitle
them to the character of a well regulated militia, would be a real grievance
to the people and a serious public inconvenience and loss.
--- The Federalist Papers, No. 29.